Sarah
Sarah in the Bible
Sarah, originally called Sarai, is Abraham’s wife and the mother of Isaac. Genesis places her at the center of the promise that Abraham will have a son through her despite her advanced age.
Sarah at a Glance
Key Bible Passages About Sarah
Old Testament
Genesis 11:29–30
Sarai is introduced as Abram’s wife, and her barrenness is stated.
Genesis 16:1–16
Sarai gives Hagar to Abram, and conflict follows Hagar’s pregnancy.
Genesis 17:15–21
God changes Sarai’s name to Sarah and promises that she will bear Isaac.
Genesis 18:9–15
Sarah laughs when told she will have a son.
Genesis 21:1–7
Sarah gives birth to Isaac and reflects on the unexpected joy of his birth.
Genesis 23:1–20
Sarah dies, and Abraham purchases a burial place.
New Testament
Hebrews 11:11–12
Hebrews includes Sarah in its discussion of faith and promised descendants.
The Story of Sarah
Sarah is introduced as Sarai, wife of Abram, and Genesis immediately notes that she has no child. She travels with Abraham as the family moves toward Canaan and appears in episodes in Egypt and Gerar where Abraham identifies her as his sister.
Unable to conceive, Sarah gives Hagar to Abraham, leading to conflict after Hagar becomes pregnant. In Genesis 17 God changes Sarai’s name to Sarah and promises that she herself will bear a son. Sarah laughs when the promise is announced again in Genesis 18, but Genesis 21 records the birth of Isaac. Sarah later insists that Hagar and Ishmael be sent away. She dies in Genesis 23, and Abraham purchases a burial place for her at Machpelah.
Where Does Sarah Appear in the Bible?
Old Testament
Genesis 11–13MAJOR APPEARANCE
Sarai is introduced and travels with Abram toward Canaan and into Egypt.
Genesis 16MAJOR APPEARANCE
Sarah’s barrenness, Hagar’s pregnancy, and household conflict are narrated.
Genesis 17–18MAJOR APPEARANCE
Sarai becomes Sarah and receives the promise of a son.
Genesis 20–21MAJOR APPEARANCE
Sarah is involved in the Abimelech episode, gives birth to Isaac, and conflicts with Hagar and Ishmael.
Genesis 23MAJOR APPEARANCE
Sarah dies and is buried at Machpelah.
New Testament
Romans 9:6–9
Paul refers to the promise concerning Sarah and Isaac.
Galatians 4:21–31
Paul uses Sarah and Hagar in an allegorical argument.
Hebrews 11:11–12
Sarah appears in the discussion of faith and descendants.
1 Peter 3:5–6
Peter names Sarah in an exhortation concerning conduct.
Historical & Cultural Context
Sarah’s story reflects the household and kinship structures portrayed in Genesis, including marriage, inheritance concerns, household servants, migration, and burial property. Her lack of an heir creates a major social and narrative problem in the patriarchal story.
Literary Role
Sarah’s movement from barrenness to Isaac’s birth creates one of Genesis’s major promise-and-fulfillment arcs. Later biblical writers remember her in discussions of faith, promise, and exemplary conduct.
Character & Significance
Sarah is a matriarch of the Genesis family through whom the promised son Isaac is born. Her long childlessness and unexpected motherhood make her story central to Genesis themes of promise, waiting, family conflict, and divine fulfillment.
Important People in Sarah’s Life
The Life and Story of Sarah
Marriage and Migration
Sarah is introduced as Abraham’s wife and travels with him.
Hagar and Ishmael
Sarah’s attempt to obtain an heir through Hagar produces conflict.
Name Change and Promise
Sarai becomes Sarah and is promised a son.
Promise Repeated
Sarah hears that she will bear a son and laughs.
Birth of Isaac
Sarah gives birth to Isaac.
Death and Burial
Sarah dies and is buried at Machpelah.
Research Questions About Sarah
Why is Sarah’s barrenness important in Genesis?
Trace Genesis 11:30 through 21:7 and note how the problem frames the promise of Isaac.
How does Sarah’s relationship with Hagar develop?
Compare Genesis 16 and 21 while attending to the household power dynamics described by the text.
How do later biblical writers refer to Sarah?
Compare Romans 9, Galatians 4, Hebrews 11, and 1 Peter 3.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sarah
Who was Sarah in the Bible?
Sarah was Abraham’s wife and the mother of Isaac.
What was Sarah’s original name?
Genesis first calls her Sarai; God changes her name to Sarah in Genesis 17.
How old was Sarah when Isaac was born?
Genesis 17:17 and 21:5 place Isaac’s birth when Abraham was one hundred and Sarah about ninety.
Who was Sarah’s son?
Sarah’s son was Isaac.
Where was Sarah buried?
Genesis 23 says Sarah was buried in the cave of Machpelah near Hebron.
Citing This BibleVerses.com Research Guide
Citation styles vary by instructor and institution. These are convenient starting points; students should follow their assigned style guide.
“Sarah: Life, Story, Bible Verses & Significance.” BibleVerses.com, https://www.bibleverses.com/people/sarah/. Accessed September 30, 2026.
BibleVerses.com. “Sarah: Life, Story, Bible Verses & Significance.” Accessed September 30, 2026. https://www.bibleverses.com/people/sarah/.
When citing Scripture itself, cite the Bible translation and passage separately according to your required style.
