Genesis 17:14

That soul shall be cut off from his people] This expression seems usually to mean that the offender is to be excommunicated, or cut off from all connexion with the Hebrew community, and from any share in the blessings of the covenant, nor could he claim protection for life or property: cp. Exodus 12:15; Exodus 12:19; Numbers 9:13; Numbers 19:13. But the sentence of death seems sometimes to be added in the case of presumptuous sins, such as the sacrificing of children to Moloch, and the deliberate nonobservance of the sabbath: see Exodus 31:14; Leviticus 20:1; Numbers 15:30. 'Cutting off' in such cases is plainly equivalent to putting to death.

15. Sarah's name, like Abraham's, is changed on admission to the covenant. Sarah means 'princess': the exact meaning of Sarai is doubtful.