BSBKJVWEBYLTASVBBEWMBT4TDBY|HymnsMusicDonate
Menu
Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Genesis 21  › Genesis 21:21

Genesis 21:21

← Genesis 21:20 Genesis 21:22 →

Genesis 21:21 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And while he was dwelling in the Wilderness of Paran, his mother got a wife for him from the land of Egypt.

King James Version KJV

And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran: and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Egypt.

American Standard Version ASV

And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran: and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Egypt.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And while he was in the waste land of Paran, his mother got him a wife from the land of Egypt.

Free Bible Version FBV

He lived in the Desert of Paran. His mother chose a wife for him from the land of Egypt.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And he dwelt in the wildernesse of Paran, and his mother tooke him a wife out of the land of Egypt.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and he dwelleth in the wilderness of Paran, and his mother taketh for him a wife from the land of Egypt.

World English Bible WEB

He lived in the wilderness of Paran. His mother got a wife for him out of the land of Egypt.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran: and his mother took for him a wife out of the land of Egypt.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And he dwelt in the wilderness of Pharan, and his mother took a wife for him out of the land of Egypt.

Translation for Translators T4T

He lived in Paran Desert. While e was there, Hagar got a wife for him from Egypt.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 21:21

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 21:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֵּ֖שֶׁב בְּ/מִדְבַּ֣ר פָּארָ֑ן וַ/תִּֽקַּֽח ל֥/וֹ אִמּ֛/וֹ אִשָּׁ֖ה מֵ/אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם
וַ/יֵּ֖שֶׁב yâshab H3427 to dwell Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּ/מִדְבַּ֣ר midbâr H4057 mouth Prep | N-ms
פָּארָ֑ן Pâʼrân H6290 Paran N-proper
וַ/תִּֽקַּֽח lâqach H3947 to take Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
ל֥/וֹ Prep | Suff
אִמּ֛/וֹ ʼêm H517 mother N-fs | Suff
אִשָּׁ֖ה ʼishshâh H802 woman N-fs
מֵ/אֶ֥רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Prep | N-cs
מִצְרָֽיִם Mitsrayim H4714 Egypt N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 21:21

וַ/יֵּ֖שֶׁב 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.
בְּ/מִדְבַּ֣ר 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.
פָּארָ֑ן Pâʼrân H6290 "Paran" N-proper
Paran is a desert area in Arabia, mentioned in the Bible as a place the Israelites traveled through during their exodus. It is bounded by Palestine, the wilderness of Etham, and the desert of Sinai.
Definition: § Paran = "place of caverns" wilderness area bounded on the north by Palestine, on the west by the wilderness of Etham, on the south by the desert of Sinai, and on the east by the valley of Arabah; the exodus was through this area and probably all 18 stops were in this area
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Paran. See also: Genesis 21:21; Deuteronomy 1:1; Habakkuk 3:3.
וַ/תִּֽקַּֽח lâqach H3947 "to take" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
ל֥/וֹ "" Prep | Suff
אִמּ֛/וֹ ʼêm H517 "mother" N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.
Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.
אִשָּׁ֖ה ʼishshâh H802 "woman" N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
מֵ/אֶ֥רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
מִצְרָֽיִם Mitsrayim H4714 "Egypt" N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.

Study Notes — Genesis 21:21

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Genesis 26:34–35 When Esau was forty years old, he took as his wives Judith daughter of Beeri the Hittite and Basemath daughter of Elon the Hittite. And they brought grief to Isaac and Rebekah.
2 Genesis 24:3–4 and I will have you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I am dwelling, but will go to my country and my kindred to take a wife for my son Isaac.”
3 Numbers 12:16 After that, the people set out from Hazeroth and camped in the Wilderness of Paran.
4 1 Corinthians 7:38 So then, he who marries the virgin does well, but he who does not marry her does even better.
5 Numbers 10:12 and the Israelites set out from the Wilderness of Sinai, traveling from place to place until the cloud settled in the Wilderness of Paran.
6 1 Samuel 25:1 When Samuel died, all Israel gathered to mourn for him; and they buried him at his home in Ramah. Then David set out and went down to the Wilderness of Paran.
7 Judges 14:2 So he returned and told his father and mother, “I have seen a daughter of the Philistines in Timnah. Now get her for me as a wife.”
8 Genesis 27:46–2 —
9 Numbers 13:26 and they went back to Moses, Aaron, and the whole congregation of Israel in the Wilderness of Paran at Kadesh. They brought back a report for the whole congregation and showed them the fruit of the land.
10 Numbers 13:3 So at the consent of the LORD, Moses sent them out from the Wilderness of Paran. All the men were leaders of the Israelites,

Genesis 21:21 Summary

This verse tells us about Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar, getting married to a woman from Egypt, which his mother arranged for him. It shows that even though Ishmael was not the son of promise, God was still with him and provided for him, as seen in Genesis 21:20. Just like Ishmael, we can trust God to provide for us and guide us in our lives, even when we are not sure what the future holds (Psalm 32:8). This verse reminds us that God cares about every detail of our lives, including our relationships and our daily needs (Matthew 6:33).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Hagar, Ishmael's mother, get a wife for him from Egypt?

Hagar, being from Egypt herself, likely sought a wife from her homeland for her son, following cultural customs and possibly seeking to strengthen family ties, as seen in other biblical examples like Genesis 28:2 where Isaac sends Jacob to find a wife from his relatives.

Is it significant that Ishmael settled in the Wilderness of Paran?

Yes, the Wilderness of Paran is mentioned several times in the Bible, such as in Numbers 10:12 and Deuteronomy 1:19, often in the context of the Israelites' wilderness journeys, indicating it was a known region for nomadic dwelling.

What does this verse reveal about Ishmael's life and character?

This verse suggests that Ishmael grew up and became established in the wilderness, becoming a skilled archer, as mentioned in Genesis 21:20, and that his mother played a significant role in his life, including arranging his marriage.

How does this event relate to God's larger plan?

While this specific event may seem like a personal family matter, it is part of the larger narrative of God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants, as outlined in Genesis 12:1-3 and Galatians 3:8, showing how God works through the lives of individuals and families to fulfill His promises.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean for you to trust God with the details of your life, just as Hagar trusted God to provide for her and Ishmael in the wilderness?
  2. How can you, like Ishmael, use your skills and talents for God's glory, whether that be in a specific vocation or in your daily interactions with others?
  3. In what ways can you seek to honor your family and cultural heritage while still following God's leading in your life, as Ishmael's marriage to an Egyptian woman might suggest?
  4. What does this verse teach you about the importance of family and community in your walk with God, and how can you prioritize these relationships?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:21

And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran,.... So called from Paran, a city in Arabia Petraea; it reached from the wilderness of Shur to Mount Sinai: the account Adrichomius (q) gives of it is this;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 21:21

And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran: and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Egypt. Paran.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 21:21

In the wilderness of Paran; in the borders of that wilderness, by comparing , for the innermost parts of it were uninhabitable by men or beasts, as ancient writers note. His mother took him a wife; by which we see both the obligation that lies upon parents, and the right that is invested in them, to dispose of their children in marriage in convenient time. Compare 28:2 . Out of the land of Egypt, rather than out of Canaan, concerning whose accursed state and future destruction she had been informed in Abraham’ s house.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 21:21

Genesis 21:21 And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran: and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Egypt.Ver. 21. And his mother took him a wife.] Adeo est iuris non gentium, sed ipsius naturae, ut parentes matrimonia liberis procurent . Children are a chief part of their parents’ goods; therefore to be disposed of by them in marriage. When Satan had commission to afflict Job in his goods, he fell upon his children. Yet, in the Church of Rome, parents’ consent is not much regarded.

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 21:21

(21) A wife out of the land of Egypt.—However natural this might be on Hagar’s part, it would never theless strengthen the heathen element in Ishmael and his descendants. We find, nevertheless, that he was subsequently on friendly terms with Isaac (Genesis 25:9; Genesis 28:8-9). For Paran, see Genesis 14:6.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 21:21

Verse 21. He dwelt in the wilderness of Paran] This is generally allowed to have been a part of the desert belonging to Arabia Petraea, in the vicinity of Mount Sinai; and this seems to be its uniform meaning in the sacred writings.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 21:21

21. the wilderness of Paran] Mentioned in Numbers 10:12; Numbers 12:16; Numbers 13:3. It seems to have been the wild mountainous country south and east of Kadesh, and west of Edom, the modern et-Tih. out of the land of Egypt] Hagar herself was an Egyptian, cf. Genesis 16:1. For the parent taking a wife for the son, cf. Genesis 24:3; Genesis 34:4; Genesis 38:6; Judges 14:2. The preliminary steps for a marriage are taken by the parents of the parties; here, in the absence of the father, the mother selects the bride.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 21:21

21. The wilderness of Paran — The great central region of the Sinaitic peninsula, now known as the desert et-Tih.

Sermons on Genesis 21:21

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 26:18-35 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of studying and understanding the word of God. He compares the impact of water in a desert to the transformative power of the
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 33:18-20 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker discusses the sad and sordid chapter in the life of Jacob, who is now known as Israel. Jacob's life reflects a growth and development in his relationshi
David Platt The Glory of God - Part 1 by David Platt This sermon emphasizes the importance of praising the Lord from the heavens to the earth, calling all creation to worship Him. It delves into the purpose of glorifying God in our l
Leonard Ravenhill I Have Appeared Unto Thee - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a man named Jack Brown who sells newspapers in the rain. One day, a wealthy man in a Rolls Royce approaches Jack and reveals that h
Vincent G. Artese The Sin That Keeps Us Out of the Promise Land by Vincent G. Artese In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not hesitating or delaying when it comes to following God's will. He uses the example of the Israelites in the Bible who he
← Genesis 21:20 Genesis 21:22 →

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate