Genesis 17:15

Genesis 17:15, in plain English

God now turns His attention to Sarai, announcing that her name will change to Sarah, which means 'princess.'

Why it's here

Just as Abram became Abraham, Sarai becomes Sarah. But this one feels even more significant because Sarah has been waiting as long as Abraham has—and she's thought to be barren. A new name is coming, and with it, a completely new role in God's plan. She's not just going to be the wife of the covenant man; she's the mother of the covenant line.

Who's speaking

God addresses the change to Sarah's identity

Where it sits in the story

Sarah's name change brings her fully into the covenant narrative. She's not a side character or a supporting role—she's essential to what God is doing. This sets up the promise that's coming in the next verses, making clear that Sarah herself will be an active participant in God's plan.

The scholarly reading

God renews Sarai's name to Sarah, signaling her elevation from Abraham's wife to mother of nations—a transformation that parallels Abraham's own renaming and grants her covenantal status.

Language and setting

Sarai ('my princess') becomes Sarah ('princess'—with the definite article suggesting universal, not merely familial, dignity). Her naming is presented by God as a directive: 'do not call her Sarai'—active suppression of the old identity in favor of the new. This is the only woman in Genesis to receive a theophanic name-change, indicating her unique covenantal role. The early church father Augustine noted that Sarah's renaming elevated her from dependency to partnership.

Voice

God, renaming Sarai and thereby reconstituting her identity and role

Significance

Sarah's transformation parallels Abraham's, indicating that the covenant operates through both—not through Abraham alone. This prepares for her laughter in verse 17, showing that she is a conscious participant in the covenant's absurdity and grace, not merely an instrument of reproduction.

13Whether they are born in your household or purchased, they must be circumcised. My covenant in your flesh will be an everlasting covenant.

14But if any male is not circumcised, he will be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.”

15Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, do not call her Sarai, for her name is to be Sarah.

16And I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will descend from her.”

17Abraham fell facedown. Then he laughed and said to himself, “Can a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Can Sarah give birth at the age of ninety?”

Read all of Genesis 17 — God changes Abram's name to Abraham — father of many. A permanent sign marks his body and his descendants forever.