Devine Scripture

Genesis 16:12

What does Genesis 16:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 16:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 16:12 means

This verse prophetically describes the character and destiny of Ishmael and his descendants. He will be "as a wild ass among men," wild and untamed, with a life marked by conflict and independence: "his hand shall be against every man, and every man's hand against him." Yet, he is also promised to "dwell over against all his brethren," signifying his continued endurance and distinct identity among the nations, ultimately fulfilling God's sovereign plan.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man’s hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he will be like a mountain ass among men; his hand will be against every man and every man's hand against him, and he will keep his place against all his brothers.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he is a wild-ass man, his hand against every one, and every one's hand against him--and before the face of all his brethren he dwelleth.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

He shall be a wild man: his hand will be against all men, and all men's hands against him: and he shall pitch his tents over against all his brethren.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he will be a wild-ass of a man, his hand against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell before the face of all his brethren.

Context

Following the naming of Ishmael, this verse provides a specific and striking prophecy regarding his nature and future. This description expands on the earlier promise of numerous descendants, giving insight into the kind of people Ishmael's lineage would become. This prophetic insight concludes the Angel's message to Hagar, setting the stage for her profound response to this divine encounter.

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.

v.12This passage

v.13And she called the name of Jehovah that spake unto her, Thou art a God that seeth: for she said, Have I even here looked after him that seeth me?

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 27:40

    And by thy sword shalt thou live, and thou shalt serve thy brother; And it shall come to pass, when thou shalt break loose, That thou shalt shake his yoke from off thy neck.

  • Genesis 25:18

    And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur that is before Egypt, as thou goest toward Assyria: he abode over against all his brethren.

  • Genesis 21:20

    And God was with the lad, and he grew; and he dwelt in the wilderness, and became, as he grew up, an archer.

  • Job 39:5

    Who hath sent out the wild ass free? Or who hath loosed the bonds of the swift ass,

  • Job 11:12

    But vain man is void of understanding, Yea, man is born as a wild ass’s colt.

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