Sarah (Sara)

Meaning: princess

Her original name was Sarai (Genesis 11:29). She was the wife and at the same time the half-sister of Abraham (Gen. 11:29; 20:12).

The name "Sarah" name was given to her at the time that it was announced to Abraham that she should be the mother of the promised child (Genesis 17:15). Her story is from her marriage identified with that of the patriarch till the time of her death.

Her death, at the age of one hundred and twenty-seven years (the only instance in Scripture where the age of a woman is recorded), was the occasion of Abraham's purchasing the cave of Machpelah as a family burying-place.

In the allegory of Gal. 4:22-31, she is the type of the "Jerusalem which is above." She is also mentioned as Sara in Hebrews 11:11 among the Old Testament worthies, who "all died in faith."

ALSO SEE:

• Who was Abraham?
• What was her handmaid's claim to fame?
• Where was Sarah buried?