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Genesis 18:10 - Sarah's miraculous future son?

Genesis 18:10 - בראשית 18:10

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר שׁוֹב אָשׁוּב אֵלֶיךָ כָּעֵת חַיָּה וְהִנֵּה־בֵן לְשָׂרָה אִשְׁתֶּךָ וְשָׂרָה שֹׁמַעַת פֶּתַח הָאֹהֶל וְהוּא אַחֲרָיו׃

English Translation

And he said, I will certainly return to thee at this season; and, lo, Sara thy wife shall have a son. And Sara heard it in the tent door, which was behind him.

Transliteration

Vayomer shuv ashuv eleycha ka'et chayya vehineh-ben le'Sarah ishtecha ve'Sarah shoma'at petach ha'ohel vehu acharav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר שׁ֣וֹב אָשׁ֤וּב אֵלֶ֙יךָ֙ כָּעֵ֣ת חַיָּ֔ה וְהִנֵּה־בֵ֖ן לְשָׂרָ֣ה אִשְׁתֶּ֑ךָ וְשָׂרָ֥ה שֹׁמַ֛עַת פֶּ֥תַח הָאֹ֖הֶל וְה֥וּא אַחֲרָֽיו׃
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר שׁ֣וֹב אָשׁ֤וּב אֵלֶ֙יךָ֙ כָּעֵ֣ת חַיָּ֔ה וְהִנֵּה־בֵ֖ן לְשָׂרָ֣ה אִשְׁתֶּ֑ךָ וְשָׂרָ֥ה שֹׁמַ֛עַת פֶּ֥תַח הָאֹ֖הֶל וְה֥וּא אַחֲרָֽיו׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Rashi's Explanation of the Verse

Rashi (Bereshit 18:10) explains that the phrase "כָּעֵת חַיָּה" ("at this season") refers to the same time next year, when Sarah would give birth. He notes that this phrase indicates a fixed time, demonstrating that the promise was not conditional but certain. Rashi also highlights that the angel's statement was overheard by Sarah, who was standing at the tent door, emphasizing her presence in the narrative.

Ibn Ezra on the Timing of the Promise

Ibn Ezra (Bereshit 18:10) delves into the precision of the phrase "כָּעֵת חַיָּה", explaining that it refers to the time of year when life is renewed—springtime. This aligns with the natural cycle of birth and renewal, reinforcing the miraculous nature of Sarah's conception at an advanced age.

Midrashic Insights on Sarah's Reaction

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 48:16) elaborates on Sarah's reaction to hearing the prophecy. It describes her skepticism not as disbelief in Hashem's power but as astonishment at the physical impossibility given her age. The Midrash also notes that the tent door symbolizes Sarah's modesty (as she remained inside while Abraham hosted guests), and her positioning "behind him" (וְהוּא אַחֲרָיו) suggests her humility.

Rambam on Divine Promises

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:42) discusses the nature of divine promises, explaining that when angels deliver prophecies, they are conveying Hashem's immutable word. The repetition of "שׁוֹב אָשׁוּב" ("I will certainly return") underscores the certainty of the promise, reflecting the unchanging nature of divine decrees.

Chizkuni on the Tent's Significance

Chizkuni (Bereshit 18:10) notes that Sarah's position at the tent door signifies her role as a matriarch who was deeply involved in the household's spiritual and physical sustenance. The tent symbolizes the future Mishkan (Tabernacle), hinting at Sarah's righteousness and the divine presence that dwelled within her home.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Metzia 87a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the timing of Sarah's pregnancy and the divine promise to Abraham.
📖 Rosh Hashanah 11a
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the time of year when Sarah was promised a son.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the phrase 'I will certainly return to thee at this season' in Genesis 18:10?
A: According to Rashi, this phrase emphasizes the certainty of Hashem's promise to Avraham that Sara would bear a child at the same time the following year. The repetition of the word 'return' (שׁוֹב אָשׁוּב) underscores the absolute reliability of divine promises.
Q: Why does the verse mention that Sara was listening at the tent door?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 48:16) explains that Sara's modesty was exemplary—she stayed inside the tent while guests were present. The verse highlights her righteous character and also sets the stage for her reaction to the news of her impending pregnancy, which follows in the next verses.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Sara hearing the promise of a child in Genesis 18:10?
A: The Talmud (Yevamot 64b) teaches that Sara's initial disbelief (as seen in the next verse) was due to her humility and self-awareness of her old age. This teaches us that even great tzadikim (righteous people) can struggle with human limitations, yet Hashem's promises ultimately come to pass.
Q: Why does the verse specify that the speaker was 'behind him' when Sara heard the message?
A: Rashi explains that the angel (disguised as a traveler) was positioned behind Avraham to show that Sara was inside the tent while Avraham hosted guests outside. This detail reinforces the Torah's praise of Sara's modesty and the separation between men and women in dignified settings, a value upheld in Jewish tradition.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader story of Avraham and Sara?
A: This verse is pivotal—it marks the fulfillment of Hashem's earlier promise (Genesis 17:19) that Avraham and Sara would have a son, Yitzchak, despite their old age. The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 8:1) cites this as a foundational example of prophecy and divine intervention in Jewish history.