Genesis 21:18
Genesis 21:18 in Multiple Translations
Get up, lift up the boy, and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.”
Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation.
Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thy hand; for I will make him a great nation.
Come, take your child in your arms, for I will make of him a great nation.
Get up, go over and help the boy up, and encourage him, for I will make him into a great nation.”
Arise, take vp the childe, and holde him in thine hand: for I will make of him a great people.
rise, lift up the youth, and lay hold on him with thy hand, for for a great nation I set him.'
Get up, lift up the boy, and hold him with your hand. For I will make him a great nation.”
Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thy hand: for I will make him a great nation.
Arise, take up the boy, and hold him by the hand: for I will make him a great nation.
Help your son up, and hold his hand as you leave, because I will cause his descendants to become a great nation.”
Go and take care of him. Listen, I will give him a big family, and they will become a great nation.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 21:18
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 21:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ק֚וּמִי
שְׂאִ֣י
אֶת
הַ/נַּ֔עַר
וְ/הַחֲזִ֥יקִי
אֶת
יָדֵ֖/ךְ
בּ֑/וֹ
כִּֽי
לְ/ג֥וֹי
גָּד֖וֹל
אֲשִׂימֶֽ/נּוּ
ק֚וּמִי
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
שְׂאִ֣י
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/נַּ֔עַר
naʻar
H5288
youth
Art | N-ms
וְ/הַחֲזִ֥יקִי
châzaq
H2388
to strengthen
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2fs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יָדֵ֖/ךְ
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs | Suff
בּ֑/וֹ
Prep | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לְ/ג֥וֹי
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
Prep | N-ms
גָּד֖וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Adj
אֲשִׂימֶֽ/נּוּ
sûwm
H7760
to set
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 21:18
ק֚וּמִי
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
שְׂאִ֣י
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
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.
הַ/נַּ֔עַר
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/הַחֲזִ֥יקִי
châzaq
H2388
"to strengthen"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2fs
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
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.
יָדֵ֖/ךְ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
בּ֑/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
כִּֽי
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.
לְ/ג֥וֹי
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
גָּד֖וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
אֲשִׂימֶֽ/נּוּ
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
Study Notes — Genesis 21:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 21:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 21:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 21:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 21:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 21:18
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 21:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 21:18
- Sermons on Genesis 21:18
Context — Sarah Turns against Hagar
16Then she went off and sat down nearby, about a bowshot away, for she said, “I cannot bear to watch the boy die!” And as she sat nearby, she lifted up her voice and wept.
17Then 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.
18Get up, lift up the boy, and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.”
19Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink. 20And God was with the boy, and he grew up and settled in the wilderness and became a great archer.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 21:13 | But I will also make a nation of the slave woman’s son, because he is your offspring.” |
| 2 | Genesis 16:10 | Then the angel added, “I will greatly multiply your offspring so that they will be too numerous to count.” |
| 3 | 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. |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 1:29–31 | These are their genealogies: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These were the sons of Ishmael. |
| 5 | 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. |
Genesis 21:18 Summary
In Genesis 21:18, God promises Hagar that He will make her son Ishmael into a great nation. This shows that God cares about everyone, not just the people He has chosen for a special purpose, and that He wants to bless and multiply all nations (as seen in Genesis 12:3 and Psalm 67:2). God's promise to Hagar and Ishmael demonstrates His faithfulness and love for those who are often overlooked or marginalized. By trusting in God's promises, like Hagar did, we can have hope and confidence in His goodness and sovereignty, even when our circumstances seem uncertain or difficult, as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is speaking to Hagar in Genesis 21:18?
The angel of God is speaking to Hagar, as indicated in Genesis 21:17, and it is through this angel that God is promising to make Ishmael into a great nation.
What does it mean for God to make Ishmael into a great nation?
This promise refers to the future descendants of Ishmael, who would become a numerous and significant people, as seen in the fulfillment of this promise in Genesis 25:12-18 and Genesis 37:27-28.
Why does God intervene on behalf of Hagar and Ishmael?
God intervenes because He hears the voice of the boy, Ishmael, as stated in Genesis 21:17, demonstrating His care and concern for all people, regardless of their circumstances or background, as also seen in Psalm 145:9 and Matthew 10:29-31.
How does this verse relate to God's overall plan of salvation?
This verse shows God's sovereignty and care for all nations, including those not directly part of the lineage of Jesus Christ, highlighting His desire for all people to come to know Him, as expressed in Genesis 12:3 and Acts 10:34-35.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's character, particularly in how He responds to those in need?
- How does the promise to make Ishmael into a great nation reflect God's faithfulness to His promises, as seen in other parts of Scripture like Genesis 12:2-3 and Genesis 15:5?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of God's care for the marginalized, as seen in His treatment of Hagar and Ishmael, to my own life and interactions with others?
- How does this verse encourage me to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even in difficult or uncertain circumstances, as expressed in Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:18
Arise, lift up the lad,.... She had set herself down at some distance, and now she is bid to rise up and go to the place where she had left her son, and raise aim up from the ground, on which he lay
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 21:18
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 21:18
i.e. Support or sustain thy languishing child with thy hand; for I will bless him, and thy care shall not be in vain.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 21:18
Genesis 21:18 Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation.Ver. 18. For I will make him a great nation.] A nation by himself, as he had promised to Abraham. This had not come to pass, had not she missed her way to Egypt, and wandered in this wilderness. God, by his providence, ordereth our disorders to his own glory. Divinum consilium dum devitatur, impletur: Humana sapientia dum reluctatur, comprehenditur. Gregor.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 21:18
(18) Hold him in thine hand.—Literally, strengthen thine hand in him, hold him firmly. As Jerome remarks, the boy thus going hand in hand with his mother must have been her companion in her journey, and not a burden upon her shoulder. We must add that the words do not refer to what she was to do immediately, but to the future. She was not simply to lead him to the water, but to be his brave and faithful protector, such as we learn that she really became.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 21:18
18. a great nation] Cf. Genesis 21:13 and Genesis 16:10.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 21:18
18. Hold him in thine hand — Hebrews, make fast thy hand in him. She must not cast him off, but go and take hold of his hand again, and take firm hold, confident that the old promise (Genesis 16:10-12) will be kept.
Sermons on Genesis 21:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |
|
(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 |
|
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 |