Genesis 21:18
What does Genesis 21:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Genesis 21:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Genesis 21:18 means
The angel of God commanded Hagar to rise, lift Ishmael, and hold him firmly. This instruction not only encouraged her to act but also renewed her strength and purpose. The reason given, 'for I will make him a great nation,' directly reiterates God's earlier promise to Abraham (Genesis 17:20, 21:13). This divine affirmation provided Hagar with hope and a vision for Ishmael’s future, shifting her focus from despair to divine providence.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thy hand; for I will make him a great nation.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thy hand; for I will make him a great nation.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Come, take your child in your arms, for I will make of him a great nation.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862rise, lift up the youth, and lay hold on him with thy hand, for for a great nation I set him.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Arise, take up the boy, and hold him by the hand, for I will make him a great nation.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Arise, take the lad, and hold him in thy hand; for I will make of him a great nation.
Context
Following the divine assurance that their cries were heard (verse 17), this verse delivers a clear directive and a renewed promise. The instruction for Hagar to act, coupled with the reaffirmation of Ishmael's future nationhood, serves to uplift her from despair. This promise sets the narrative on a course of survival and the unfolding of God's broader plan for Ishmael, leading directly to the provision of water.
v.17And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is.
v.18This passage
v.19And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink.
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 16:10
And the angel of Jehovah said unto her, I will greatly multiply thy seed, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.
- 1 Chronicles 1:29
These are their generations: the first-born of Ishmael, Nebaioth; then Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,
- Genesis 25:12
Now these are the generations of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s handmaid, bare unto Abraham:
- Genesis 21:13
And also of the son of the handmaid will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.
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