Genesis 21:6 Commentary and Bible Study

Isaac’s name means ‘laughing’ or ‘he laughs’. Sarah’s laugh of unbelief has, in the goodness of God, been turned into a laugh of joy and gratitude. She knows that she previously laughed in a wrong way, but now she laughs for a new reason, a reason which honours the Lord. It is so remarkable that a woman of her age should bear a son. Laughter with her associates is going to become the way of celebrating the wonderful gift that God has given her. Abraham had laughed a laugh of joy, and to some extent, incredulity, but belief. His faith did not waver, the New Testament tells us. But Sarah had at first laughed cynically in unbelief and doubt. Now however she too laughs in happiness. She is very happy that the boy is named Isaac, meaning ‘he laughs.’ It expresses her amazement at God’s intervention and answer to prayer.