Birth of Isaac

When did it happen?

Modern reckoning

≈ 2069 BC (placed between the dated events around it)

Traditional reckoning

1896 BC

Dates before about 900 BC depend on how the Bible's own numbers are added up. Why the two reckonings differ.

Where is it in the Bible?

• Genesis 17:19
• Genesis 21:3

Who was there, and where?

• Isaac
• Abraham
• Sarah

Which verses connect to Genesis 17:19?

The strongest cross-references of the key verse, ranked by reader votes (OpenBible.info).

1. Genesis 18:10–147 votes

   Then the LORD said, “I will surely return to you at this time next year, and your wife Sarah will have a son!” Now Sarah was behind him, listening at the entrance to the tent. And Abraham and Sarah were already old and well along in years; Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. …

2. Genesis 21:2–37 votes

   So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised. And Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore to him.

3. Luke 1:13–207 votes

   But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice at his birth, …

4. Genesis 21:66 votes

   Then Sarah said, “God has made me laugh, and everyone who hears of this will laugh with me.”

5. 2 Kings 4:16–176 votes

   And Elisha declared, “At this time next year, you will hold a son in your arms.” “No, my lord,” she said. “Do not lie to your maidservant, O man of God.” But the woman did conceive, and at that time the next year she gave birth to a son, just as Elisha had told her.

6. Galatians 4:28–316 votes

   Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. At that time, however, the son born by the flesh persecuted the son born by the Spirit. It is the same now. …