Genesis 21:20
Genesis 21:20 in Multiple Translations
And God was with the boy, and he grew up and settled in the wilderness and became a great archer.
And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer.
And God was with the lad, and he grew; and he dwelt in the wilderness, and became, as he grew up, an archer.
And God was with the boy, and he became tall and strong, and he became a bowman, living in the waste land.
God blessed Ishmael and he grew up, living in the desert. He became a skilled archer.
So God was with the childe, and he grewe and dwelt in the wildernesse, and was an archer.
and God is with the youth, and he groweth, and dwelleth in the wilderness, and is an archer;
God was with the boy, and he grew. He lived in the wilderness, and as he grew up, he became an archer.
And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer.
And God was with him: and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became a young man, an archer.
God helped the boy as he grew up. He lived in the desert and became a good ◄archer/man who hunts with bow and arrows►.
God kept Ishmael safe as he grew up in the desert called Paran. He learned how to use a bow and arrows properly, so he became a good hunter. And later on, Hagar got a wife for him from Egypt country.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 21:20
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 21:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֧י
אֱלֹהִ֛ים
אֶת
הַ/נַּ֖עַר
וַ/יִּגְדָּ֑ל
וַ/יֵּ֨שֶׁב֙
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֔ר
וַ/יְהִ֖י
רֹבֶ֥ה
קַשָּֽׁת
וַ/יְהִ֧י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֱלֹהִ֛ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
הַ/נַּ֖עַר
naʻar
H5288
youth
Art | N-ms
וַ/יִּגְדָּ֑ל
gâdal
H1431
to magnify
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
וַ/יֵּ֨שֶׁב֙
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֔ר
midbâr
H4057
mouth
Prep | N-ms
וַ/יְהִ֖י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
רֹבֶ֥ה
râbâh
H7235
to multiply
V-Qal
קַשָּֽׁת
qashshâth
H7199
bowman
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 21:20
וַ/יְהִ֧י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
אֱלֹהִ֛ים
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.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
הַ/נַּ֖עַר
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.
וַ/יִּגְדָּ֑ל
gâdal
H1431
"to magnify"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To make something or someone great, important, or powerful. This Hebrew word means to magnify or grow, and is used in the Bible to describe God's power and greatness. The KJV translates it as 'magnify' or 'great'.
Definition: 1) to grow, become great or important, promote, make powerful, praise, magnify, do great things 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to grow up 1a2) to become great 1a3) to be magnified 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cause to grow 1b2) to make great, powerful 1b3) to magnify 1c) (Pual) to be brought up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to make great 1d2) to magnify 1d3) to do great things 1e) (Hithpael) to magnify oneself
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: advance, boast, bring up, exceed, excellent, be(-come, do, give, make, wax), great(-er, come to... estate, [phrase] things), grow(up), increase, lift up, magnify(-ifical), be much set by, nourish (up), pass, promote, proudly (spoken), tower. See also: Genesis 12:2; Psalms 35:27; Psalms 18:51.
וַ/יֵּ֨שֶׁב֙
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֔ר
midbâr
H4057
"mouth"
Prep | N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
וַ/יְהִ֖י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
רֹבֶ֥ה
râbâh
H7235
"to multiply"
V-Qal
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.
קַשָּֽׁת
qashshâth
H7199
"bowman"
N-ms
A bowman is a person skilled in using a bow and arrow, often referring to a soldier or warrior. In the Bible, bowmen are mentioned in various battles and wars.
Definition: bowman, archer
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] archer. r See also: Genesis 21:20.
Study Notes — Genesis 21:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 21:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 21:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 21:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 21:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 21:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 21:20
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 21:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 21:20
- Sermons on Genesis 21:20
Context — Sarah Turns against Hagar
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.
21And while he was dwelling in the Wilderness of Paran, his mother got a wife for him from the land of Egypt. 22At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, “God is with you in all that you do.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 28:15 | Look, I am with you, and I will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” |
| 2 | Genesis 39:21 | the LORD was with him and extended kindness to him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. |
| 3 | Genesis 16:12 | He 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.” |
| 4 | 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. |
| 5 | Genesis 39:2–3 | And the LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and made him prosper in all he did, |
| 6 | Judges 6:12 | And the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon and said, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.” |
| 7 | Judges 13:24–25 | So the woman gave birth to a son and named him Samson. The boy grew, and the LORD blessed him. And the Spirit of the LORD began to stir him at Mahaneh-dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol. |
| 8 | Genesis 49:23–24 | The archers attacked him with bitterness; they aimed at him in hostility. Yet he steadied his bow, and his strong arms were tempered by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob, in the name of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, |
| 9 | Luke 1:80 | And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until the time of his public appearance to Israel. |
| 10 | Genesis 10:9 | He was a mighty hunter before the LORD; so it is said, “Like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before the LORD.” |
Genesis 21:20 Summary
[This verse tells us that God was with Ishmael, which means He was guiding and protecting him. It's like when God says in Psalm 23:4 that He is with us, even in the darkest valley. Just like Ishmael, we can trust that God will help us and be with us, no matter what we're going through. And just as God helped Ishmael become a great archer, He can help us develop our own skills and talents to serve Him and others.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God was with the boy in Genesis 21:20?
It means that God was guiding, protecting, and providing for Ishmael, just as He promises to do for all who trust in Him (Psalm 23:4, Matthew 28:20).
Why did Ishmael become a great archer?
The Bible doesn't specifically say why Ishmael became a great archer, but it may have been a way for him to provide for himself and his family in the wilderness, as well as a skill that would be useful for defense (Genesis 21:21, 2 Samuel 1:18).
Is this verse saying that God only helps those who are skilled or talented?
No, this verse is saying that God is with those who are His, and He helps and guides them regardless of their skills or talents (Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 29:11).
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of Ishmael?
This verse shows how God was faithful to His promise to make Ishmael into a great nation, despite the challenges and difficulties he faced (Genesis 17:20, Genesis 21:18).
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can trust God to be with me, even in difficult or challenging situations?
- How can I use my skills and talents to serve God and others, like Ishmael used his archery skills?
- What does it mean for God to 'be with' someone, and how can I experience that in my own life?
- How can I have faith that God will provide for me, even when I'm not sure what the future holds?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:20
And God was with the lad,.... To confirm his health, to provide for him the necessaries of life, to protect him from danger in the wilderness where he was, and to prosper and succeed him in temporal
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 21:20
And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer. He grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 21:20
i.e. A skilful hunter of beasts, and warrior with men too, according to the prediction, . For the bow was a principal instrument in war, as well as in hunting, 49:23,24. And these two professions oft went together. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 21:20
Genesis 21:20 And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer.Ver. 20. And God was with the lad, &c.] The fountain of Hagar, saith a divine, lying between Bared and Kadesh Barnea, was afterwards called the well of the living God; and seemeth mystically to represent baptism, the laver of regeneration. For the Church, like Hagar with her son Ishmael, travelling through the wilderness of this world, is pressed with a multitude of sins and miseries, &c. Wherefore they, joining together in prayer, crave to be refreshed with the water of life. For Hagar signifieth a pilgrim. Ishmael, a man whom the Lord heareth; who, travelling together with his mother the Church in this world, fighteth against the enemies thereof, and shooteth the arrows of faith against all infernal and cruel beasts and lusts. Thus he. Itinerar. Script., fol. 95.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 21:20
(20) He grew.—Literally, became great, that is, grew to manhood. And dwelt in the wilderness.—He sought no refuge in Egypt, where so large a Semitic population was gathering, nor in any Canaanite town, but took to the wandering life in the desert, such as is still usual with the Arabs. An archer.—Heb., a shooter of bowshots. Another explanation, from a verb signifying to multiply, or be great, is not tenable.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 21:20
Verse 20. Became an archer.] And by his skill in this art, under the continual superintendence of the Divine Providence, (for God was with the lad,) he was undoubtedly enabled to procure a sufficient supply for his own wants and those of his parent.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 21:20
20. God was with the lad] Cf. 22, Genesis 26:3, Genesis 39:2. became an archer] R.V. marg. rightly, became, as he grew up, an archer. Lat. factusque est juvenis Sagittarius. His descendants were famous in later times for their skill in the use of the bow (cf. Isaiah 21:17). Cf. Jetur the son of Ishmael (Genesis 25:15), the reputed ancestor of the Ituraeans.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 21:20
20. God was with the lad — A divine providence watched over and cared for him, although he passed outside the chosen household of Jehovah’s covenant. He grew — There was room for this, for as yet he was but an undeveloped lad.
Sermons on Genesis 21:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Man Who Lived on Promises by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his son breaking his leg while being heroic at a low-budget camp. He emphasizes that explanations don't make us feel bette |
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Genesis #19 Ch. 29:31 - Ch. 31:14 the Sons of Israel by Chuck Missler | In this 19th study in the book of Genesis, Chuck Misler discusses Genesis chapter 29, verse 31, through chapter 31, verse 14. He begins by sharing an anecdote about meeting Malcolm |
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Jesus, the Ladder to Heaven by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob's encounter with God at a seemingly desolate place. Jacob, feeling homesick and lonely, finds himself in a situation where |
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May the Lord Give You a Full Reward by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of receiving and showing kindness. He references the story of Ruth and Boaz, highlighting Ruth's choice to be kind even when |
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(Genesis) Genesis 27-28:15 by Joe Focht | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing Jesus Christ personally rather than just knowing about Him. He shares his own experience of growing up in the churc |
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Measured by Years by Welcome Detweiler | The sermon transcript discusses the importance of accepting Jesus Christ as one's Savior. It emphasizes that our own strength and efforts cannot validate our salvation, but rather |
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Sunday Night Meditations 11 Message and Song - 1950's by Welcome Detweiler | The sermon transcript emphasizes the importance of being still and experiencing the overflowing love of Christ. It warns against living a life without God and the dissatisfaction i |