Genesis 21:11
Genesis 21:11 in Multiple Translations
Now this matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son Ishmael.
And the thing was very grievous in Abraham’s sight because of his son.
And the thing was very grievous in Abraham’s sight on account of his son.
And this was a great grief to Abraham because of his son.
Abraham felt very bad about it because Ishmael was his son.
And this thing was very grieuous in Abrahams sight, because of his sonne.
And the thing is very wrong in the eyes of Abraham, for his son's sake;
The thing was very grievous in Abraham’s sight on account of his son.
And the thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight, because of his son.
Abraham took this grievously for his son.
Abraham was very distressed about the matter, because he was concerned about his son Ishmael.
Abraham was really upset by what Sarah said. Ishmael was his son, so Abraham reckoned it was wrong to send him away.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 21:11
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 21:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּ֧רַע
הַ/דָּבָ֛ר
מְאֹ֖ד
בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י
אַבְרָהָ֑ם
עַ֖ל
אוֹדֹ֥ת
בְּנֽ/וֹ
וַ/יֵּ֧רַע
râʻaʻ
H7489
be evil
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/דָּבָ֛ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-ms
מְאֹ֖ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd
אַבְרָהָ֑ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
Abraham
N-proper
עַ֖ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
אוֹדֹ֥ת
ʼôwdôwth
H182
because
N-fp
בְּנֽ/וֹ
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
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 21:11
וַ/יֵּ֧רַע
râʻaʻ
H7489
"be evil"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-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.
הַ/דָּבָ֛ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Art | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
מְאֹ֖ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd
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.
אַבְרָהָ֑ם
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.
עַ֖ל
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.
אוֹדֹ֥ת
ʼôwdôwth
H182
"because"
N-fp
This Hebrew word means because or on account of, referring to a cause or reason for something. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in Genesis and Isaiah. It helps explain why something happens.
Definition: 1) cause 1a) cause, reason for 1b) the occasion of
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: (be-) cause, concerning, sake. See also: Genesis 21:11; Numbers 13:24; Jeremiah 3:8.
בְּנֽ/וֹ
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
Study Notes — Genesis 21:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 21:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 21:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 21:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 21:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 21:11
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 21:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 21:11
- Sermons on Genesis 21:11
Context — Sarah Turns against Hagar
9But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking her son,
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.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 12:11 | No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it. |
| 2 | Genesis 17:18 | And Abraham said to God, “O that Ishmael might live under Your blessing!” |
| 3 | Matthew 10:37 | Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; |
| 4 | Genesis 22:1–2 | Some time later God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he answered. “Take your son,” God said, “your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.” |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 18:33 | The king was shaken and went up to the gate chamber and wept. And as he walked, he cried out, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!” |
Genesis 21:11 Summary
[This verse shows that Abraham loved his son Ishmael and was upset about the situation with him, as seen in Genesis 21:11. Abraham's love for his children is an example of the importance of family and relationships in our lives, as also taught in Ephesians 6:1-4. However, it also highlights the need to trust in God's plan and sovereignty, even when it's difficult or requires sacrifice, as seen in Genesis 22:1-14 and Romans 8:28. By trusting in God, we can find peace and guidance in challenging situations, just like Abraham did.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Abraham distressed about the situation with Ishmael?
Abraham was distressed because the situation concerned his son Ishmael, whom he loved, as seen in Genesis 21:11. This shows the depth of Abraham's love and care for his children, as also mentioned in Genesis 17:18 where he prayed for Ishmael to be blessed by God.
How did Abraham's feelings towards Ishmael relate to his faith in God?
Abraham's feelings towards Ishmael demonstrate his humanity and the challenges of balancing his love for his family with his obedience to God, as seen in Genesis 21:11 and Genesis 22:2 where he is asked to sacrifice Isaac.
What can we learn from Abraham's emotional response to the situation?
We can learn that even in difficult situations, our emotions are valid, but we must also trust in God's sovereignty and guidance, as Abraham did when he ultimately obeyed God's instructions regarding Ishmael and Isaac, in Genesis 21:12-13.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of faith and family in the Bible?
This verse highlights the complexities of family relationships and the need to trust in God's plan, as seen in other biblical accounts such as Jacob and Esau in Genesis 25:23, and the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God above all else, as taught in Matthew 10:37.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can demonstrate love and care for my family, while also trusting in God's sovereignty?
- How can I balance my emotional responses to challenging situations with my faith in God's guidance and provision?
- In what ways can I prioritize my relationship with God, even when it's difficult or requires sacrifice, as Abraham did in Genesis 22:1-14?
- What can I learn from Abraham's example about trusting in God's promises and plans, even when they are difficult to understand or accept?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:11
And the thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight,.... The motion that Sarah made to turn out of his house Hagar and Ishmael was not agreeable to him, but the reverse; it seemed an ill thing to him;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 21:11
And the thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight because of his son. The thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight because of his son. The parental feelings must have been sadly harrowed by the prospect of ejecting Ishmael.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 21:11
Because of his tender affection to him, and God’ s promise concerning him. See ,20. He who cheerfully parted with Isaac, was hardly brought to part with Ishmael, because the former was done by God’ s command, which he was obliged to obey; the latter by the passion of an enraged woman, wherewith he thought not fit to comply; and probably he had denied her desire if God had not interposed in it. He doth not say because of his wife; from whence may be gathered, either that Hagar was not properly his wife, or that this was another of Abraham’ s infirmities, that he had not that affection for her which he should have had. Whereby we may also see the excellency of God’ s institutions, who appointed but one woman for one man, that each might have the entire interest in the other’ s affections; and the danger of men’ s inventions, which brought polygamy into the world, whereby a man’ s affections are divided into several, and sometimes contrary streams.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 21:11
Genesis 21:11 And the thing was very grievous in Abraham’ s sight because of his son.Ver. 11. And the thing was very grievous, &c.] See, there is grief sometimes between the best couples as above said. But why was it so grievous to cast out Ishmael, when in the next chapter, it seems no such grief to him to slay Isaac? Surely for that, here, he hears only his wife’ s voice: there he well understood it to be the will of God. Veniat, veniat verbum Domini, et submittemus illi, sexcenta si nobis essent colla , said that reverend Dutchman. When Abraham came to know it was God’ s will as well as Sarah’ s, he soon yielded. Baldassar in Epist. ad Oecolamp.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 21:11
(11) The thing was very grievous in Abraham’s sight.—Heb., the word (or matter) was evil exceedingly in Abraham’s eyes. It was not merely painful to him because of his natural affection for Ishmael (Genesis 17:18), but he also thought the proposal unjust.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 21:11
11. And the thing was very grievous] Lit. “was very evil,” or “ill.” Abraham was displeased, because he loved his son. Sarah’s suggestion, however, was in accord with the prevalent harsh treatment of slaves. Abraham raises no objection on the grounds of common humanity, honour, or reason, to the proposal to expel Ishmael and Hagar.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 21:11
11. Very grievous — Abraham’s affection for Ishmael was very strong, as may be seen from Genesis 17:18, and the promise of Gen 17:20; and he was, therefore, not disposed at this time to yield to Sarah’s word.
Sermons on Genesis 21:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Hebrews - Part 17): Faithful in Truth and Love by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of Christians actively engaging in their faith. He criticizes those who are hesitant to put effort into their Christianity, c |
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(Hebrews - Part 42): Discipleship by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of discipleship and the discipline of the cross in preparing believers for heaven. He explains that God puts us under discipli |
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(Hebrews - Part 43): The Justice of God on the Side of the Sinner by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Hebrews 12:11, which talks about the temporary pain of chastening but the ultimate fruit of righteousness that it produces. The preacher emp |
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(Genesis) Genesis 39:21-23 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Joseph from the Bible. He highlights how despite the challenging circumstances Joseph faced, the Lord was with him and showed h |
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America's Last Call (Part 6 of 6) by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing their devotion to Jesus and thanking Him for His faithfulness and love. They then discuss the arrogance, greed, and covetousness t |
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(Godly Home) Part 12 - a Sacred Exercise by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, Brother Denny discusses the topic of discipline and its importance in raising children. He emphasizes the need to approach discipline with a spirit of love and comp |
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Bearing Fruit - Part 3 by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the reality of trials, tribulations, and persecution that believers may face, contrary to the false teachings of prosperity and guaranteed healing. It highli |