The Church Fathers on this verse

Genesis 21:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

When he was a hundred years old: for at this age of his father, was Isaac born.

Douay-Rheims

וְאַבְרָהָ֖ם בֶּן־מְאַ֣ת שָׁנָ֑ה בְּהִוָּ֣לֶד ל֔וֹ אֵ֖ת יִצְחָ֥ק בְּנֽוֹ׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

3 Church Fathers comment on this verse

John Chrysostom

4th centuryChurch Father

Moreover, to deepen our comprehension of the indescribable might of God, which raises the question, “Is there anything difficult for the Lord?” the sacred Scriptures provide clarity regarding the timing of this occurrence. In referencing the birth of Isaac, it notes, “Abraham was a hundred years old when Isaac his son was born to him.”

Ambrose of Milan

4th centuryChurch Father

If you are made whole, you will experience a lineage of delight and a heritage filled with gladness.

Vissarion (Nechaev)

19th centuryCommentator

The Lord has caused me to rejoice, reflecting His gift of a son, whose name itself signifies joy (since "Isaac" translates to "he laughs"). The miraculous birth from a mother long past the age of childbearing leads all to share in a profound joy and astonishment, showcasing God's extraordinary compassion. “If any man hears, he shall laugh with me,” serving as a sincere acknowledgment of their joy in my experience of motherhood.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.