Devine Scripture

Genesis 16:10

What does Genesis 16:10 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 16:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 16:10 means

Building on the promise made to Abram, the Angel of Jehovah extends a similar blessing to Hagar, promising to "greatly multiply thy seed, that it shall not be numbered for multitude." This demonstrates God's grace and faithfulness, even to those not directly in the covenant line, showing His compassion for Hagar and her unborn child. This pledge ensures that Ishmael will also have a significant lineage, fulfilling a divine purpose.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And the angel of Jehovah said unto her, I will greatly multiply thy seed, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the angel of the Lord said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And the angel of Jehovah said unto her, I will greatly multiply thy seed, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the angel of the Lord said, Your seed will be greatly increased so that it may not be numbered.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the messenger of Jehovah saith to her, `Multiplying I multiply thy seed, and it is not numbered from multitude;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And again he said: I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, and it shall not be numbered for multitude.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the Angel of Jehovah said to her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.

Context

Following the difficult command to return and submit, this verse offers Hagar a significant promise of future blessing. This promise serves as both encouragement and a reason for her obedience. This direct statement about her innumerable descendants sets the stage for the specific prophecy about her unborn son, Ishmael, connecting her lineage to God's overarching plan for the nations.

v.9And the angel of Jehovah said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.

v.10This passage

v.11And the angel of Jehovah said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son; and thou shalt call his name Ishmael, because Jehovah hath heard thy affliction.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Genesis 32:24

    And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.

  • Genesis 31:11

    And the angel of God said unto me in the dream, Jacob: and I said, Here am I.

  • Judges 6:21

    Then the angel of Jehovah put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and there went up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and the angel of Jehovah departed out of his sight.

  • Judges 6:16

    And Jehovah said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.

  • Judges 13:16

    And the angel of Jehovah said unto Manoah, Though thou detain me, I will not eat of thy bread; and if thou wilt make ready a burnt-offering, thou must offer it unto Jehovah. For Manoah knew not that he was the angel of Jehovah.

  • Genesis 21:13

    And also of the son of the handmaid will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.

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