Devine Scripture

Genesis 21:20

What does Genesis 21:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 21:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 21:20 means

God remained with Ishmael as he grew, confirming His promise to make him a great nation. Ishmael developed into a skilled archer, a typical occupation in the wilderness, indicating his independence and adaptability. This presence of God ensured his survival, growth, and development, further demonstrating God's faithfulness to His word concerning Ishmael's lineage, even apart from the direct covenant line of Isaac.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And God was with the lad, and he grew; and he dwelt in the wilderness, and became, as he grew up, an archer.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And God was with the lad, and he grew; and he dwelt in the wilderness, and became, as he grew up, an archer.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And God was with the boy, and he became tall and strong, and he became a bowman, living in the waste land.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and God is with the youth, and he groweth, and dwelleth in the wilderness, and is an archer;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And God was with him: and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became a young man, an archer.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

AndGod was with the lad, and he grew; and he dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer.

Context

Following the miraculous provision of water (verse 19), this verse shifts to a summary of Ishmael's continued development and God's sustained presence with him. It establishes his successful integration into the wilderness life and his growth into adulthood. This provides a sense of closure to Hagar and Ishmael's story, before the narrative returns to Abraham to detail a new covenant with Abimelech.

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.

v.20This passage

v.21And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran: and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Egypt.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 2:40

    And the child grew, and waxed strong, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

  • 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 28:15

    And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee whithersoever thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.

  • Genesis 16:12

    And he shall be as a wild ass among men; his hand shall be against every man, and every man’s hand against him; and he shall dwell over against all his brethren.

  • Luke 1:80

    And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his showing unto Israel.

  • Judges 6:12

    And the angel of Jehovah appeared unto him, and said unto him, Jehovah is with thee, thou mighty man of valor.

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