Sarah’s Name

A divine name change is considered something of great significance. The biblical figure of Sarah is the only female to have her name changed by God. Men whose names were changed by God were Abraham, (17:3), Jacob (Bereishit 32:27-29 and 35:19), Joshua, (Bamidbar 13:16), and Gideon (Shoftim 6:28-32). Sarah’s name was Sarai and God changed her name before he blessed her saying “As for Sarai your wife, do not call her name Sarai for Sarah is her name. I will bless her; indeed I will give you a son through her; I will bless her and she shall give rise to nations; kings of peoples will rise from her.” Though there is little difference in actual meaning as both words relate to a “princess”, after the name change, Sarah, like Abraham, stands in a special relationship to God.