Genesis 21:12

Genesis 21:12 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version KJV

¶ 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.

American Standard Version ASV

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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

But God said, Let it not be a grief to you because of the boy and Hagar his mother; give ear to whatever Sarah says to you, because it is from Isaac that your seed will take its name.

Free Bible Version FBV

But God told Abraham, “Don't feel bad about the boy and the slave woman. Do whatever Sarah tells you, because it's through Isaac that your descendants will be counted.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

But God said vnto Abraham, Let it not be grieuous in thy sight for the childe, and for thy bonde woman: in all that Sarah shall say vnto thee, heare her voyce: for in Izhak shall thy seede be called.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

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.

World English Bible WEB

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.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

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.

Translation for Translators T4T

But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed about your son, Ishmael, and about your maidservant, Hagar. Do everything that Sarah tells you to do. Listen to her, because Isaac is the one who will be considered the ancestor of the descendants I promised to give you.

Plain English Version PEV

But God said to Abraham, “Don’t worry about Ishmael or his mother. You see, the family that I promised you will come from Isaac, not from Ishmael. So listen to Sarah, and do what she says.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 21:12

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 21:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֜ים אֶל אַבְרָהָ֗ם אַל יֵרַ֤ע בְּ/עֵינֶ֨י/ךָ֙ עַל הַ/נַּ֣עַר וְ/עַל אֲמָתֶ֔/ךָ כֹּל֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר תֹּאמַ֥ר אֵלֶ֛י/ךָ שָׂרָ֖ה שְׁמַ֣ע בְּ/קֹלָ֑/הּ כִּ֣י בְ/יִצְחָ֔ק יִקָּרֵ֥א לְ/ךָ֖ זָֽרַע

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֱלֹהִ֜ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

אַבְרָהָ֗ם ʼAbrâhâm H85 Abraham N-proper

אַל ʼal H408 not Part

יֵרַ֤ע râʻaʻ H7489 be evil V-Qal-Juss-3ms

בְּ/עֵינֶ֨י/ךָ֙ ʻayin H5869 eye Prep | N-cd | Suff

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

הַ/נַּ֣עַר naʻar H5288 youth Art | N-ms

וְ/עַל ʻal H5921 upon Conj | Prep

אֲמָתֶ֔/ךָ ʼâmâh H519 maidservant N-fs | Suff

כֹּל֩ kôl H3605 all N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

תֹּאמַ֥ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

אֵלֶ֛י/ךָ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

שָׂרָ֖ה Sârâh H8283 Sarah N-proper

שְׁמַ֣ע shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal-Impv-2ms

בְּ/קֹלָ֑/הּ qôwl H6963 voice Prep | N-ms | Suff

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj

בְ/יִצְחָ֔ק Yitschâq H3327 Isaac Prep | N-proper

יִקָּרֵ֥א qârâʼ H7121 to call V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

לְ/ךָ֖ Prep | Suff

זָֽרַע zeraʻ H2233 seed N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 21:12

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר 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.

אֱלֹהִ֜ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

אַבְרָהָ֗ם ʼAbrâhâm H85 "Abraham" N-proper

Abraham was a key figure in the Bible, the later name of Abram, and father of many children, including Ishmael and Isaac. He is first mentioned in Genesis 11:26 and his story is told throughout the book of Genesis. Abraham's life and faith are still studied today.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.26; son of: Terah (H8646); brother of: Nahor (H5152H), Haran (H2039) and Sarah (H8283); married to Sarah (H8283), Hagar (H1904) and Keturah (H6989); father of: Ishmael (H3458), Isaac (H3327), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); also called Abram at Gen.11.26--17.5; 2x § Abraham = "father of a multitude" or "chief of multitude" friend of God and founder of Hebrew nation via God's elective covenant

Usage: Occurs in 159 OT verses. KJV: Abraham. See also: Genesis 17:5; Genesis 24:9; Psalms 47:10.

אַל ʼal H408 "not" Part

Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.

Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)

Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.

יֵרַ֤ע râʻaʻ H7489 "be evil" V-Qal-Juss-3ms

This word means to shatter or break something into pieces, making it useless or bad. It can also mean to afflict or displease someone.

Definition: 1) to be bad, be evil 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to be displeasing 1a2) to be sad 1a3) to be injurious, be evil 1a4) to be wicked, be evil (ethically) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to do an injury or hurt 1b2) to do evil or wickedly 1b3) mischief (participle)

Usage: Occurs in 99 OT verses. KJV: afflict, associate selves (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), break (down, in pieces), [phrase] displease, (be, bring, do) evil (doer, entreat, man), show self friendly (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), do harm, (do) hurt, (behave self, deal) ill, [idiom] indeed, do mischief, punish, still, vex, (do) wicked (doer, -ly), be (deal, do) worse. See also: Genesis 19:7; Psalms 27:2; Psalms 2:9.

בְּ/עֵינֶ֨י/ךָ֙ ʻayin H5869 "eye" Prep | N-cd | Suff

This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

הַ/נַּ֣עַר naʻar H5288 "youth" Art | N-ms

In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.

Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer

Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.

וְ/עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Conj | Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

אֲמָתֶ֔/ךָ ʼâmâh H519 "maidservant" N-fs | Suff

A maidservant is a female slave or servant, like the ones mentioned in the stories of Abraham and Sarah in the book of Genesis.

Definition: 1) maid-servant, female slave, maid, handmaid, concubine 1a) of humility (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: (hand-) bondmaid(-woman), maid(-servant). See also: Genesis 20:17; Judges 9:18; Psalms 86:16.

כֹּל֩ kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

תֹּאמַ֥ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

אֵלֶ֛י/ךָ ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

שָׂרָ֖ה Sârâh H8283 "Sarah" N-proper

Sarah was Abraham's wife and the mother of Isaac, a key figure in the book of Genesis. Her name means noblewoman, reflecting her high social status. She is first mentioned in Genesis 11:29.

Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.29; daughter of: Terah (H8646); sister of: Abraham (H0085), Nahor (H5152H) and Haran (H2039); married to Abraham (H0085); mother of: Isaac (H3327); also called Sarai at Gen.11.29,30,31; 12.5,11,17; 16.1,2,3,5,6,8; 17.15; § Sarah = "noblewoman" wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac

Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: Sarah. See also: Genesis 17:15; Genesis 21:1; Isaiah 51:2.

שְׁמַ֣ע shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.

Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound

Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.

בְּ/קֹלָ֑/הּ qôwl H6963 "voice" Prep | N-ms | Suff

A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.

Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)

Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

בְ/יִצְחָ֔ק Yitschâq H3327 "Isaac" Prep | N-proper

Isaac, son of Abraham and Sarah, means 'he laughs' and is the father of Esau and Israel. He is first mentioned in Genesis 17:19. Isaac is a key figure in the Bible, playing a role in the patriarchal stories.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.17.19; son of: Abraham (H0085) and Sarah (H8283); half-brother of: Ishmael (H3458), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); married to Rebekah (H7259); father of: Esau (H6215) and Israel (H3478) § Isaac = "he laughs" son of Abraham by Sarah his wife and father of Jacob and Esau

Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: Isaac. Compare H3446 (יִשְׂחָק). See also: Genesis 17:19; Genesis 27:30; 2 Chronicles 30:6.

יִקָּרֵ֥א qârâʼ H7121 "to call" V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.

Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen

Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.

לְ/ךָ֖ "" Prep | Suff

זָֽרַע zeraʻ H2233 "seed" N-ms

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.

Study Notes — Genesis 21:12

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Context
Cross References
Genesis 21:12 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:12
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 21:12
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 21:12
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 21:12
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 21:12
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 21:12
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 21:12
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Sermons on Genesis 21:12

Context — Sarah Turns against Hagar

10and she said to Abraham, “Expel the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac!” 11Now this matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son Ishmael.

12But 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.

13But I will also make a nation of the slave woman’s son, because he is your offspring.” 14Early in the morning, Abraham got up, took bread and a skin of water, put them on Hagar’s shoulders, and sent her away with the boy. She left and wandered in the Wilderness of Beersheba.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Hebrews 11:18	even though God had said to him, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.”
2	Romans 9:7–8	Nor because they are Abraham’s descendants are they all his children. On the contrary, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.” So it is not the children of the flesh who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as offspring.
3	Genesis 17:19	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.
4	1 Samuel 8:9	Now listen to them, but you must solemnly warn them and show them the manner of the king who will reign over them.”
5	1 Samuel 8:7	And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king.
6	Genesis 17:21	But I will establish My covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you at this time next year.”
7	Isaiah 46:10	I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’

Genesis 21:12 Summary

[Genesis 21:12 tells us that God spoke to Abraham, comforting him about his concerns for his son Ishmael and telling him to listen to his wife Sarah because the family line would continue through their son Isaac. This shows that God has specific plans for each of us and our families. Just like Abraham, we are called to trust in God's promises, even when we don't fully understand them, as seen in Romans 4:20-21. By focusing on God's plans and promises, we can find peace and direction, just as Abraham did when he followed God's instructions.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God tell Abraham to listen to Sarah regarding Hagar and Ishmael?

God instructed Abraham to listen to Sarah because the promise of offspring and inheritance was specifically tied to Isaac, as stated in Genesis 21:12, and Sarah was the one through whom this promise would be fulfilled, as seen in Genesis 17:16.

Was Abraham's distress about Ishmael's situation justified?

Abraham's concern for Ishmael was natural as a father, but God's command to Abraham in Genesis 21:12 indicates that his primary focus should be on the promise and lineage through Isaac, even though God also had a separate plan for Ishmael, as mentioned in Genesis 21:13.

How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and trust in God's plan?

Genesis 21:12 demonstrates that faith involves trusting in God's specific plans and promises, even when they seem difficult or unclear, much like Abraham's experience; this is reinforced by Romans 4:20-21, which highlights Abraham's trust in God's promise.

What does this verse teach about the importance of obedience to God's voice?

The command to Abraham in Genesis 21:12 to listen to Sarah and not be distressed about Hagar and Ishmael emphasizes the importance of obeying God's specific instructions, even when they are challenging, reflecting the broader principle found in Deuteronomy 13:4 to follow God wholeheartedly.

Reflection Questions

In what areas of my life am I being called to trust God's plan, even when it's difficult to understand?
How can I, like Abraham, balance my natural concerns with trust in God's promises and plans?
What are the promises or plans of God in my life that I need to focus on, and how can I ensure I am prioritizing them?
In what ways can I demonstrate obedience to God's voice, even when His instructions seem challenging or counterintuitive?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:12

And God said unto Abraham,.... Either by an articulate voice, or by an impulse on his mind, suggesting to him what he should do, being no doubt in great perplexity how to conduct between his wife and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 21:12

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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 21:12

Thus Abraham had better authority for his divorce from Hagar than he had for his marriage with her, . Thy seed, to wit, the promised Seed, the heir of thy estate, covenant, and promises, the progenitor of my church and people, and particularly of the Messias. Called, i.e. reputed and valued, both by me and other men. The words may be thus rendered, by Isaac shall thy seed be; for to be called is ofttimes put for to be, as 47:1,5 Matthew 5:9,19.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 21:12

Genesis 21:12 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.Ver. 12. In all that Sarah hath said unto thee, &c.] The wife then is to be hearkened to when she speaks reason. Samson’ s mother had more faith than her husband: and Priscilla is sometimes set before Aquila. Paul’ s hearers at Philippi were only women at first. And St Peter tells Christian wives that they may win their husbands to Christ by their "chaste conversation coupled with fear". "The Scripture" is said to "say" what Sarah here saith.

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 21:12

(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.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 21:12

Verse 12. In Isaac shall thy seed be called.] Here God shows the propriety of attending to the counsel of Sarah; and lest Abraham, in whose eyes the thing was grievous, should feel distressed on the occasion, God renews his promises to Ishmael and his posterity.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 21:12

12. And God said] It is revealed to Abraham by night (Genesis 21:14), that compliance with Sarah’s demand will be overruled to fulfil the destiny of Hagar’s child. The Israelite tradition, according to the comparatively low moral standard of its time, especially in connexion with the conditions of slave concubinage and its domestic results, attributed to the voice of God a command that in our ears sounds unfeeling and cruel. in Isaac shall thy seed be called] Lit. “in Isaac shall seed be called to thee.” LXX ἐνἸσαὰκκληθήσεταίσοισπέρμα, which is quoted in Romans 9:7 and Hebrews 11:18. The meaning is that in Isaac and in his descendants Abraham will have those who will be called by his name. Isaac is to be the father of the “children of promise.” He stands, therefore, in the allegory (Galatians 4:27-28), in contrast with him “that was born after the flesh” (i.e. Ishmael). Isaac stands for those “born after the spirit.”

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 21:12

12. In Isaac shall thy seed be called — Literally, In Isaac shall there be called to thee a seed. The meaning evidently is, that the promised seed should spring, not from Ishmael but from Isaac.

Sermons on Genesis 21:12

	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
	(Genesis) Genesis 17:19-27 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abraham and God's promise to him. God assures Abraham that he will have a son, Isaac, and that through him, a great nation will
	The Heavenly Man as the Instrument of the Eternal Purpose by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the dual nature of Christ as both the personal and corporate Heavenly Man, revealing how the Church, though incomplete in time, is viewed by God as perf
	The Failure of Christ by Paris Reidhead	Paris Reidhead's sermon 'The Failure of Christ' reflects on Jesus' lament over Jerusalem, emphasizing His desire to gather His people under His wings, yet they refused. He illustra
	The Majesty of Our God by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, Dave Wilkerson and his wife discuss the power of experiencing God's presence firsthand rather than just watching it in films or hearing about it in class. They anno
	A Celebration of Baptism by John Piper	John Piper delves into the significance of Christian baptism, tracing its origins from John the Baptist to Jesus and the early church. He emphasizes that baptism symbolizes repenta
	God's Sovereignty by Zac Poonen	Zac Poonen emphasizes God's sovereignty in His choices, illustrating this through the examples of Abraham's sons, Isaac and Ishmael, and Jacob and Esau, as well as Moses and Pharao