Genesis 21:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The sacred text thoughtfully includes the phrase “whom Sarah bore him.” It does not merely state that “Abraham named his son,” but emphasizes “whom Sarah bore to him.” This highlights a wife who was previously barren and advanced in age, illustrating the miracle of her motherhood.

Sarah, who conceived a son in her later years, serves as a foreshadowing of the Virgin Mary, who bore Christ while remaining a virgin; Isaac, the son of the chaste Sarah, symbolizes Christ, who was born of the pure Virgin. St. Ephrem elaborates on this connection: "It was not a normal occurrence for the deceased to conceive with spoons, nor for dry breasts to nurture Isaac; likewise, it was not ordinary when the Virgin Mary gave birth to the Savior of all while remaining untouched. God transformed Sarah into a mother in her old age and upheld Mary's virginity even after childbirth."

The bestowal of a name, as foretold in Genesis 17:19, is Isaac. This naming, similar to several others from ancient times, represents a declaration of faith in God's promise. Since the promise was associated with this name prior to the birth of his son Sarrin, Abraham could not have named him beforehand without connecting the name to the promise through faith.