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Genesis 21:3 - Avraham names Sarah's miracle son

Genesis 21:3 - בראשית 21:3

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקְרָא אַבְרָהָם אֶת־שֶׁם־בְּנוֹ הַנּוֹלַד־לוֹ אֲשֶׁר־יָלְדָה־לּוֹ שָׂרָה יִצְחָק׃

English Translation

And Avraham called the name of his son that was born to him, whom Sara bore to him, Yiżĥaq.

Transliteration

Vayikra Avraham et-shem-beno hanolad-lo asher-yaldah-lo Sarah Yitzchak.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקְרָ֨א אַבְרָהָ֜ם אֶֽת־שֶׁם־בְּנ֧וֹ הַנּֽוֹלַד־ל֛וֹ אֲשֶׁר־יָלְדָה־לּ֥וֹ שָׂרָ֖ה יִצְחָֽק׃
וַיִּקְרָ֨א אַבְרָהָ֜ם אֶֽת־שֶׁם־בְּנ֧וֹ הַנּֽוֹלַד־ל֛וֹ אֲשֶׁר־יָלְדָה־לּ֥וֹ שָׂרָ֖ה יִצְחָֽק׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Naming of Yitzchak

The verse states: "And Avraham called the name of his son that was born to him, whom Sara bore to him, Yitzchak" (Bereishit 21:3). This naming carries deep significance in Jewish tradition, reflecting divine promise, miraculous birth, and prophetic insight.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereishit 17:19) explains that the name Yitzchak (יצחק) derives from the root צחוק ("laughter"), alluding to Avraham's laughter (17:17) and Sarah's laughter (18:12) upon hearing they would bear a child in their old age. However, Rashi emphasizes that this laughter was not mockery but astonishment at the miracle—a theme reinforced by Sarah's declaration in Bereishit 21:6: "G-d has made laughter for me."

Rambam on Divine Providence

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:42) highlights that Yitzchak's birth and name signify divine intervention beyond natural law. The name serves as a perpetual reminder of Hashem's power to overturn nature in fulfillment of His covenant (Bereishit 17:19).

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Bereishit Rabbah (53:7) notes that Avraham named him Yitzchak at Hashem's command (17:19), while Sarah later affirmed the name (21:6), showing their shared recognition of the miracle.
  • Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer (32) connects the name to future joy: Yitzchak's birth brought laughter to the world, foreshadowing the ultimate joy of Mashiach's era.

Theological Significance

The repetition of "born to him, whom Sara bore to him" underscores two key ideas in Jewish thought:

  • Legitimacy: Yitzchak was indisputably Avraham and Sarah's heir, unlike Yishmael (see Rashi on Bereishit 21:10).
  • Miraculous Origin: Sarah's barrenness (11:30) made this birth a divine act, cementing Yitzchak's role in the covenant (Ramban on 21:3).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 13a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the significance of names and the naming of Isaac, highlighting the divine promise and Sarah's role in his birth.
📖 Sanhedrin 107b
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussions about Abraham's faith and the fulfillment of God's promises, particularly in relation to the birth of Isaac.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Avraham name his son Yitzchak (Isaac)?
A: Avraham named his son Yitzchak because the name means 'he will laugh,' reflecting Sarah's reaction when she heard she would bear a child in her old age (Genesis 18:12). Rashi explains that the name signifies the joy and miracle of his birth, as both Avraham and Sarah laughed in astonishment at the news.
Q: Why does the verse mention that Sarah bore Yitzchak to Avraham?
A: The Torah emphasizes that Sarah bore Yitzchak to Avraham to clarify that Yitzchak was their legitimate son, unlike Yishmael (Ishmael), who was born from Hagar. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 53:2) highlights that Yitzchak was the promised heir through whom the covenant would continue.
Q: What is the significance of Avraham naming his son in this verse?
A: Naming a child in the Torah often carries deep meaning. Here, Avraham's act of naming Yitzchak reinforces his role as the father of the Jewish people and the fulfillment of Hashem's promise (Genesis 17:19). The Ramban notes that this naming publicly affirmed Yitzchak's unique status as the chosen successor in Avraham's legacy.
Q: How does Yitzchak's birth apply to us today?
A: Yitzchak's birth teaches us about faith in Hashem's promises, even when circumstances seem impossible (like Sarah's old age). The Talmud (Berachot 10a) derives from this that we should never lose hope in divine blessings. Additionally, Yitzchak's lineage reminds us of the enduring covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people.