Genesis 21:13
Genesis 21:13 in Multiple Translations
But I will also make a nation of the slave woman’s son, because he is your offspring.”
And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.
And also of the son of the handmaid will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.
And I will make a nation of the son of your servant-woman, because he is your seed.
Don't worry—I will also make the son of the slave woman into a nation because he's your son.”
As for the sonne of the bond woman, I will make him a nation also, because he is thy seede.
As to the son of the handmaid also, for a nation I set him, because he [is] thy seed.'
I will also make a nation of the son of the servant, because he is your child.”
And also of the son of the bond-woman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.
But I will make the son also of the bondwoman a great nation, because he is thy seed.
But I will also cause the son of your maidservant to be the ancestor of the people of a great nation [MTY], because he is also your son.”
Don’t worry, I will give Ishmael a big family too. Later on, his family will grow into a big nation. I will do that for him, because he is your son too.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 21:13
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 21:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/גַ֥ם
אֶת
בֶּן
הָ/אָמָ֖ה
לְ/ג֣וֹי
אֲשִׂימֶ֑/נּוּ
כִּ֥י
זַרְעֲ/ךָ֖
הֽוּא
וְ/גַ֥ם
gam
H1571
also
Conj | DirObjM
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
הָ/אָמָ֖ה
ʼâmâh
H519
maidservant
Art | N-fs
לְ/ג֣וֹי
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
Prep | N-ms
אֲשִׂימֶ֑/נּוּ
sûwm
H7760
to set
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
זַרְעֲ/ךָ֖
zeraʻ
H2233
seed
N-ms | Suff
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
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 21:13
וְ/גַ֥ם
gam
H1571
"also"
Conj | DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
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.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
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.
הָ/אָמָ֖ה
ʼâmâh
H519
"maidservant"
Art | N-fs
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.
לְ/ג֣וֹי
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.
אֲשִׂימֶ֑/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.
כִּ֥י
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.
זַרְעֲ/ךָ֖
zeraʻ
H2233
"seed"
N-ms | Suff
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.
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
Study Notes — Genesis 21:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 21:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 21:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 21:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 21:13
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 21:13
- Sermons on Genesis 21:13
Context — Sarah Turns against Hagar
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. 15When the water in the skin was gone, she left the boy under one of the bushes.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 16:10 | Then the angel added, “I will greatly multiply your offspring so that they will be too numerous to count.” |
| 2 | 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. |
| 3 | Genesis 21:18 | Get up, lift up the boy, and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.” |
| 4 | 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 21:13 Summary
[This verse, Genesis 21:13, tells us that God promised to make a nation of Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar, because he was Abraham's offspring. This shows that God is faithful to His promises, even when they seem unlikely or unexpected, as seen in Genesis 17:20 and Genesis 18:14. In simple terms, God is saying that He will bless and multiply Ishmael's descendants, just as He will bless and multiply Isaac's descendants, as seen in Genesis 12:2-3 and Genesis 22:17. This verse reminds us that God's plan is bigger than just one family or group, and that He is working out His purposes in the lives of all people.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God choose to make a nation of Ishmael, the son of the slave woman Hagar?
God chose to make a nation of Ishmael because he was the son of Abraham, and as such, he was Abraham's offspring, as stated in Genesis 21:13. This is also seen in Genesis 17:20, where God promises to make Ishmael a great nation.
Is Ishmael's nation separate from the nation of Israel?
Yes, Ishmael's nation is separate from the nation of Israel, as God makes clear in Genesis 21:12, where He distinguishes between the offspring of Isaac and Ishmael. This distinction is also seen in Romans 9:6-8, where Paul explains that not all of Abraham's descendants are children of God.
What can we learn from God's promise to make a nation of Ishmael?
We can learn that God is faithful to His promises, even when they seem unlikely or unexpected, as seen in Genesis 21:13. This is also demonstrated in Genesis 18:14, where God says that nothing is too difficult for Him.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of Abraham and his family?
This verse is part of the larger story of Abraham's family, where God is working out His plan to create a people for Himself, as seen in Genesis 12:2-3. This verse shows that God's plan is not limited to just one family or group, but is more expansive, including the descendants of Ishmael as well.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's character, particularly in relation to His promises and faithfulness?
- How does this verse challenge or comfort me in my own life, particularly in regards to God's plan for my family or community?
- What can I learn from Abraham's response to God's promise, and how can I apply that to my own life?
- In what ways can I see God's hand at work in the lives of those around me, even if they are not part of my immediate family or community?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:13
And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation,.... A great nation, as is promised, Genesis 17:20; and such the Ishmaelites and Saracens have been, and the Turks now are, the descendants of Ishmael.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 21:13
And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed. Also of the son of the bond-woman wlll I make a nation.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 21:13
Genesis 21:13 And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he [is] thy seed.Ver. 13. Because he is thy seed.] So bountiful a Master is God, so liberal a Lord, that he blesseth his servants in their seed too. We count it a great favour if an earthly lord give an old servant a country cottage, with some small annuity for life; but God’ s love extends beyond life; as David’ s love to Jonathan preserves Mephibosheth from the gallows, yea, promoteth him to a princely allowance, and respect at court. Your children shall find and feel it, double and treble, said that martyr, whatsoever you do or suffer for the Lord’ s sake. Act. and Mon., fol. 1481.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 21:13
(13) The son of the bondwoman.—Heb., of the handmaid. Hagar is never acknowledged as Abraham’s wife, though her child, as Abraham’s son, receives a noble promise for the father’s sake.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 21:13
13. a nation] Cf. Genesis 16:10, Genesis 17:20. The LXX and the Sam. read “a great nation.”
Sermons on Genesis 21:13
| 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 |
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(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 |
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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 |