Genesis 17:17-19

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Genesis 17:17 sn Laughed. The Hebrew verb used here provides the basis for the naming of Isaac: “And he laughed” is וַיִּצְחָק (vayyitskhaq); the name “Isaac” is יִצְחָק (yitskhaq), “he laughs.” Abraham’s (and Sarah’s, see 18:12) laughter signals disbelief, but when the boy is born, the laughter signals surprise and joy.
2. Genesis 17:17 tn Heb “And he fell on his face and laughed and said in his heart.”
3. Genesis 17:17 tn The imperfect verbal form here carries a potential nuance, as it expresses the disbelief of Abraham.
4. Genesis 17:17 tn Heb “to the son of a hundred years.”
5. Genesis 17:17 sn It is important to note that even though Abraham staggers at the announcement of the birth of a son, finding it almost too incredible, he nonetheless calls his wife Sarah, the new name given to remind him of the promise of God (v. 15).
6. Genesis 17:17 tn Heb “the daughter of ninety years.”
7. Genesis 17:18 tn The wish is introduced with the Hebrew particle לוּ (lu), “O that.”
8. Genesis 17:18 tn Or “live with your blessing.”
9. Genesis 17:19 tn Heb “will call his name Isaac.” The name means “he laughs,” or perhaps “may he laugh” (see the note on the word “laughed” in v. 17).
10. Genesis 17:19 tn Or “as an eternal.”