Genesis 17:16
“And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant.”
King James Version
The miraculous birth of Isaac to aged Sarah predicted, fulfilled and serving as a type of the virgin birth.
Fulfillment References
Genesis 21:1-3 Galatians 4:28 Galatians 3:16
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalThe promise of Isaac, the child of promise through whom the everlasting covenant runs, sets the line that leads to Christ. Paul calls Isaac a type of the children of promise born 'after the Spirit' (Gal. 4:28-29); the covenant established with Isaac finds its yes in the Seed, Christ (Gal. 3:16) — the one God's plan to bless all nations in Jesus.
JewishThe covenant promise that Sarah, though barren and aged, will bear Isaac, heir of the everlasting covenant — the miraculous founding of the covenant people.
CatholicIsaac, the miraculous child of promise, prefigures Christ and the children of grace; the everlasting covenant advances toward fulfillment in Him.
ProtestantThe promised seed through Sarah, a type of the gospel children of promise (Gal. 4:28); the covenant line leading to Christ.
AcademicThe Priestly covenant promise of an heir through Sarah; the miraculous-birth motif establishes Isaac as the covenant son over Ishmael.
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Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, PhD · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.