Devine Scripture

Genesis 16:11

What does Genesis 16:11 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 16:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 16:11 means

The Angel of Jehovah gives Hagar specific instructions concerning her unborn child: it will be a son, and his name is to be Ishmael, meaning "God hears." This name serves as a divine affirmation that God has heard and acknowledged Hagar's affliction and cries. This personal revelation demonstrates God's intimate knowledge and care for Hagar, providing comfort and a clear identity for her son long before his birth.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the angel of the Lord said, See, you are with child and will give birth to a son, to whom you will give the name Ishmael, because the ears of the Lord were open to your sorrow.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the messenger of Jehovah saith to her, `Behold thou <FI>art<Fi> conceiving, and bearing a son, and hast called his name Ishmael, for Jehovah hath hearkened unto thine affliction;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And again: Behold, said he, thou art with child, and thou shalt bring forth a son: and thou shalt call his name Ismael, because the Lord hath heard thy affliction.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the Angel of Jehovah said to her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael, because Jehovah hath hearkened to thy affliction.

Context

This verse continues the specific divine communication with Hagar, building upon the general promise of numerous descendants. Here, the Angel gives precise details about her child and his name, Ishmael. This direct prophecy further solidifies God's involvement in Hagar's life and prepares the reader for the subsequent description of Ishmael's character and future, leading up to the final birth announcement.

v.10And the angel of Jehovah said unto her, I will greatly multiply thy seed, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.

v.11This passage

v.12And he shall be as a wild ass among men; his hand shall be against every man, and every man’s hand against him; and he shall dwell over against all his brethren.

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 41:51

    And Joseph called the name of the first-born Manasseh: For, said he, God hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house.

  • Exodus 2:23

    And it came to pass in the course of those many days, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.

  • Isaiah 7:14

    Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

  • Psalms 22:24

    For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; Neither hath he hid his face from him; But when he cried unto him, he heard.

  • Matthew 1:21

    And she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for it is he that shall save his people from their sins.

  • Genesis 17:19

    And God said, Nay, but Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant for his seed after him.

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