In Hebrew, the name "Isaac" means laughter. When Sarah is promised a child at an older age, she laughs inwardly with disbelief. Later when the promise comes true and she gives birth, she says God has made laughter for me. Everyone who hears will laugh for me. The first laugh was that of inward cynicism but the second laugh was that of joyous amazement. The child Isaac is named not only for Sarah's laughter, but also for the changing tone of her laughter. Transforming the darkness of inward cynicism to the laughter of innocent joy, inspires Sarah to name her one and only child.