Genesis 21:17

Translations

Modern

Then God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, “What is wrong, Hagar? Do not be afraid, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he lies.

Traditional

And 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.

Literal

And God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar out of the heavens and said to her, “What ails you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has listened to the voice of the boy where he is there.

Latin

Exaudivit autem Deus vocem pueri: vocavitque angelus Dei Agar de cælo, dicens: Quid agis Agar? noli timere: exaudivit enim Deus vocem pueri de loco in quo est.

Interlinear

Hebrew

English

Then God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, “What is wrong, Hagar? Do not be afraid, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he lies.

Notes

Genesis 21:14–21

God rescued Hagar and Ishmael in the wilderness and promised them a future (compare 16:7–14). This passage is like chapter 16, but there are key differences. God saves Hagar and Ishmael, but there is no special naming. God repeats the promise to Hagar, but she is not told to return to Sarah.

These repeated themes show God's plan for Hagar and Ishmael. As Joseph later explained to Pharaoh, a repeated event confirms God's plan (41:32). God did not leave Hagar and Ishmael alone. He met them in their time of despair (compare 16:7). He gave them what they needed and promised again that Ishmael would start a great nation (21:13; see 16:11–12).

Paul uses this story in his letter to the Galatians to show that God’s people must let go of anything that could block God’s promise from being fulfilled (Galatians 4:21–31).

Genesis 21:8–21

God used the incident of Ishmael’s mocking Isaac to separate Ishmael and Hagar from the family and the child of promise. They would constantly threaten the promised descendant if they remained with the family.

Theme notes and profiles

Abraham Hagar Ishmael Symbolic Numbers

Related verses

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.
Psalm 50:15
Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.”
Psalm 91:15
When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him.
Exodus 3:7
The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the affliction of My people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their oppressors, and I am aware of their sufferings.
Isaiah 43:1–2
But now, this is what the LORD says—He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine!
Psalm 107:4–6
Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no path to a city in which to dwell.
Genesis 15:1
After these events, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”
2 Kings 13:23
But the LORD was gracious to Israel and had compassion on them, and He turned toward them because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And to this day, the LORD has been unwilling to destroy them or cast them from His presence.
Genesis 16:9
So the angel of the LORD told her, “Return to your mistress and submit to her authority.”
2 Kings 13:4
Then Jehoahaz sought the favor of the LORD, and the LORD listened to him because He saw the oppression that the king of Aram had inflicted on Israel.
1 Samuel 11:5
Just then Saul was returning from the field, behind his oxen. “What troubles the people?” asked Saul. “Why are they weeping?” And they relayed to him the words of the men from Jabesh.
Psalm 65:2
O You who listen to prayer, all people will come to You.

Parallels

Galatians 4:21–30

People

Hagar: Sarah's Egyptian maidservant; mother of Ishmael

Glossary

Abraham Angel Angel of the Lord Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of Hagar Patriarchs, Period of the

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Consolation In Beer-Sheba: Wilderness of, Hagar Miraculously Sees a Well In God: Preserver: To Hagar, when Abraham Cast Her Out Ishmael: Son of Abraham: Sent Away by Abraham Merciful Sorrow: God Takes Notice of Hagar's Women: Sarah, in Her Jealousy and Malice Toward Hagar

Genesis 21:17

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