Genesis 21:12
What does Genesis 21:12 mean?
A plain-English look at Genesis 21:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Genesis 21:12 means
God directly intervened, assuring Abraham not to be distressed by Sarah's command. Crucially, God affirmed that Sarah's instruction was to be heeded, stating, 'for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.' This divine pronouncement clarified that Isaac, and not Ishmael, was the chosen heir through whom the covenant promises would be fulfilled. While painful, the separation was necessary to ensure the distinct lineage of the Messiah through Isaac, emphasizing God's sovereign plan.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But God said, Let it not be a grief to you because of the boy and Hagar his mother; give ear to whatever Sarah says to you, because it is from Isaac that your seed will take its name.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and God saith unto Abraham, `Let it not be wrong in thine eyes because of the youth, and because of thy handmaid: all that Sarah saith unto thee--hearken to her voice, for in Isaac is a seed called to thee.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And God said to him: Let it not seem grievous to thee for the boy, and for thy bondwoman: in all that Sara hath said to thee, hearken to her voice: for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890AndGod said to Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad and because of thy handmaid: [in] all that Sarah hath said to thee hearken to her voice, for in Isaac shall a seed be called to thee.
Context
This verse marks a crucial turning point, as God directly addresses Abraham, providing divine clarity and authority in Abraham's moment of distress (verse 11). God's command for Abraham to obey Sarah, along with the reaffirmation that the covenant line would pass through Isaac, solidifies the necessity of Hagar and Ishmael's departure. This prepares the reader for Abraham's obedient, though painful, action.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 11:18
even he to whom it was said, In Isaac shall thy seed be called:
- Romans 9:7
neither, because they are Abraham’s seed, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
- Isaiah 46:10
declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure;
- 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.
- 1 Samuel 8:9
Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit thou shalt protest solemnly unto them, and shalt show them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.
- 1 Samuel 8:7
And Jehovah said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee; for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not be king over them.
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