Devine Scripture

Genesis 21:10

What does Genesis 21:10 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 21:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 21:10 means

Driven by Ishmael’s mocking and her desire to secure Isaac’s inheritance, Sarah demanded that Abraham 'cast out this handmaid and her son.' Her reasoning was clear: Ishmael, the product of human attempt to fulfill God’s promise, should not share the inheritance with Isaac, the son of the promise. This demand reflects Sarah's strong conviction that Isaac alone was the rightful heir, and that Ishmael posed a threat to God's plan and her son's future.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this handmaid and her son: for the son of this handmaid shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this handmaid and her son: for the son of this handmaid shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So she said to Abraham, Send away that woman and her son: for the son of that woman is not to have a part in the heritage with my son Isaac.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and she saith to Abraham, `Cast out this handmaid and her son; for the son of this handmaid hath no possession with my son--with Isaac.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Cast out this bondwoman and her son; for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with my son Isaac.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And she said to Abraham, Cast out this handmaid and her son; for the son of this handmaid shall not inherit with my son — with Isaac.

Context

This verse is Sarah's direct and forceful response to Ishmael's mocking in verse 9. Her demand to expel Hagar and Ishmael is extreme but stems from a deep concern for Isaac's future and the integrity of the divine promise. This ultimatum creates a crisis for Abraham, forcing him to choose between his sons, and setting the stage for divine intervention.

v.9And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne unto Abraham, mocking.

v.10This passage

v.11And the thing was very grievous in Abraham’s sight on account of his son.

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 25:19

    And these are the generations of Isaac, Abraham’s son: Abraham begat Isaac:

  • Genesis 20:11

    And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife’s sake.

  • Matthew 8:11

    And I say unto you, that many shall come from the east and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven:

  • 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.

  • Galatians 3:18

    For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no more of promise: but God hath granted it to Abraham by promise.

  • Matthew 22:13

    Then the king said to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and cast him out into the outer darkness; there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.

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