Genesis 18:11 is a straightforward statement about the advanced age and physical condition of Abraham and Sarah. Let's break it down:
"Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advanced in age": This indicates they were beyond the typical age of having children. In their culture, this was likely understood to be quite old indeed.
"Sarah had passed the age of childbearing": This explicitly states that Sarah was beyond menopause and no longer physically capable of conceiving and carrying a child. It emphasizes the impossibility of her having a baby naturally, from a biological standpoint.
Essentially, the verse sets the stage to highlight the miraculous nature of the promise God is about to make to them—that they will have a son. Their circumstances make the possibility seem utterly impossible, making the eventual fulfillment of God's promise all the more significant.
Genesis 18:11 is a straightforward statement about the advanced age and physical condition of Abraham and Sarah. Let's break it down:
"Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advanced in age": This indicates they were beyond the typical age of having children. In their culture, this was likely understood to be quite old indeed.
"Sarah had passed the age of childbearing": This explicitly states that Sarah was beyond menopause and no longer physically capable of conceiving and carrying a child. It emphasizes the impossibility of her having a baby naturally, from a biological standpoint.
Essentially, the verse sets the stage to highlight the miraculous nature of the promise God is about to make to them—that they will have a son. Their circumstances make the possibility seem utterly impossible, making the eventual fulfillment of God's promise all the more significant.