Genesis 16:15

Translations

Modern

And Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram gave the name Ishmael to the son she had borne.

Traditional

And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son’s name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael.

Literal

And Hagar bore to Abram a son, and Abram named his son, whom Hagar had borne, Ishmael.

Latin

Peperitque Agar Abræ filium: qui vocavit nomen ejus Ismaël.

Original

Hebrew

English

And Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram gave the name Ishmael to the son she had borne.

Notes

Genesis 16:14–15

The name Beer-lahai-roi means “well of the Living One who sees me.” This name and Ishmael were a message and a rebuke for Abram and Sarai (see 16:11). God notices suffering and listens to those crying out in need.

Sarai and Abram should have prayed instead of trying to fulfill the promise themselves by following a social custom (compare 25:21). Giving children to a woman who cannot have them is God's work (Psalm 113:9; compare 1 Samuel 1:1–28; Luke 1:1–25). Humans cannot solve impossible problems. The Lord hears those who suffer, sees their needs, and will provide for them in miraculous ways.

Genesis 16:1–16

While they waited for their promised son to be born, Abram and Sarai tried another plan. This plan did not show trust in God.

Theme notes and profiles

Abraham Hagar Isaac Ishmael Symbolic Numbers

Events

Birth of Ishmaelc. 1910 BC

Related verses

Genesis 25:12
This is the account of Abraham’s son Ishmael, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s maidservant, bore to Abraham.
Genesis 37:27
Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay a hand on him; for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And they agreed.
Genesis 17:20
As for Ishmael, I have heard you, and I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He will become the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation.
Genesis 28:9
Esau went to Ishmael and married Mahalath, the sister of Nebaioth and daughter of Abraham’s son Ishmael, in addition to the wives he already had.
Genesis 17:18
And Abraham said to God, “O that Ishmael might live under Your blessing!”
Genesis 17:25–26
…and his son Ishmael was thirteen;
Genesis 21:9–21
But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking her son,
Galatians 4:22–23
For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman.
Genesis 16:11
The angel of the LORD proceeded: “Behold, you have conceived and will bear a son. And you shall name him Ishmael, for the LORD has heard your cry of affliction.
Genesis 25:9
His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite.
1 Chronicles 1:28
The sons of Abraham were Isaac and Ishmael.

People

Abraham: Patriarch, chosen by God to father His people Hagar: Sarah's Egyptian maidservant; mother of Ishmael Ishmael: Son of Abraham and Hagar; father of Arab tribes

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Circumcision Ebla Tablets Genealogy Genesis, Book of Hagar Inheritance Maid, Maiden Nations Patriarchs, Period of the

Topics

Abraham: Children of Abraham: Ishmael Born To Bastard: Ishmael Ishmael: Son of Abraham The Ishmaelites: Descended from Abraham's Son, Ishmael

Genesis 16:15

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