Devine Scripture

Genesis 16:15

What does Genesis 16:15 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 16:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 16:15 means

In fulfillment of the Angel of Jehovah's prophecy, Hagar gave birth to a son, and Abram, in obedience to the divine instruction, named him Ishmael. This act of naming confirms Hagar's account of the heavenly encounter and underscores the reality of God's intervention in their lives. Despite the flawed circumstances of his conception, Ishmael's birth is presented as a direct outcome of God's plan and care for Hagar and her offspring.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bare, Ishmael.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son’s name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bare, Ishmael.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Hagar gave birth to a child, the son of Abram, to whom Abram gave the name of Ishmael.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Hagar beareth to Abram a son; and Abram calleth the name of his son, whom Hagar hath borne, Ishmael;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Agar brought forth a son to Abram: who called his name Ismael.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Hagar bore Abram a son; and Abram called the name of his son whom Hagar bore, Ishmael.

Context

This verse describes the direct fulfillment of the Angel of Jehovah's prophecy regarding Hagar's son and his name, Ishmael. It immediately follows the naming of the well and serves to bring the narrative full circle, as Hagar returns and gives birth. This event sets the stage for the final detail of Abram's age, emphasizing the passage of time and the ongoing wait for Sarai's promised son.

v.14Wherefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi; behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered.

v.15This passage

v.16And Abram was fourscore and six years old, when Hagar bare Ishmael to Abram.

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 17:18

    And Abraham said unto God, Oh that Ishmael might live before thee!

  • Genesis 17:20

    And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.

  • 1 Chronicles 1:28

    The sons of Abraham: Isaac, and Ishmael.

  • Genesis 28:9

    and Esau went unto Ishmael, and took, besides the wives that he had, Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham’s son, the sister of Nebaioth, to be his wife.

  • Galatians 4:22

    For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, one by the handmaid, and one by the freewoman.

  • Genesis 17:25

    And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.

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