Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, “I did not laugh.” But he said, “Yes, you did laugh.” New Living Translation Sarah was afraid, so she denied it, saying, “I didn’t laugh.” But the LORD said, “No, you did laugh.” English Standard Version But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. He said, “No, but you did laugh.” Berean Standard Bible But Sarah was afraid, so she denied it and said, “I did not laugh.” “No,” replied the LORD, “but you did laugh.” King James Bible Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh. New King James Version But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. And He said, “No, but you did laugh!” New American Standard Bible Sarah denied it, however, saying, “I did not laugh”; for she was afraid. And He said, “No, but you did laugh.” NASB 1995 Sarah denied it however, saying, “I did not laugh"; for she was afraid. And He said, “No, but you did laugh.” NASB 1977 Sarah denied it however, saying, “I did not laugh”; for she was afraid. And He said, “No, but you did laugh.” Legacy Standard Bible Then Sarah denied it however, saying, “I did not laugh”; for she was afraid. And He said, “No, but you did laugh.” Amplified Bible Then Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh”; because she was afraid. And He (the LORD) said, “No, but you did laugh.” Christian Standard Bible Sarah denied it. “I did not laugh,” she said, because she was afraid. But he replied, “No, you did laugh.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Sarah denied it. “I did not laugh,” she said, because she was afraid. But He replied, “No, you did laugh.” American Standard Version Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh. Contemporary English Version Sarah was so frightened that she lied and said, "I didn't laugh." "Yes, you did!" he answered. English Revised Version Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh. GOD'S WORD® Translation Because she was afraid, Sarah denied that she had laughed. But the LORD said, "Yes, you did laugh." Good News Translation Because Sarah was afraid, she denied it. "I didn't laugh," she said. "Yes, you did," he replied. "You laughed." International Standard Version But Sarah denied it. "I didn't laugh," she claimed, because she was afraid. The LORD replied, "No! You did laugh!" NET Bible Then Sarah lied, saying, "I did not laugh," because she was afraid. But the LORD said, "No! You did laugh." New Heart English Bible But Sarah denied it, saying, "I did not laugh," for she was afraid. He said, "No, but you did laugh." Webster's Bible Translation Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut Sarah was afraid, so she denied it and said, “I did not laugh.” “No,” replied the LORD, “but you did laugh.” World English Bible Then Sarah denied it, saying, “I didn’t laugh,” for she was afraid. He said, “No, but you did laugh.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Sarah denies, saying, “I did not laugh”; for she has been afraid; and He says, “No, but you did laugh.” Young's Literal Translation And Sarah denieth, saying, 'I did not laugh;' for she hath been afraid; and He saith, 'Nay, but thou didst laugh.' Smith's Literal Translation And Sarah will deny, saying, I did not laugh; for she was afraid. And he will say, Nay, for thou didst laugh. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSara denied, saying: I did not laugh: for she was afraid. But the Lord said, Nay: but thou didst laugh: Catholic Public Domain Version Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh.” For she was terribly afraid. But the Lord said, “It is not so; for you did laugh.” New American Bible Sarah lied, saying, “I did not laugh,” because she was afraid. But he said, “Yes, you did.” New Revised Standard Version But Sarah denied, saying, “I did not laugh”; for she was afraid. He said, “Oh yes, you did laugh.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen Sarah denied, saying, I did not laugh; because she was afraid. And he said, No; but you did laugh. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Sara denied, and she said, “I did not laugh”, because she was afraid; and he said, “No, but you did laugh.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then Sarah denied, saying: 'I laughed not'; for she was afraid. And He said: 'Nay; but thou didst laugh.' Brenton Septuagint Translation But Sarrha denied, saying, I did not laugh, for she was afraid. And he said to her, Nay, but thou didst laugh. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Sarah Laughs at the Promise…14Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you—in about a year—and Sarah will have a son.” 15But Sarah was afraid, so she denied it and said, “I did not laugh.” “No,” replied the LORD, “but you did laugh.” Cross References Hebrews 11:11 By faith Sarah, even though she was barren and beyond the proper age, was enabled to conceive a child, because she considered Him faithful who had promised. Luke 1:18-20 “How can I be sure of this?” Zechariah asked the angel. “I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.” / “I am Gabriel,” replied the angel. “I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. / And now you will be silent and unable to speak until the day this comes to pass, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” Romans 4:19-21 Without weakening in his faith, he acknowledged the decrepitness of his body (since he was about a hundred years old) and the lifelessness of Sarah’s womb. / Yet he did not waver through disbelief in the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, / being fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised. Matthew 19:26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Luke 1:37 For no word from God will ever fail.” Romans 9:9 For this is what the promise stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.” 1 Peter 3:6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham and called him lord. And you are her children if you do what is right and refuse to give way to fear. John 8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see My day. He saw it and was glad.” Galatians 4:22-23 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. / His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born through the promise. James 5:11 See how blessed we consider those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen the outcome from the Lord. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. Genesis 17:17 Abraham 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?” Genesis 21:6-7 Then Sarah said, “God has made me laugh, and everyone who hears of this will laugh with me.” / She added, “Who would have told Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.” Genesis 12:11-13 As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, “Look, I know that you are a beautiful woman, / and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me but will let you live. / Please say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake, and on account of you my life will be spared.” Genesis 20:2 Abraham said of his wife Sarah, “She is my sister.” So Abimelech king of Gerar had Sarah brought to him. Genesis 16:2 So Sarai said to Abram, “Look now, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Please go to my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. Treasury of Scripture Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, No; but you did laugh. denied. Genesis 4:9 And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper? Genesis 12:13 Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee. Job 2:10 But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips. Nay. Psalm 44:21 Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart. Proverbs 12:19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Mark 2:8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? Jump to Previous Afraid Denied Denieth Fear Full However Laugh Laughing SarahJump to Next Afraid Denied Denieth Fear Full However Laugh Laughing SarahGenesis 18 1. The Lord appears to Abraham, who entertains angels.9. Sarah is reproved for laughing at the promise of a son. 16. The destruction of Sodom is revealed to Abraham. 23. Abraham makes intercession for its inhabitants. But Sarah was afraid Sarah's fear is a natural human reaction to being confronted by the divine. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, encounters with the divine were often met with fear and reverence. Her fear also reflects her awareness of her disbelief and the potential consequences of doubting God's promise. This moment highlights the human tendency to fear exposure of our inner thoughts and doubts. so she denied it and said, “I did not laugh.” “No,” replied the LORD, “but you did laugh.” Persons / Places / Events 1. SarahThe wife of Abraham, who laughed in disbelief when she overheard the promise of a son in her old age. 2. Abraham The patriarch who was visited by the Lord and His messengers, receiving the promise of a son. 3. The Lord The divine visitor who reiterates the promise of a son to Abraham and Sarah. 4. The Tent The setting where Sarah overhears the conversation between Abraham and the visitors. 5. Isaac The promised son, whose name means "he laughs," reflecting the laughter of disbelief and later joy. Teaching Points The Nature of Doubt and FaithSarah's initial laughter reflects human doubt, but God's response shows His patience and faithfulness. We are reminded that faith often grows through our doubts. God's Promises are Sure Despite human skepticism, God's promises are unwavering. This encourages believers to trust in God's timing and faithfulness. The Importance of Honesty with God Sarah's denial of her laughter ("I did not laugh") is met with God's gentle correction. This teaches us the value of being honest with God about our feelings and doubts. God's Power Over Circumstances The promise of a child to an elderly couple underscores God's sovereignty and ability to work beyond human limitations. The Role of Laughter in Faith Laughter can signify disbelief, but it can also transform into joy when God's promises are fulfilled. This duality invites us to reflect on our responses to God's work in our lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 18:15?2. Why did Sarah deny laughing, and what does this reveal about human nature? 3. How does Genesis 18:15 demonstrate God's omniscience and awareness of our thoughts? 4. What other biblical instances show God addressing disbelief or doubt in His promises? 5. How can we apply the lesson of honesty before God in our daily lives? 6. What steps can we take to strengthen our faith when we doubt God's promises? 7. Why did Sarah laugh at the promise of a son in Genesis 18:15? 8. How does Sarah's doubt in Genesis 18:15 reflect human skepticism towards divine promises? 9. What does Genesis 18:15 reveal about God's response to disbelief? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 18? 11. What are the key events in Abraham's life? 12. Why did Sarah refer to Abraham as lord? 13. How could Abraham host and feed three travelers identified as the Lord in human form (Genesis 18:1-5) without any hint of deception or strangeness? 14. Is God humorous? What Does Genesis 18:15 Mean But Sarah was afraid• Standing in the tent’s doorway, Sarah suddenly realizes the LORD has heard her private reaction (Genesis 18:12). Fear is the instinctive response when sinful humanity is exposed before the Holy One―just as Adam confessed, “I was afraid” (Genesis 3:10). • Scripture repeatedly links fear with an awareness of God’s presence: Moses trembled at the burning bush (Exodus 3:6), Manoah feared death after seeing “God” (Judges 13:22), and the disciples “were terrified” when Jesus stilled the storm (Mark 4:41). • In each case the fear points to a deeper truth: God sees and hears everything (Psalm 139:1–4; Hebrews 4:13). so she denied it • Fear often drives denial. Peter’s triple denial under pressure (Matthew 26:69-75) mirrors Sarah’s moment: both know the truth but recoil from admitting it. • Denial is more than a reflex; it is sin. “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves” (1 John 1:8). Sarah’s quick self-protection shows how easily the heart turns to falsehood when cornered (Jeremiah 17:9). and said, “I did not laugh.” • Sarah’s spoken denial conflicts with the laugh she just uttered (Genesis 18:12). Words intended to cover sin actually confirm it (Proverbs 28:13). • Her “inside” laugh questioned God’s promise. Doubt couched in mockery contrasts with the faith God seeks (Romans 4:20-21). • Yet even in disbelief, the Lord pursues her, demonstrating that His covenant rests on His faithfulness, not flawless human response (2 Timothy 2:13). “No,” replied the LORD • The LORD’s direct contradiction exposes the lie. Like Nathan’s “You are the man” to David (2 Samuel 12:7), God’s word cuts through pretense (Hebrews 4:12). • Omniscience means nothing is hidden (Psalm 33:13-15). Sarah’s whispered laugh is as audible to Him as shouted praise. • God’s gentle “No” corrects without destroying; His rebuke is wrapped in the ongoing promise that Sarah will indeed bear a son (Genesis 18:10,14). “but you did laugh.” • By restating the fact, the LORD invites confession. He does not withdraw the promise; He uncovers unbelief so it can be healed (Psalm 32:5). • This moment becomes a pivot: later Sarah will laugh again, this time with joy when Isaac is born (Genesis 21:6). God transforms skeptical laughter into celebratory laughter, underscoring that nothing is too hard for Him (Genesis 18:14; Luke 1:37). • The scene also foreshadows the gospel pattern: exposure of sin, honest acknowledgment, followed by gracious fulfillment (John 4:17-18, 28-29). summary God overhears Sarah’s doubtful laugh and lovingly confronts her. Fear sparks denial, but the LORD’s omniscient “No…you did laugh” exposes the lie and invites faith. The episode highlights three truths: (1) nothing is hidden from God, (2) denial cannot shield us, and (3) divine promises rest on God’s power, not human perfection. Sarah’s journey from fearful laughter to joyous laughter assures us that when God speaks, He also supplies the faith to rejoice in what He will certainly do. (15) Sarah denied.--With strange inconsistency Sarah knows that the speaker is Divine, and that He perceived the thoughts that passed "within herself" in the retirement of the tent, and yet denies; but it was the inconsistency of fright. Struck with terror at the thought that she had ridiculed the promise of Jehovah, she offers no excuse, but takes refuge, as frightened people are apt to do, in falsehood. Gently reproved, the result was the building-up of her faith, just as Mary's doubt was removed and her faith perfected by the angel's words (Luke 1:34-37).Verse 15. - Then Sarah (who had overheard the conversation, and the charge preferred against her, and who probably now appeared before the stranger) denied, saying, I laughed not. Sarah s conduct will admit of no other explanation than that which the sacred narrative itself gives. For she was afraid. The knowledge that her secret thoughts had been deciphered must have kindled in her breast the suspicion that her visitor was none other than Jehovah. With this a sense of guilt would immediately assail her conscience for having cherished even a moment any doubt of the Divine word. In the consequent confusion of soul she tries what ever seems to be the first impulse of detected transgressions, viz., deception (cf. Genesis 3:12, 13). And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh. With a directness similar to that which he employed in dealing with the first culprits in the garden, not contending in a multiplicity of words, but solemnly announcing that what she said was false. The silence of Sarah was an evidence of her conviction; her subsequent conception was a proof of her repentance and forgiveness. CHAPTER 18:16-22 Hebrew But Sarahשָׂרָ֧ה ׀ (śā·rāh) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 8283: Sarah -- 'princess', a wife of Abraham denied it, וַתְּכַחֵ֨שׁ (wat·tə·ḵa·ḥêš) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 3584: To disappoint, deceive, fail, grow lean saying, לֵאמֹ֛ר (lê·mōr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 559: To utter, say “I did not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no laugh.” צָחַ֖קְתִּי (ṣā·ḥaq·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 6711: To laugh outright, to sport For כִּ֣י ׀ (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction she was afraid. יָרֵ֑אָה (yā·rê·’āh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten “No,” לֹ֖א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no replied [the LORD], וַיֹּ֥אמֶר ׀ (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “but you did כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction laugh.” צָחָֽקְתְּ׃ (ṣā·ḥā·qət) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person feminine singular Strong's 6711: To laugh outright, to sport Links Genesis 18:15 NIVGenesis 18:15 NLT Genesis 18:15 ESV Genesis 18:15 NASB Genesis 18:15 KJV Genesis 18:15 BibleApps.com Genesis 18:15 Biblia Paralela Genesis 18:15 Chinese Bible Genesis 18:15 French Bible Genesis 18:15 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 18:15 Then Sarah denied saying I didn't laugh (Gen. 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