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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 21:12 But God said to Abraham, "Do not be distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to everything that Sarah tells you, for through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/21-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/01_Gen_21_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 21:12 - Sarah Turns Against Hagar" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But God said to Abraham, Do not be distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to everything that Sarah tells you, for through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/21-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/21-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/21.htm">Chapter 21</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/21-11.htm" title="Genesis 21:11">◄</a> Genesis 21:12 <a href="/genesis/21-13.htm" title="Genesis 21:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/genesis/21.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/genesis/21.htm">New International Version</a> But God said to him, &#8220Do not be so distressed about the boy and your slave woman. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned. <a href="/nlt/genesis/21.htm">New Living Translation</a> But God told Abraham, “Do not be upset over the boy and your servant. Do whatever Sarah tells you, for Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted. <a href="/esv/genesis/21.htm">English Standard Version</a> But God said to Abraham, “Be not displeased because of the boy and because of your slave woman. Whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for through Isaac shall your offspring be named. <a href="/bsb/genesis/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to everything that Sarah tells you, for through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned. <a href="/kjv/genesis/21.htm">King James Bible</a> And 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. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/21.htm">New King James Version</a> But God said to Abraham, “Do not let it be displeasing in your sight because of the lad or because of your bondwoman. Whatever Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice; for in Isaac your seed shall be called. <a href="/nasb_/genesis/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed because of the boy and your slave woman; whatever Sarah tells you, listen to her, for through Isaac your descendants shall be named. <a href="/nasb/genesis/21.htm">NASB 1995</a> But God said to Abraham, &#8220Do not be distressed because of the lad and your maid; whatever Sarah tells you, listen to her, for through Isaac your descendants shall be named. <a href="/nasb77/genesis/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed because of the lad and your maid; whatever Sarah tells you, listen to her, for through Isaac your descendants shall be named. <a href="/lsb/genesis/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed because of the boy and your maidservant; whatever Sarah tells you, listen to her voice, for through Isaac your seed shall be named. <a href="/amp/genesis/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a> God said to Abraham, “Do not let it distress you because of Ishmael and your maid; whatever Sarah tells you, listen to her and do what she asks, for your descendants will be named through Isaac. <a href="/csb/genesis/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed about the boy and about your slave. Whatever Sarah says to you, listen to her, because your offspring will be traced through Isaac, <a href="/hcsb/genesis/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But God said to Abraham, &#8220Do not be concerned about the boy and your slave. Whatever Sarah says to you, listen to her, because your offspring will be traced through Isaac. <a href="/asv/genesis/21.htm">American Standard Version</a> And 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. <a href="/cev/genesis/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But God said, "Abraham, don't worry about your slave woman and the boy. Just do what Sarah tells you. Isaac will inherit your family name, <a href="/erv/genesis/21.htm">English Revised Version</a> And 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 saith unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called. <a href="/gwt/genesis/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But God said to Abraham, "Don't be upset about the boy and your slave. Listen to what Sarah says because through Isaac your descendants will carry on your name. <a href="/gnt/genesis/21.htm">Good News Translation</a> But God said to Abraham, "Don't be worried about the boy and your slave Hagar. Do whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that you will have the descendants I have promised. <a href="/isv/genesis/21.htm">International Standard Version</a> but God told Abraham, "Don't be troubled about the youth and your slave girl. Pay attention to Sarah in everything she tells you, because your offspring are to be named through Isaac. <a href="/msb/genesis/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But God said to Abraham, ?Do not be distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to everything that Sarah tells you, for through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned. <a href="/net/genesis/21.htm">NET Bible</a> But God said to Abraham, "Do not be upset about the boy or your slave wife. Do all that Sarah is telling you because through Isaac your descendants will be counted. <a href="/nheb/genesis/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> God said to Abraham, "Do not let it be grievous in your sight because of the boy, and because of your slave woman. In all that Sarah says to you, listen to her voice. For from Isaac will your descendants be called. <a href="/wbt/genesis/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And God said to Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight, because of the lad, and because of thy bond-woman; in all that Sarah hath said to thee, hearken to her voice: for in Isaac shall thy seed be called. <a href="/web/genesis/21.htm">World English Bible</a> God said to Abraham, “Don’t let it be grievous in your sight because of the boy, and because of your servant. In all that Sarah says to you, listen to her voice. For your offspring will be named through Isaac. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and God says to Abraham, “Let it not be wrong in your eyes because of the youth, and because of your handmaid: all that Sarah says to you—listen to her voice, for in Isaac is a seed called to you. <a href="/ylt/genesis/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and 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. <a href="/slt/genesis/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And God will say to Abraham, It shall not be evil in thine eyes concerning the boy, and concerning thy maidservant; all which Sarah shall say to thee, hear to her voice; for in Isaak the seed shall be called to thee.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And 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. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And God said to him: “Let it not seem harsh to you concerning the boy and your woman servant. In all that Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice. For your offspring will be invoked in Isaac. <a href="/nabre/genesis/21.htm">New American Bible</a> But God said to Abraham: Do not be distressed about the boy or about your slave woman. Obey Sarah, no matter what she asks of you; for it is through Isaac that descendants will bear your name. <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed because of the boy and because of your slave woman; whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for it is through Isaac that offspring shall be named for you.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And God said to Abraham, Let it not be grievous in your sight because of the boy and because of your maidservant; whatever Sarah tells you, hearken to her voice; for your descendants shall come through Isaac. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And God said to Abraham: “Do not let it be distressing in your eyes, concerning the boy, and concerning your Maidservant. Listen to her voice in everything that Sara spoke to you, because your seed shall be called in Isaaq.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And 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 saith unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall seed be called to thee. <a href="/sep/genesis/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> But God said to Abraam, Let it not be hard before thee concerning the child, and concerning the bondwoman; in all things whatsoever Sarrha shall say to thee, hear her voice, for in Isaac shall thy seed be called. <a href="/parallel/genesis/21-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=4617" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/genesis/21.htm">Sarah Turns Against Hagar</a> …11Now this matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son Ishmael. 12<a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">But God</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/85.htm" title="85: ’aḇ·rā·hām (N-proper-ms) -- Contracted from 'ab and an unused root; father of a multitude; Abraham, the later name of Abram.">Abraham,</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">“Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7489.htm" title="7489: yê·ra‘ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to spoil; figuratively, to make good for nothing, i.e. Bad.">be distressed</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: bə·‘ê·ne·ḵā (Prep-b:: N-cdc:: 2ms) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">about</a> <a href="/hebrew/5288.htm" title="5288: han·na·‘ar (Art:: N-ms) -- A boy, lad, youth, retainer. From na'ar; a boy, from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also, a girl.">the boy</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: wə·‘al- (Conj-w:: Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/519.htm" title="519: ’ă·mā·ṯe·ḵā (N-fsc:: 2ms) -- A maid, handmaid. Apparently a primitive word; a maid-servant or female slave.">and your maidservant.</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: šə·ma‘ (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">Listen to</a> <a href="/hebrew/6963.htm" title="6963: bə·qō·lāh (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 3fs) -- Sound, voice. Or qol; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kōl (N-ms) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">everything</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/8283.htm" title="8283: śā·rāh (N-proper-fs) -- Princess, a wife of Abraham. The same as sarah; Sarah, Abraham's wife.">Sarah</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: tō·mar (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">tells</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·le·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- To, into, towards. ">you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/3327.htm" title="3327: ḇə·yiṣ·ḥāq (Prep-b:: N-proper-ms) -- He laughs, son of Abraham and Sarah. From tsachaq; laughter; Jitschak, son of Abraham.">through Isaac</a> <a href="/hebrew/lə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- ">your</a> <a href="/hebrew/2233.htm" title="2233: zā·ra‘ (N-ms) -- A sowing, seed, offspring. From zara'; seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity.">offspring</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: yiq·qā·rê (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">will be reckoned.</a> 13But I will also make a nation of the slave woman’s son, because he is your offspring.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/romans/9-7.htm">Romans 9:7</a> Nor because they are Abraham’s descendants are they all his children. On the contrary, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.” <a href="/hebrews/11-18.htm">Hebrews 11:18</a> even though God had said to him, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.” <a href="/galatians/4-30.htm">Galatians 4:30</a> But what does the Scripture say? “Expel the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.” <a href="/romans/4-18.htm">Romans 4:18</a> Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” <a href="/genesis/17-19.htm">Genesis 17:19</a> But God replied, “Your wife Sarah will indeed bear you a son, and you are to name him Isaac. I will establish My covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him. <a href="/genesis/22-2.htm">Genesis 22:2</a> “Take your son,” God said, “your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.” <a href="/genesis/26-3.htm">Genesis 26:3-5</a> Stay in this land as a foreigner, and I will be with you and bless you. For I will give all these lands to you and your offspring, and I will confirm the oath that I swore to your father Abraham. / I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and I will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, / because Abraham listened to My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.” <a href="/genesis/28-13.htm">Genesis 28:13-14</a> And there at the top the LORD was standing and saying, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you now lie. / Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and east and north and south. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. <a href="/genesis/35-12.htm">Genesis 35:12</a> The land that I gave to Abraham and Isaac I will give to you, and I will give this land to your descendants after you.” <a href="/genesis/48-16.htm">Genesis 48:16</a> the angel who has redeemed me from all harm—may He bless these boys. And may they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they grow into a multitude upon the earth.” <a href="/genesis/49-10.htm">Genesis 49:10</a> The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his. <a href="/exodus/3-6.htm">Exodus 3:6</a> Then He said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. <a href="/exodus/32-13.htm">Exodus 32:13</a> Remember Your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, to whom You swore by Your very self when You declared, ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and I will give your descendants all this land that I have promised, and it shall be their inheritance forever.’” <a href="/numbers/23-19.htm">Numbers 23:19</a> God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill? <a href="/deuteronomy/7-8.htm">Deuteronomy 7:8</a> But because the LORD loved you and kept the oath He swore to your fathers, He brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And God said to Abraham, Let it not be grievous in your sight because of the lad, and because of your female slave; in all that Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice; for in Isaac shall your seed be called.hearken.<a href="/1_samuel/8-7.htm">1 Samuel 8:7,9</a> And the LORD 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 reign over them… <a href="/isaiah/46-10.htm">Isaiah 46:10</a> Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:in Isaac.<a href="/genesis/17-19.htm">Genesis 17:19,21</a> And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him… <a href="/romans/9-7.htm">Romans 9:7,8</a> Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called… <a href="/hebrews/11-18.htm">Hebrews 11:18</a> Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/21-11.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/genesis/21-10.htm">Bondwoman</a> <a href="/genesis/21-10.htm">Bond-Woman</a> <a href="/genesis/4-23.htm">Boy</a> <a href="/genesis/17-19.htm">Descendants</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-17.htm">Displeased</a> <a href="/genesis/21-11.htm">Distressed</a> <a href="/genesis/21-11.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/genesis/21-11.htm">Grief</a> <a href="/genesis/21-11.htm">Grievous</a> <a href="/genesis/21-9.htm">Hagar</a> <a href="/genesis/21-10.htm">Handmaid</a> <a href="/genesis/4-23.htm">Hearken</a> <a href="/genesis/21-10.htm">Isaac</a> <a href="/genesis/21-8.htm">Lad</a> <a href="/genesis/21-10.htm">Maid</a> <a href="/genesis/16-8.htm">Maidservant</a> <a href="/genesis/20-12.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/genesis/19-32.htm">Offspring</a> <a href="/genesis/21-9.htm">Sarah</a> <a href="/genesis/19-34.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/genesis/21-11.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/genesis/21-10.htm">Slave</a> <a href="/revelation/22-15.htm">Tells</a> <a href="/genesis/16-2.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/genesis/20-15.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/genesis/21-11.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/21-14.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/genesis/21-13.htm">Bondwoman</a> <a href="/genesis/21-13.htm">Bond-Woman</a> <a href="/genesis/21-14.htm">Boy</a> <a href="/genesis/21-23.htm">Descendants</a> <a href="/genesis/28-8.htm">Displeased</a> <a href="/genesis/32-7.htm">Distressed</a> <a href="/genesis/21-19.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/genesis/26-35.htm">Grief</a> <a href="/genesis/41-31.htm">Grievous</a> <a href="/genesis/21-14.htm">Hagar</a> <a href="/genesis/21-13.htm">Handmaid</a> <a href="/genesis/23-15.htm">Hearken</a> <a href="/genesis/22-2.htm">Isaac</a> <a href="/genesis/21-15.htm">Lad</a> <a href="/genesis/21-13.htm">Maid</a> <a href="/genesis/21-13.htm">Maidservant</a> <a href="/genesis/21-21.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/genesis/21-13.htm">Offspring</a> <a href="/genesis/23-1.htm">Sarah</a> <a href="/genesis/21-13.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/genesis/23-4.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/genesis/21-13.htm">Slave</a> <a href="/genesis/41-55.htm">Tells</a> <a href="/genesis/21-16.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/genesis/31-16.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/genesis/26-29.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 21</div>1. <a href="/genesis/21-1.htm">Isaac is born, and circumcised.</a> 6. <a href="/genesis/21-6.htm">Sarah's joy.</a> 8. <a href="/genesis/21-8.htm">Isaac is weaned.</a> 9. <a href="/genesis/21-9.htm">Hagar and Ishmael sent away.</a> 15. <a href="/genesis/21-15.htm">Hagar in distress.</a> 17. <a href="/genesis/21-17.htm">The angel relieves and comforts her.</a> 23. <a href="/genesis/21-23.htm">Abimelech's covenant with Abraham at Beersheba.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But God said to Abraham This phrase indicates divine communication, emphasizing God's direct involvement in the lives of the patriarchs. It reflects the personal relationship between God and Abraham, a recurring theme in Genesis. God's guidance is crucial in the unfolding of His covenant promises.Do not be distressed about the boy and your maidservant God addresses Abraham's emotional turmoil regarding Ishmael and Hagar. This reflects the cultural and familial complexities of the time, where concubinage was practiced. God's reassurance highlights His sovereignty and care for all involved, even those outside the primary covenant line.Listen to everything that Sarah tells you This instruction underscores the importance of Sarah's role in the fulfillment of God's promises. It also reflects the biblical theme of God working through human agency, even when it involves difficult decisions. Sarah's insistence aligns with God's covenantal plan, showing divine orchestration.for through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned This phrase is central to the Abrahamic covenant, emphasizing Isaac as the child of promise. It connects to earlier promises in <a href="/genesis/17-19.htm">Genesis 17:19</a> and foreshadows the lineage leading to Jesus Christ, as seen in the genealogies of <a href="/matthew/1.htm">Matthew 1</a> and <a href="/luke/3.htm">Luke 3</a>. Isaac's role prefigures Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to bless all nations through Abraham's seed.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/abraham.htm">Abraham</a> The patriarch of the Israelites, chosen by God to be the father of many nations. In this passage, he is faced with a difficult decision regarding his sons, Isaac and Ishmael. 2. <a href="/topical/s/sarah.htm">Sarah</a> Abraham's wife, who bore Isaac in her old age. She insists that Hagar and Ishmael be sent away, which leads to God's reassurance to Abraham. 3. <a href="/topical/i/isaac.htm">Isaac</a> The promised son of Abraham and Sarah, through whom God's covenant will be fulfilled. His birth is a pivotal event in the account of God's promise. 4. <a href="/topical/i/ishmael.htm">Ishmael</a> Abraham's first son, born to Hagar, Sarah's maidservant. His future is also secured by God's promise, though he is not the child of the covenant. 5. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The central figure who guides and reassures Abraham, affirming His covenant promise through Isaac.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_his_promises.htm">God's Sovereignty in His Promises</a> God's assurance to Abraham highlights His sovereign plan and the fulfillment of His promises through Isaac. Believers can trust in God's faithfulness to His word. <a href="/topical/l/listening_to_godly_counsel.htm">Listening to Godly Counsel</a> Abraham is instructed to heed Sarah's advice, showing the importance of discerning and following godly counsel in our lives. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_faith_in_god's_plan.htm">The Role of Faith in God's Plan</a> Abraham's faith is tested as he must trust God's plan for both Isaac and Ishmael. This teaches us to have faith in God's overarching plan, even when it involves difficult decisions. <a href="/topical/d/distinction_between_flesh_and_promise.htm">Distinction Between Flesh and Promise</a> The distinction between Isaac and Ishmael serves as a reminder of the difference between human efforts and divine promise. Believers are called to live by faith in God's promises rather than relying solely on human efforts.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 21</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_isaac's_life_in_the_bible.htm">What key events define Isaac's life in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_it_mean_to_wait_on_god.htm">What does it mean to wait on God?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_god_support_expelling_ishmael.htm">Why does God endorse Sarah’s demand to expel Hagar and Ishmael in Genesis 21:10–14 despite earlier promises to Ishmael?</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_societal_hierarchy.htm">What does the Bible say about societal hierarchy?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) In Isaac shall thy seed be called--Heb., in Isaac there shall be called to thee a seed: that is, the seed that shall especially be accounted thine, and which, as such, shall inherit the promises, will be that sprung from Isaac.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 12. - And God said unto Abraham, - probably in a dream, or night vision (vide Ver. 14) - Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; - who was never recognized by God as Abraham's wife (cf. <a href="/genesis/16-8.htm">Genesis 16:8</a>) - in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice. Though Sarah's counsel was approved by God, it does not follow that her conduct was. On a former occasion Abraham's hearkening unto Sarah's voice had led to sin (<a href="/genesis/16-2.htm">Genesis 16:2</a>); this time it would lie exactly in the line of duty. For in Isaac shall thy seed be called. Literally, in Isaac shall seed (i.e. posterity) be called to thee; meaning neither, "by Isaac shall thy seed be called, or named" (Hofmann, Kalisch, Ainsworth), nor, "in Isaac shall thy seed be called into existence" (Dreschler); but, "in Isaac shall there be posterity to thee which shall pass as such," i.e. be called or recognized as such (Keil); or, more simply, "in Isaac," i.e. in the line of Isaac, "shall be called to thee a seed," i.e. a seed par excellence, the seed already promised (Bleek, Delitzsch, Rosenmüller, Alford, Murphy). <a href="/commentaries/genesis/21-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>But God אֱלֹהִ֜ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative said וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to Abraham, אַבְרָהָ֗ם (’aḇ·rā·hām) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_85.htm">Strong's 85: </a> Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nation “Do not אַל־ (’al-) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> Not be distressed יֵרַ֤ע (yê·ra‘) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7489.htm">Strong's 7489: </a> To spoil, to make, good for, nothing, bad about עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the boy הַנַּ֣עַר (han·na·‘ar) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5288.htm">Strong's 5288: </a> A boy, lad, youth, retainer and your maidservant. אֲמָתֶ֔ךָ (’ă·mā·ṯe·ḵā) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_519.htm">Strong's 519: </a> A maidservant, female slave Listen to שְׁמַ֣ע (šə·ma‘) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> To hear intelligently everything כֹּל֩ (kōl) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every that אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that Sarah שָׂרָ֖ה (śā·rāh) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8283.htm">Strong's 8283: </a> Sarah -- 'princess', a wife of Abraham tells תֹּאמַ֥ר (tō·mar) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say you, אֵלֶ֛יךָ (’ê·le·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to for כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction through Isaac בְיִצְחָ֔ק (ḇə·yiṣ·ḥāq) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3327.htm">Strong's 3327: </a> Isaac -- 'he laughs', son of Abraham and Sarah your offspring זָֽרַע׃ (zā·ra‘) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2233.htm">Strong's 2233: </a> Seed, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity will be reckoned. יִקָּרֵ֥א (yiq·qā·rê) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> To call, proclaim, read <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/21-12.htm">Genesis 21:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/21-12.htm">Genesis 21:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/21-12.htm">Genesis 21:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/21-12.htm">Genesis 21:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/21-12.htm">Genesis 21:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/21-12.htm">Genesis 21:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/21-12.htm">Genesis 21:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/21-12.htm">Genesis 21:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/21-12.htm">Genesis 21:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/21-12.htm">Genesis 21:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/21-12.htm">OT Law: Genesis 21:12 God said to Abraham Don't let it (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/21-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 21:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 21:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/21-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 21:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 21:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>