Genesis 18:11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

To vindicate Sarah, divine Scripture first notes that Abraham and Sarah “were old and in advanced years.” It does not stop there; it continues to declare, “And the common things of women had ceased in Sarah.” The text emphasizes that the spring had dried up, the vision was dimmed, and her very body had suffered deterioration.

This is emphasized to prevent the assumption that she was able to conceive prior to that moment.

This observation by the narrator regarding Abraham and Sarah's advanced years comes after the story in which one of the three visitors, who is the Lord Himself, reaffirms the promise of a son to be born to Sarah within the coming year (Genesis 18:10).