Devine Scripture

Genesis 21:13

What does Genesis 21:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 21:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 21:13 means

Even as God confirmed Isaac as the covenant heir, He also extended grace to Hagar and Ishmael, promising to make a 'great nation' of Ishmael because he was Abraham's seed. This demonstrates God's compassion and sovereign care extending beyond the covenant line. Though not the chosen heir, Ishmael would still receive blessing due to his biological connection to Abraham, showing that God remembers and cares for all, even those outside the primary covenantal lineage.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And also of the son of the handmaid will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And also of the son of the handmaid will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And I will make a nation of the son of your servant-woman, because he is your seed.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

As to the son of the handmaid also, for a nation I set him, because he <FI>is<Fi> thy seed.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But I will make the son also of the bondwoman a great nation, because he is thy seed.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But also the son of the handmaid will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.

Context

This verse immediately follows God's clear directive regarding Isaac's unique covenant role (verse 12). It provides crucial reassurance for Abraham, demonstrating God's compassion and plan for Ishmael, even in his expulsion. This divine promise mitigates the harshness of the impending separation, showing that God has a future even for those not directly in the covenant line, preparing for Hagar and Ishmael's departure in the next verse.

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.

v.13This passage

v.14And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and gave her the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beer-sheba.

Cross references

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

  • 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.

  • Genesis 21:18

    Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thy hand; for I will make him a great nation.

  • Genesis 25:12

    Now these are the generations of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s handmaid, bare unto Abraham:

  • Genesis 16:10

    And the angel of Jehovah said unto her, I will greatly multiply thy seed, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.

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