Devine Scripture

Genesis 21:9

What does Genesis 21:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 21:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 21:9 means

Sarah observed Ishmael, Hagar's son, 'mocking.' The Hebrew word can imply playful jesting, but given Sarah’s reaction and the context of inheritance, it more likely signifies scornful taunting, disrespect, or even persecution. Ishmael, already a teenager, likely perceived Isaac as a rival for Abraham's affection and inheritance, acting out a deep-seated jealousy. This act revealed the underlying tension and pointed to the incompatibility of Ishmael as a co-heir with Isaac.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne unto Abraham, mocking.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne unto Abraham, mocking.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian playing with Isaac.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Sarah seeth the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she hath borne to Abraham, mocking,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when Sara had seen the son of Agar, the Egyptian, playing with Isaac, her son, she said to Abraham:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, mocking.

Context

Immediately following the joyous feast for Isaac's weaning, this verse introduces the catalyst for major conflict within Abraham's family. Sarah's observation of Ishmael's actions creates an immediate crisis regarding the delicate balance of the household and directly leads to her decisive—and divinely sanctioned—action concerning Hagar and Ishmael.

v.8And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned.

v.9This passage

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.

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.

  • Galatians 4:22

    For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, one by the handmaid, and one by the freewoman.

  • 2 Chronicles 30:10

    So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh, even unto Zebulun: but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them.

  • Psalms 22:6

    But I am a worm, and no man; A reproach of men, and despised of the people.

  • Nehemiah 4:1

    But it came to pass that, when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.

  • Proverbs 20:11

    Even a child maketh himself known by his doings, Whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Genesis 21

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Genesis 21.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Genesis 21:9.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary