9:9a

For: This word introduces an explanation of how it was that Isaac was born according to a promise.

this is what the promise stated: This clause introduces what God told Abraham. Some languages introduce quotes from the Old Testament with a standard phrase. For example:

this is what God promised ⌊in the Holy Book⌋

The Greek is literally “of-(the)-promise the word (is) this.” It emphasizes the word promise. If possible, emphasize the word promise in your translation. For example:

the promise that ⌊God⌋ made/said ⌊to Abraham⌋ stated:

9:9b–c

“At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son”: These words are based on Genesis 18:10 and 18:14. If you indicate the location of quotes from the Old Testament with cross-references, you may want to do so here.

9:9b

At the appointed time: The Greek is literally “according to this time/season.” There are several ways to interpret this Greek phrase. Here are the main ones:

(1) It implies about 12 months from now. For example:

At this time next year (Contemporary English Version)

(English Standard Version, New Jerusalem Bible, New American Standard Bible, New Living Translation (2004), King James Version, Contemporary English Version, NET Bible)

(2) It refers to a time when it is proper for something to happen. For example:

At the right time (Good News Translation)

(Good News Translation, God’s Word, Revised English Bible, New Century Version)

(3) It refers to a time in the future that God has chosen. For example:

At the appointed time (New International Version)

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because the BDAG supports it.

I will return: The Greek is literally “I will come.” Many English versions translate it as in Genesis 18:10: I will return. But Paul, for his own reasons, used the verb “come” here. The King James Version, New American Standard Bible, and Revised English Bible say:

I will come

9:9c

Sarah will have a son: The Greek is literally “(there) will be to Sarah a son.” It implies that Sarah will become pregnant and give birth to a son. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

To Sarah will be a baby boy
-or-

⌊Your wife⌋ Sarah will have given birth to a son

The Greek and the Berean Standard Bible translation indicate that Sarah will have already given birth before God visits Abraham again.

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