Sarah

Technical Profile

Name Meaning: Hebrew Śārâ (“princess,” “noblewoman”), marking her status within the covenant family (Gen 17:15).
Period/Era: Patriarchal Period.
Main References: Genesis 11:29–23:20.
Key Connections: Wife of Abraham; mother of Isaac; half-sister of Abraham (Gen 20:12).

Who was Sarah?

Sarah (originally Sarai) was the wife of Abram/Abraham and a central figure in the ancestral narratives of Genesis.
She journeyed with Abraham from Mesopotamian origins to Canaan and lived as part of a pastoral household.
Her story is closely tied to the promised lineage through her son Isaac.
She is the only matriarch in Genesis whose age at death is recorded, and her burial is described in detail.

Key Events & Achievements

Name Change: Sarai is renamed Sarah in connection with God’s promise concerning descendants (Gen 17:15–16).
Birth of Isaac: Sarah bears Isaac in her old age, establishing the primary line of descent in the patriarchal narratives (Gen 21:1–3).
Burial at Machpelah: Abraham purchases the cave of Machpelah near Hebron as Sarah’s burial place, securing a recognized family tomb in Canaan (Gen 23:17–20).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Sarah’s life is remembered for how the promised family line was established through her within the patriarchal covenant household.

Key Verse

"And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did to Sarah as he had promised." — Genesis 21:1, ESV

Quizzes

Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.

1. What was Sarah’s original name before it was changed?

2. What did Abraham purchase as Sarah’s burial place?