What does Genesis 21:2 mean?
What is the meaning of Genesis 21:2?

So Sarah conceived

- “So Sarah conceived…” (Genesis 21:2) moves the promise from spoken word (Genesis 18:10) to physical reality.

- God opens a womb man had called barren (Genesis 11:30).

- The event echoes later declarations that “nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37).


and bore a son

- The phrase continues: “…and bore a son…”. Promise progresses to completion (Genesis 17:16).

- God always finishes what He begins (Philippians 1:6).

- The safe delivery underscores His tender care, just as He carried Israel “as on eagles’ wings” (Exodus 19:4).


to Abraham

- The birth is specifically “to Abraham,” knitting Isaac into the covenant line of Genesis 12:2–3; 15:4–6.

- Romans 4:18–19 celebrates Abraham’s faith when circumstances screamed otherwise.

- Through this son, the nations will be blessed (Galatians 3:8).


in his old age

- Abraham is one hundred (Genesis 21:5). Sarah is ninety (Genesis 17:17).

- Their frailty magnifies God’s strength (2 Corinthians 12:9).

- The miracle mirrors other “against-all-odds” victories, like Gideon’s tiny army (Judges 7:2).


at the very time God had promised

- The birth arrives “at the very time” announced in Genesis 17:21 and 18:14.

- God’s calendar is exact: “My word… will accomplish what I please” (Isaiah 55:11).

- Galatians 4:4 later shows the same precision in sending Christ “when the fullness of time had come.”


summary

Genesis 21:2 affirms—literally and historically—that God did exactly what He said: the barren became fruitful, the aged became parents, and the promise became a living child right on schedule. The verse invites every believer to rest confidently in the God whose word never fails.

What does Genesis 21:1 reveal about God's timing in fulfilling promises?
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