Genesis 16:10
Genesis 16:10 in Multiple Translations
Then the angel added, “I will greatly multiply your offspring so that they will be too numerous to count.”
And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.
And the angel of Jehovah said unto her, I will greatly multiply thy seed, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.
And the angel of the Lord said, Your seed will be greatly increased so that it may not be numbered.
Then he continued, “I will give you many, many descendants—in fact they'll be so many they can't be counted.”
Againe the Angel of the Lord saide vnto her, I will so greatly increase thy seede, that it shall not be numbred for multitude.
and the messenger of Jehovah saith to her, 'Multiplying I multiply thy seed, and it is not numbered from multitude;'
The LORD’s angel said to her, “I will greatly multiply your offspring, that they will not be counted for multitude.”
And the angel of the LORD said to her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.
And again he said: I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, and it shall not be numbered for multitude.
The angel also said to her, “I will enable you to bear so many descendants that no one will be able to count them!”
And the angel also said, “God is going to give you a really big family. You will have a son, and later on lots of people will be born into his family, and they will be a real big family, so that nobody will be able to count all those people.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 16:10
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 16:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
לָ/הּ֙
מַלְאַ֣ךְ
יְהוָ֔ה
הַרְבָּ֥ה
אַרְבֶּ֖ה
אֶת
זַרְעֵ֑/ךְ
וְ/לֹ֥א
יִסָּפֵ֖ר
מֵ/רֹֽב
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָ/הּ֙
Prep | Suff
מַלְאַ֣ךְ
mălʼâk
H4397
messenger
N-ms
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
הַרְבָּ֥ה
râbâh
H7235
to multiply
V-Hiphil-Ptc
אַרְבֶּ֖ה
râbâh
H7235
to multiply
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
זַרְעֵ֑/ךְ
zeraʻ
H2233
seed
N-ms | Suff
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יִסָּפֵ֖ר
çâphar
H5608
to recount
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
מֵ/רֹֽב
rôb
H7230
abundance
Prep | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 16:10
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לָ/הּ֙
""
Prep | Suff
מַלְאַ֣ךְ
mălʼâk
H4397
"messenger"
N-ms
A messenger or representative, often of God, like an angel, prophet, or priest, as seen in Isaiah 42:19 and Haggai 1:13, carrying out God's will.
Definition: : messenger 1) messenger, representative 1a) messenger 1b) angel 1c) the theophanic angel
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, angel, king, messenger. See also: Genesis 16:7; 2 Samuel 24:16; Psalms 34:8.
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
הַרְבָּ֥ה
râbâh
H7235
"to multiply"
V-Hiphil-Ptc
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
אַרְבֶּ֖ה
râbâh
H7235
"to multiply"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
זַרְעֵ֑/ךְ
zeraʻ
H2233
"seed"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means seed or offspring, like in Genesis where God promises Abraham many descendants. It can also mean a plant or sowing time, as in Isaiah 55:10. This concept is central to God's plan for humanity.
Definition: : seed/sowing 1) seed, sowing, offspring 1a) a sowing 1b) seed 1c) semen virile 1d) offspring, descendants, posterity, children 1e) of moral quality 1e1) a practitioner of righteousness (fig.) 1f) sowing time (by meton)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] carnally, child, fruitful, seed(-time), sowing-time. See also: Genesis 1:11; 1 Samuel 1:11; Psalms 18:51.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִסָּפֵ֖ר
çâphar
H5608
"to recount"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This word refers to a scribe or secretary who records or inscribes information. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who counts or enumerates things. The KJV translates it as 'scribe, tell, writer'.
Definition: v 1) to count, recount, relate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count (things) 1a2) to number, take account of, reckon 1b) (Niphal) to be counted, be numbered 1c) (Piel) to recount, rehearse, declare 1c1) to recount (something), rehearse 1c2) to talk 1c3) to count exactly or accurately 1d) (Pual) to be recounted, be rehearsed, be related
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: commune, (ac-) count; declare, number, [phrase] penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer. See also: Genesis 15:5; Esther 8:9; Psalms 2:7.
מֵ/רֹֽב
rôb
H7230
"abundance"
Prep | N-cs
Describes abundance or greatness in the Bible, used to talk about God's power and creation in Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) multitude, abundance, greatness 1a) multitude 1a1) abundance, abundantly 1a2) numerous 1b) greatness
Usage: Occurs in 145 OT verses. KJV: abundance(-antly), all, [idiom] common (sort), excellent, great(-ly, -ness, number), huge, be increased, long, many, more in number, most, much, multitude, plenty(-ifully), [idiom] very (age). See also: Genesis 16:10; Job 32:7; Psalms 5:8.
Study Notes — Genesis 16:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 16:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 16:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 16:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 16:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 16:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 16:10
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 16:10
- Sermons on Genesis 16:10
Context — Hagar and Ishmael
8“Hagar, servant of Sarai,” he said, “where have you come from, and where are you going?” “I am running away from my mistress Sarai,” she replied.
9So the angel of the LORD told her, “Return to your mistress and submit to her authority.”
10Then the angel added, “I will greatly multiply your offspring so that they will be too numerous to count.”
11The 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. 12He will be a wild donkey of a man, and his hand will be against everyone, and everyone’s hand against him; he will live in hostility toward all his brothers.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | Psalms 83:6–7 | the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites, of Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek, of Philistia with the people of Tyre. |
| 3 | Genesis 25:12–18 | This is the account of Abraham’s son Ishmael, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s maidservant, bore to Abraham. These are the names of the sons of Ishmael in the order of their birth: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These were the sons of Ishmael, and these were their names by their villages and encampments—twelve princes of their tribes. Ishmael lived a total of 137 years. Then he breathed his last and died, and was gathered to his people. Ishmael’s descendants settled from Havilah to Shur, which is near the border of Egypt as you go toward Asshur. And they lived in hostility toward all their brothers. |
| 4 | Genesis 21:18 | Get up, lift up the boy, and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.” |
| 5 | Genesis 21:13 | But I will also make a nation of the slave woman’s son, because he is your offspring.” |
| 6 | Genesis 22:15–18 | And the angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time, saying, “By Myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your only son, I will surely bless you, and I will multiply your descendants like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will possess the gates of their enemies. And through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” |
| 7 | Genesis 31:11–13 | In that dream the angel of God said to me, ‘Jacob!’ And I replied, ‘Here I am.’ ‘Look up,’ he said, ‘and see that all the males that are mating with the flock are streaked, spotted, or speckled; for I have seen all that Laban has done to you. I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed the pillar and made a solemn vow to Me. Now get up and leave this land at once, and return to your native land.’” |
| 8 | Acts 7:30–38 | After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. When Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight. As he approached to look more closely, the voice of the Lord came to him: ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’ Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look. Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. I have indeed seen the oppression of My people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to deliver them. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.’ This Moses, whom they had rejected with the words, ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’ is the one whom God sent to be their ruler and redeemer through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. He led them out and performed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, at the Red Sea, and for forty years in the wilderness. This is the same Moses who told the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers.’ He was in the assembly in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. And he received living words to pass on to us. |
| 9 | Judges 6:16 | “Surely I will be with you,” the LORD replied, “and you will strike down all the Midianites as one man.” |
| 10 | John 1:18 | No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is at the Father’s side, has made Him known. |
Genesis 16:10 Summary
[This verse is a beautiful promise from God to Hagar, saying that her descendants will be so many that they cannot be counted. This shows how much God cares about Hagar and wants to bless her and her family. It's similar to the promise God made to Abraham in Genesis 15:5, where He said Abraham's descendants would be as many as the stars in the sky. This promise is a reminder that God is a God of abundance and love, and He wants to bless all people, as seen in John 3:16, where it says God so loved the world that He gave His only Son.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the angel to say Hagar's offspring will be 'too numerous to count'?
This is a promise of God's blessing and provision, similar to the promise made to Abraham in Genesis 15:5, where God says He will make Abraham's descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky. This emphasizes the vastness of God's plans and blessings.
Is this promise only for Hagar or does it extend to her descendants as well?
The promise extends to Hagar's descendants, as seen in the context of Genesis 16:10-12, where the angel also speaks about the specific characteristics of her son, Ishmael, indicating a broader plan that involves her offspring.
How does this verse relate to God's overall plan of salvation?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of God's promise to Abraham and his descendants, which ultimately points to the coming of Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world, as seen in Galatians 3:8, where it is written that God announced the gospel in advance to Abraham.
What does this promise mean for believers today?
For believers, this promise serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and ability to fulfill His promises, as emphasized in Hebrews 11:11, where it is written that Abraham's faith was in the God who could do what He promised.
Reflection Questions
- How does the promise of numerous offspring reflect God's heart of abundance and love?
- In what ways can I trust God's promises in my own life, even when circumstances seem uncertain?
- What does this verse teach about the importance of faith and trust in God's plan?
- How can I apply the concept of God's vast and numerous blessings in my everyday life and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 16:10
And the angel of the Lord said unto her,.... The same as before, who, by what follows, appears to be Jehovah himself: I will multiply thy seed exceedingly; not that she should have many children
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 16:10
And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 16:10
Genesis 16:10 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.Ver. 10. I will multiply thy seed.] Thus God contemneth not poor servants; nay, if they be faithful, he will give them "the reward of inheritance," even a child’ s part, as Hagar and her child had. We read not that she cried to God; but her affliction spake for her; and he is oft - out of his mere "philanthropy" - "found of them that sought him not". He heareth "the young ravens, that cry to him" only by way of implication. "The Lord hath heard thy affliction," saith the angel in the next verse.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 16:10
(10) I will multiply thy seed.—We have here the purpose of the Divine manifestation. Abram’s son must not be mixed up with and lost among the debased population of Egypt, but must be the father of a free people; and Hagar will now submit to her lot as a slave, that she may secure liberty for her offspring.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 16:10
Verse 10. I will multiply thy seed exceedingly] Who says this? The person who is called the Angel of the Lord; and he certainly speaks with all the authority which is proper to God.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 16:10
10. I will greatly multiply] The Angel of Jehovah expresses in the 1st person the promise of that which Jehovah will perform; as in Genesis 21:18, Genesis 22:15-18, Genesis 31:13.
Sermons on Genesis 16:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 25:1-2 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Genesis chapter 25, which covers the death of Abraham and the generations of Ishmael and Isaac. The chapter also highlights the birth of Jaco |
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Abram, Abraham, and the Almighty God by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith focuses on Genesis chapter 17, where God appears to Abram when he is 99 years old. God declares Himself as Almighty God and instructs Abram to wa |
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Abraham: The Life of Faith - Part 4 by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of trusting in God during difficult and uncertain times. He refers to a quote from Amy Carmichael about the disciples in the b |
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Abraham: Abraham's Supreme Sacrifice by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Abraham and Isaac from the Bible. He highlights the moment when Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac as a test of his |
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Oneness With God in His Passion by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound connection between oneness with God and sharing in His passion, particularly through suffering. He draws parallels between Abraham's willin |
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(Genesis) 47 - the Stirring Up of Jacob's Nest by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging the length of the chapter being discussed, which is 55 verses long. He then reads excerpts from chapter 31 and mentions that he |
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Suffer Here or Suffer There by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the impending judgment of God and the challenges that believers will face in the future. He highlights the potential of a young man who could |