Devine Scripture

Genesis 21:11

What does Genesis 21:11 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 21:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 21:11 means

Sarah’s demand to cast out Hagar and Ishmael was 'very grievous in Abraham’s sight' because Ishmael was also his son. Abraham loved Ishmael, and the thought of sending him away was profoundly distressing. This highlights Abraham’s genuine paternal affection for Ishmael, even though Ishmael was not the son of promise. This verse underscores the deep emotional turmoil Abraham experienced, caught between the demands of his wife and his love for both of his sons.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the thing was very grievous in Abraham’s sight because of his son.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And this was a great grief to Abraham because of his son.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the thing is very wrong in the eyes of Abraham, for his son's sake;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Abraham took this grievously for his son.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight because of his son.

Context

Following Sarah's harsh demand in verse 10, this verse reveals Abraham's immediate emotional struggle. His distress highlights the profound impact of Sarah's request on him personally, showing his love for Ishmael. This emotional conflict sets the stage for God's direct intervention, as Abraham is unable to resolve this difficult situation on his own and needs divine guidance.

v.10Wherefore 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.

v.11This passage

v.12And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy handmaid; in all that Sarah saith unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.

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 22:1

    And it came to pass after these things, that God did prove Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham; and he said, Here am I.

  • Matthew 10:37

    He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

  • Hebrews 12:11

    All chastening seemeth for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yieldeth peaceable fruit unto them that have been exercised thereby, even the fruit of righteousness.

  • 2 Samuel 18:33

    And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!

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