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Genesis 16:15 — Word Study

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WLCוַתֵּ֧לֶד הָגָ֛ר לְאַבְרָ֖ם בֵּ֑ן וַיִּקְרָ֨א אַבְרָ֧ם שֶׁם־ בְּנ֛וֹ אֲשֶׁר־ יָלְדָ֥ה הָגָ֖ר יִשְׁמָעֵֽאל׃

BSAAnd HagarHâgâr [the Egyptian slave girl, mother of Ishmael] boreyâlad [gave birth to, beget] AbramʼAbrâm [the original name of Abraham] a sonbên [a male child, descendant] and AbramʼAbrâm gaveqârâʼ [called, named] the nameshêm [identity, character] IshmaelYishmâʻêʼl [God will hear] to the sonbên [male child, descendant] [she]Hâgâr had borneyâlad [given birth to, brought forth]

Word
Listen & take awayGenesis 16
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 15 is in this chapter.
Hebrew ↓ Download MP3 The Masoretic text of this chapter, read aloud. Read by Abraham Shmuelof, courtesy of Audio Scriptures International. Chapter divisions by the Academy of Ancient Languages..
Say the word Each Hebrew word carries its transliteration (yish.ma.'El) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Genesis 16:15quick helps
In a sentenceHagar, the Egyptian slave girl, bore a son for Abram, who named him Ishmael.
Who is speakingThe narrative presents Hagar and Abram in a pivotal moment of family lineage.
Where we areThis verse is part of the account detailing the birth of Ishmael, highlighting significant family dynamics.
The hard wordיָלַד
Take awayThe act of bearing a child is central to the unfolding story of God's promises.
6 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectהָגָר verbיָלַד The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.

Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.

Deep Study — Genesis 16:15

Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.

Context — The Birth of Ishmaelgenerated

13So Hagar gave this name to the LORD who had spoken to her: “You are the God who sees me, ” for she said, “Here I have seen the One who sees me!”
14Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi. It is located between Kadesh and Bered.
15And Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram gave the name Ishmael to the son she had borne.
16Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to him.

Genesis 16:15 recounts the moment when Hagar, an Egyptian slave, gives birth to Abram's son, Ishmael. This event is significant as it sets the stage for the unfolding of God's covenant with Abram and the lineage that follows. The narrative emphasizes the complexities of family and divine promise, as seen in the surrounding verses, including Genesis 16:13 and Genesis 16:16.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Genesis 16:11The angel of the LORD proceeded: “Behold, you have conceived and will bear a son. And you shall name him Ishmael, for the LORD has heard your cry of affliction.
2Genesis 25:12This is the account of Abraham’s son Ishmael, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s maidservant, bore to Abraham.
31 Chronicles 1:28The sons of Abraham were Isaac and Ishmael.
4Galatians 4:22–23For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman.
5Genesis 17:18–20And Abraham said to God, “O that Ishmael might live under Your blessing!”

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 9 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word יָלַד, va.Te.ledgenerated

The Hebrew word יָלַד (*yalad*) is a verb that means to give birth or beget a child. It encompasses various forms of childbirth and lineage declaration, indicating both the act of giving birth and the role of a midwife. This word appears frequently in the Old Testament, highlighting its importance in genealogical contexts.

In this verse, it signifies Hagar's role in bearing Abram's son, Ishmael, marking a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative. The parsing as a sequential imperfect third person feminine singular indicates that Hagar is actively engaged in the act of giving birth, emphasizing her role in the unfolding story.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb וַתֵּ֧לֶד (*va.Te.led*) governs the sentence, with two clauses following: one detailing the subject, Hagar, and the other indicating Abram's action of naming. This structure emphasizes the sequential actions of bearing and naming, which are central to the narrative.

The sentence's flow highlights the relationship between Hagar's action of bearing a son and Abram's subsequent naming of him, illustrating the significance of lineage and identity in the biblical context.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates יָלַד as ἔτεκεν (*eteken*), which also means 'to bear' or 'to give birth.' This choice reflects a direct correspondence to the Hebrew meaning, indicating a consistent understanding of the event's significance.

The use of ἔτεκεν aligns with the narrative's focus on the act of childbirth, underscoring the importance of Hagar's role in the lineage of Abram.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Genesis 16:15 tells us that Hagar, the Egyptian slave girl, bore a son for Abram, who named him Ishmael. This moment is significant in the biblical story, as it marks the beginning of Ishmael's lineage and sets the stage for future events related to God's promises.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does the name Ishmael mean?

Ishmael means 'God will hear,' reflecting God's awareness of Hagar's plight and the significance of his birth.

Why is Hagar's role important in this narrative?

Hagar's role is crucial as she is the mother of Ishmael, whose lineage plays a significant part in the biblical narrative, particularly in relation to Abram's family.

How does this verse relate to God's promises to Abram?

This verse illustrates the unfolding of God's promises to Abram, as Ishmael's birth is part of the divine plan for Abram's descendants.

What can we learn from Hagar's experience?

Hagar's experience teaches about God's attention to the marginalized and His involvement in the lives of those who may feel overlooked.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What does Ishmael's birth signify in the context of God's promises to Abram?
  2. How can we understand Hagar's role in the narrative of Abram's family?
  3. In what ways does this verse highlight the importance of names in biblical identity?
  4. How does the relationship between Hagar and Abram reflect the complexities of family dynamics in the biblical narrative?

The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it

The early church fathers reference this passage to discuss themes of divine promise and lineage, as seen in the writings of Augustine.

Augustine of HippoThe City of God (Book XV), Chapter 2 354–430
There was indeed on earth, so long as it was needed, a symbol and foreshadowing image of this city, which served the purpose of reminding men that such a city was to be rather than of making it present;
Early Church Fathers on Genesis 16 →

Commentators on this verse — 6 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Genesis 16:15 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

And Hagar bare Abram a son,.... Being returned to his house, and received by him, and reconciled to Sarai, she brought forth a son to Abram, according to the prediction of the angel: and Abram called

Read John Gill on Genesis 16 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son's name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael.

Read Robert Jamieson on Genesis 16 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Hagar bare Abram a son, to wit, after her return and submission to her mistress, which is evident from the following history.

Read Matthew Poole on Genesis 16 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Genesis 16:15 And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son’ s name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael.Ver. 15. Ishmael.] A good name, had he made good use of it, and a great name still among the Persians.

Read John Trapp on Genesis 16 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 15. And Hagar bare Abram a son, c.] It appears, therefore, that Hagar returned at the command of the angel, believing the promise that God had made to her. Called his son's name - Ishmael.] Finding by the account of Hagar, that God had designed that he should be so called. "Ishmael," says Ainsworth, "is the first man in the world whose name was given him of God before he was born." IN the preceding chapter we have a very detailed account of the covenant which God made with Abram, which stated that his seed would possess Canaan and this promise, on the Divine authority, he steadfastly believed, and in simplicity of heart waited for its accomplishment. Sarai was not like minded. As she…

Read AdamClarke on Genesis 16 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

15, 16. The Birth of Ishmael. (P.) These verses are from P, and are inserted in place of J’s account of the birth of Ishmael.

Read Cambridge on Genesis 16 →

The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company

Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.

Modern formal

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

And Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram gave the name Ishmael to the son she had borne.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Hagar bore a son for Abram. Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

And Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram gave the name Ishmael to the son she had borne.

NETBNew English Translation2006

So Hagar gave birth to Abram’s son, whom Abram named Ishmael.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

¶ And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son’s name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bare, Ishmael.

RVARevised Version, American1894

And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called the name of his son, which Hagar bare, Ishmael.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

And Hagar bore Abram a son: and Abram called his son's name, which Hagar bore, Ishmael.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

And Hagar bare Abram a sonne, and Abram called his sonnes name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And Hagar bore Abram a son; and Abram called the name of his son whom Hagar bore, Ishmael.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

And Hagar beareth to Abram a son; and Abram calleth the name of his son, whom Hagar hath borne, Ishmael;

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And Hagar bears a son to Abram; and Abram calls the name of his son, whom Hagar has borne, Ishmael;

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And Hagar bore Abram a son; and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Hagar gave birth to Abram's son, and Abram named his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

And Agar brought forth a son to Abram: who called his name Ismael.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Hagar gave birth to a son for Abram. Abram named his son Ishmael.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

And Hagar gave birth to a child, the son of Abram, to whom Abram gave the name of Ishmael.

Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.


The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank

This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.

וַandclauseverbתֵּ֧לֶדshe.boresubjectהָגָ֛רHagarprepositional phrase · prepositionalלְtoאַבְרָ֖םAbramobjectבֵּ֑ןa.sonוַandclauseverbיִּקְרָ֨אhe.calledsubjectאַבְרָ֧םAbramnoun phrase · objectשֶׁםthe.namenoun phrasenoun phraseבְּנ֛his.sonוֹhisrelpאֲשֶׁרwhomclauseverbיָלְדָ֥הshe.had.bornesubjectהָגָ֖רHagarsecond objectיִשְׁמָעֵֽאלIshmael

Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.


The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran

The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree on the wording of this verse, with the Septuagint providing a direct translation of the Hebrew. The Samaritan Pentateuch differs by including the object marker את, indicating a slight variation in textual tradition.

Masoretic TextLeningrad Codex, c. AD 1008 — the text this page is built on

וַתֵּ֧לֶד הָגָ֛ר לְאַבְרָ֖ם בֵּ֑ן וַיִּקְרָ֨א אַבְרָ֧ם שֶׁם־ בְּנ֛וֹ אֲשֶׁר־ יָלְדָ֥ה הָגָ֖ר יִשְׁמָעֵֽאל׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וַתֵּ֧לֶדἔτεκενהָגָ֛רαγαρלְאַבְרָ֖םαβραμבֵּ֑ןυἱόνוַיִּקְרָ֨אἐκάλεσενאַבְרָ֧םαβραμשֶׁם־ὄνομαבְּנ֛וֹαὐτοῦאֲשֶׁר־ὃνיָלְדָ֥הἔτεκενהָגָ֖רαγαρיִשְׁמָעֵֽאל׃ισμαηλ

12 of the 12 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

Samaritan Pentateuchthe Torah as the Samaritan community kept it

ותלד הגר לאברם בן ויקרא אברם את שׁם בנו אשׁר ילדה הגר ישׁמעאל

1 word differs from the Masoretic Text: את ()

Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.


The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with

This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.

Genesis 16:15יָלַדand she borand she boreיָלַדהָגָרHagarHagarהָגָראַבְרָםto Abramto Abramאַבְרָםבֵּןa sona sonבֵּןקָרָאand he calland he calledקָרָאאַבְרָםAbramAbramאַבְרָםשֵׁם[the] name [the] name ofשֵׁםבֵּןson hisson hisבֵּןאֲשֶׁרwhomwhomאֲשֶׁריָלַדshe had borshe had borneיָלַדהָגָרHagarHagarהָגָריִשְׁמָעֵאלIshmaelIshmaelיִשְׁמָעֵאלאֲבִירָםAbiramAbiramאֲבִירָםבָּנָהto buildto buildבָּנָהשׂוּםto set: mato set: makeשׂוּםשָׁמַעto hear: hto hear: hearשָׁמַעקָרָאto encountto encounter: mקָרָאשֶׁ֫לַחShelahShelahשֶׁ֫לַחהָרָהto conceivto conceiveהָרָהשִׁפְחָהmaidservanmaidservantשִׁפְחָהמִצְרִיEgyptianEgyptianמִצְרִישָׂרַיSaraiSaraiשָׂרַינָחוֹרNahorNahorנָחוֹרעַמּוֹןAmmonAmmonעַמּוֹןרְאוּבֵןReubenReubenרְאוּבֵןצוֹםfastfastצוֹםשֵׁםnamenameשֵׁםקָרָאto call: cto call: call tקָרָאיָדָהto give thto give thanksיָדָהצָוָהto commandto commandצָוָה
meets it a little oftener than chancemeets it far oftener than chancebuilt from the same roottwo words of the verse share ita word of this versea related word

Lexicons — every word in Genesis 16:15

One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.

Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.

and she bore Hagar to Abram a son and he called Abram [the] name of son his whom she had borne Hagar Ishmael
וַתֵּ֧לֶדva.Te.led and she bore H3205 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person feminine singular
496× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Amplified meaning
gave birth to, beget
Tyndale gloss
to beget
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word יָלַד (*yalad*) means to bear, bring forth, or beget, and it encompasses various forms of childbirth and lineage declaration. It can refer to both the act of giving birth and the role of a midwife. The entries also note its use in contexts of distress and wicked behavior, as well as in reference to birthdays.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יָלַד 497 vb. bear, bring forth, beget

Qal

bear, bring forth

less often beget

of both parents

Niph. be born

Pi. cause (or help) to bring forth, viz., assist or tend as midwife

Pu. be born

Hiph.

beget (a father a child)

bear

Hoph. day of one's being born = birthday

Hithp. declared their pedigree

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3205 יָלַד bear, bring forth, beget .. bear, bring forth

. less often beget

. of both parents

. be born

. cause (or help) to bring forth, viz., assist or tend as midwife

. be born

. . beget (a father a child)

. bear

. day of one's being born = birthday

. declared their pedigree

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3205 yalad yaw-lad'

a primitive root; to bear young; causatively, to beget;

medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show

lineage:--bear, beget, birth((-day)), born, (make to) bring

forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be

delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch,

labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be

the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָלַד (ya.lad) — to beget.

1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to bear, bring forth

1a1a) of child birth

1a1b) of distress (simile)

1a1c) of wicked (behaviour)

1a2) to beget

1b) (Niphal) to be born

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to cause or help to bring forth

1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife

1c3) midwife (participle)

1d) (Pual) to be born

1e) (Hiphil)

1e1) to beget (a child)

1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity)

1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive)

1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person feminine singular
Hc/Vqw3fs
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

bor: According to the Book of the Covenant (Ex 20:20-23:33) a slave whom his master had purchased was to be released after six years. Should he choose to remain in his master's service a religious ceremony was necessary to ratify his decision. "Then his master shall bring him unto God" (better than "unto the judges" of the King James Version), "and shall bring him to the door, or unto the doorpost; and his master shall bore his ear through with an awl" (Ex 21:6). It is highly improbable that "unto God" means "to a sanctuary"; for there was no special reason for performing this ceremony near the door of a sanctuary. On the other hand the entrance to a private house was a sacred spot. According to primitive thinking near the door dwelt the household gods whose function it was to…

and she bore Hagar to Abram a son and he called Abram [the] name of son his whom she had borne Hagar Ishmael
הָגָ֛רha.Gar Hagar H1904 Noun proper feminine
12× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Hagar was a slave girl from Egypt who became Abraham's concubine and the mother of Ishmael. Her name means 'flight' and she is an important figure in the book of Genesis, where her story is told in chapters 16 and 21.
Amplified meaning
the Egyptian slave girl, mother of Ishmael
Tyndale gloss
Hagar
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

הָגָר (Hagar) refers to Sarah's Egyptian maid and the mother of Ishmael. The name is associated with the concept of 'flight' and is first mentioned in Genesis 16:1. The lexicons indicate that the derivation of the name is uncertain, possibly foreign, but they consistently identify her role in the biblical narrative.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הָגָר n.pr.f. Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian maid, mother of Ishmael

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1904 הָגָר Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian maid, mother of Ishmael

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1904 Hagar haw-gawr'

of uncertain (perhaps foreign) derivation; Hagar, the mother

of Ishmael:--Hagar.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הָגָר (ha.gar) — Hagar.

A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.16.1; married to Abraham (H0085);

mother of: Ishmael (H3458)

Also named: Agar (Ἄγαρ "Hagar" G0028)

§ Hagar = "flight"

Sarah's Egyptian slave girl, Abraham's concubine, Ishmael's mother

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper feminine
HNpf
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ha'-gar (haghar, "emigration," "flight"; Hagar, Agar): An Egyptian woman, the handmaid or slave of Sarai; a present, perhaps, from Pharaoh when Abram dissembled to him in Egypt (Ge 12:16). Mention is made of her in two passages (Ge 16; 21:8-21).

1. The Scornful Handmaid and Her Flight:

In the first narrative (Ge 16) it is related that Sarai, despairing at her age of having children, gave Hagar to Abram as a concubine. As Hagar was not an ordinary household slave but the peculiar property of her mistress (compare Ge 29:24,29), any offspring which she might bear to Abram would be reckoned as Sarai's (compare Ge 30:3-9). In the prospect of becoming a mother, Hagar, forgetting her position, seems to have assumed an insolent bearing…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Hagar

Flight, or, according to others, stranger, an Egyptian, Sarah’s handmaid (Gen. 16:1; 21:9, 10), whom she gave to Abraham (q.v.) as a secondary wife (16:2). When she was about to become a mother she fled from the cruelty of her mistress, intending apparently to return to her relatives in Egypt, through the desert of Shur, which lay between. Wearied and worn she had reached the place she distinguished by the name of Beer-lahai-roi (“the well of the visible God”), where the angel of the Lord appeared to her. In obedience to the heavenly visitor she returned to the tent of Abraham, where her son Ishmael was born, and where she remained (16) till after the birth of Isaac, the space of fourteen years. Sarah after this began to vent her dissatisfaction both on Hagar and her child. Ishmael’s conduct was insulting to Sarah, and she…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(flight), an Egyptian woman, the handmaid or slave of Sarah, (Genesis 16:1) whom the latter gave as a concubine to Abraham, after he had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan and had no children by Sarah. ch (Genesis 16:2,3) (B.C. 1912.) When Hagar saw that she had conceived, "her mistress was despised in her eyes," v. 4, and Sarah, with the anger, we may suppose, of a free woman rather than of a wife, reproached Abraham for the results of her own act. Hagar fled, turning her steps toward her native land through the great wilderness traversed by the Egyptian road. By the fountain in the way to Shur the angel of the Lord found her, charged her to return and submit herself under the hands of her mistress, and delivered the remarkable prophecy respecting her unborn child recorded in…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Stranger, an Egyptian bondmaid in the household of Sarah, Ge 12:16, who, being barren, gave her to Abraham for a secondary wife, that by her, as a substitute, she might have children in accordance with the customs of the East in that age. The history of Hagar is given in Ge 16:1-16; 17:1-27; 21:1-34. In an allegory, Paul makes Hagar represent the Jewish church, which was in bondage to the ceremonial law; as Sarah represents the true church of Christ, which is free from this bondage, Ga 4:24. Her name is much honored among the Arabs claiming to be her descendants.

and she bore Hagar to Abram a son and he called Abram [the] name of son his whom she had borne Hagar Ishmael
לְאַבְרָ֖םle.'av.Ram to Abram H87 Preposition · noun proper masculine
61× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Abram was the original name of Abraham, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Terah, brother of Nahor and Haran, and husband of Sarah, Hagar, and Keturah, as told in Genesis 11:26--17:5.
Amplified meaning
the original name of Abraham
Tyndale gloss
Abram
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אַבְרָם (Avram) means 'exalted father' and refers to the original name of Abraham. The entries indicate that Abram is a significant figure from the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned in Genesis 11:26, and he is the son of Terah and the husband of Sarah, among others. He is also the father of several notable sons, including Isaac and Ishmael.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אַבְרָם n.pr.m. (id., Thes al. exalted father) Abram = אַבְרָהָם Abraham

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H87 אַבְרָם Abram = אַבְרָהָם Abraham

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

87 'Abram ab-rawm'

contracted from 48; high father; Abram, the original name of

Abraham:--Abram.

see HEBREW for 048

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אַבְרָם (av.ram) — Abram.

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

Another name of av.ra.ham (אַבְרָהָם "Abraham" H0085)

§ Abram = "exalted father"

original name of Abraham

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-proper — Preposition · noun proper masculine
HR/Npm
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

a'-bram. See ABRAHAM.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Abram

Exalted father. (see ABRAHAM.)

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(a high father), the earlier name of Abraham.

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

High father, afterwards named Abraham.

and she bore Hagar to Abram a son and he called Abram [the] name of son his whom she had borne Hagar Ishmael
בֵּ֑ןBen a son H1121 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
4,943× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Amplified meaning
a male child, descendant
Tyndale gloss
son: child
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בֵּן (ben) means 'son' or 'male child' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including descendants, young animals, and even figurative uses like sparks or arrows. It can refer to members of a tribe or class and is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, such as in 1 Chronicles 24:26. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to build' and implies a connection to family or lineage.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בֵּן 4870 n.m. son

son, male child, born of a woman

children (male and female)

youth, young men

the young of animals

of plant shoots

fig. of lifeless things, sparks, stars, arrows

member of a guild, order or class

of animals son of (the) herd

ב׳ as n. relat. followed by word of quality, characteristic, etc.

n. relat. of age

base

בְּנוֹ 1 Ch 24:26, 27 as n.pr.m. in AV, RV, but render: the sons of Jaaziah his son, & the sons of Merari by Jaaziah his son, cf. VB & Be Öt.

done

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1121a בֵּן son . son, male child, born of a woman

. children (male and female)

. youth, young men

. the young of animals

. of plant shoots

. fig. of lifeless things, sparks, stars, arrows

. . member of a guild, order or class

. of animals son of (the) herd

. ב׳ as n. relat. followed by word of quality, characteristic, etc.

. n. relat. of age

H1121b בְּנוֹ as n. pr. m. in AV, RV, but render: the sons of Jaaziah his son, & the sons of Merari by Jaaziah his son

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1121 ben bane

from 1129; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the

widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship,

including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition,

etc., (like 1, 251, etc.)):--+ afflicted, age, (Ahoh-)

(Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-)ite, (anoint-)ed one, appointed to,

(+) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-)ian, one born,

bough, branch, breed, + (young) bullock, + (young) calf, X

came up in, child, colt, X common, X corn, daughter, X of

first, + firstborn, foal, + very fruitful, + postage, X in, +

kid, + lamb, (+) man, meet, + mighty, + nephew, old, (+)

people, + rebel, + robber, X servant born, X soldier, son, +

spark, + steward, + stranger, X surely, them of, + tumultuous

one, + valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth.

see HEBREW for 01129

see HEBREW for 01

see HEBREW for 0251

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בֵּן (ben) — son: child.

: child/son

בְּנוֹ (be.no) — Beno.

A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.24.26;

son of: Jaaziah (H3269);

brother of: Shoham (H7719), Zaccur (H2139I) and Ibri (H5681)

§ Beno = "his son"

the sons of Jaaziah and the sons of Merari by Jaahziah (his son)

בֵּן (ben) — son: descendant/people.

: descendant, people, tribe, nation

A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)

§ : child/son

בֵּן (ben) — son: young animal.

: calf/lamb/young(ANIMAL)

A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)

§ : descendant

בֵּן (ben) — son: type of.

: rebel/son(Belial)

A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)

§ : people/men/nation/tribe

בֵּן (ben) — son.

: [inheriting]son/heir

A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)

בֵּן (ben) — son: warrior.

: warrior/son(strong)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Smith's Bible Dictionary

The term "son" is used in Scripture language to imply almost any kind of descent or succession, as ben shanah , "son of a year," i.e. a year old; ben kesheth , "son of a bow," i.e. an arrow. The word bar is often found in the New Testament in composition, as Bar-timaeus.

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Sometimes denotes a grandson, or any remote descendant, Ge 29:5 2Sa 19:24. At other times a son by adoption is meant, Ge 48:5; or by law, Ru 4:17; or by education, 1Sa 3:6 20:35; or by conversion, as Titus was Paul’s "son father the common faith," Tit 1:4. And again it denotes a mental or moral resemblance, etc., Jud 19:22 Ps 89:6 Isa 57:3 Ac 13:10. In a…

Nave's Topical Bible

→ FIGURATIVE

Of a person' s relation to God Ex 4:22

See ADOPTION

See GOD, FATHERHOOD OF

See JESUS, SON OF GOD

See JESUS, SON OF MAN

and she bore Hagar to Abram a son and he called Abram [the] name of son his whom she had borne Hagar Ishmael
וַיִּקְרָ֨אvai.yik.Ra' and he called H7121 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
733× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Amplified meaning
called, named
Tyndale gloss
to call: call to
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word קָרָא (qara') is a primitive root meaning to call, proclaim, or read. It encompasses a range of actions including calling out, crying for help, reading aloud, and summoning. The word can also imply being called or named in various contexts. There are no significant disagreements among the lexicons regarding its meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

קָרָא 724 vb. call, proclaim, read

Qal

call, cry, utter a loud sound

call, cry

call unto some one

cry for help

proclaim

read aloud

read to oneself

summon

call = name

Niph.

reflex.

pass. be called

Pu. be called

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7121 קָרָא call, proclaim, read .. . call, cry, utter a loud sound

. call, cry

. . call unto some one

. cry for help

. proclaim

. . read aloud

. read to oneself

. summon

. call = name

. . reflex.

. pass. be called

. be called

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7121 qara' kaw-raw'

a primitive root (rather identical with 7122 through the idea

of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly,

address by name, but used in a wide variety of

applications):--bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for,

forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite,

mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(- ation),

pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say.

see HEBREW for 07122

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

קָרָא (qa.ra) — to call: call to.

: call_to/invite/entreat

1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound

1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God)

1a3) to proclaim

1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read

1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow

1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to call oneself

1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named

1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen

קָרָא (qa.ra) — to call: call by.

: call_by/name

1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound

1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God)

1a3) to proclaim

1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
Hc/Vqw3ms
and she bore Hagar to Abram a son and he called Abram [the] name of son his whom she had borne Hagar Ishmael
אַבְרָ֧ם'av.Ram Abram H87 Noun proper masculine
61× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Abram was the original name of Abraham, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Terah, brother of Nahor and Haran, and husband of Sarah, Hagar, and Keturah, as told in Genesis 11:26--17:5.
Tyndale gloss
Abram
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אַבְרָם (Avram) means 'exalted father' and refers to the original name of Abraham. The entries indicate that Abram is a significant figure from the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned in Genesis 11:26, and he is the son of Terah and the husband of Sarah, among others. He is also the father of several notable sons, including Isaac and Ishmael.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אַבְרָם n.pr.m. (id., Thes al. exalted father) Abram = אַבְרָהָם Abraham

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H87 אַבְרָם Abram = אַבְרָהָם Abraham

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

87 'Abram ab-rawm'

contracted from 48; high father; Abram, the original name of

Abraham:--Abram.

see HEBREW for 048

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אַבְרָם (av.ram) — Abram.

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

Another name of av.ra.ham (אַבְרָהָם "Abraham" H0085)

§ Abram = "exalted father"

original name of Abraham

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper masculine
HNpm
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

a'-bram. See ABRAHAM.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Abram

Exalted father. (see ABRAHAM.)

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(a high father), the earlier name of Abraham.

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

High father, afterwards named Abraham.

and she bore Hagar to Abram a son and he called Abram [the] name of son his whom she had borne Hagar Ishmael
שֶׁם־shem- [the] name of H8034 Noun common · masculine singular construct
864× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Amplified meaning
identity, character
Tyndale gloss
name
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שֵׁם (shem) means 'name' and encompasses various meanings such as reputation, fame, and glory. It can refer to the designation of God and is often associated with memorials or monuments. The word is built from a primitive root and highlights individuality and honor. There is a mention of its use in relation to false gods, which is forbidden.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שֵׁם 864 n.m. name (√ unknown)

of river, beasts, city, i.e. exact designation of it

usu. of pers.

= reputation

esp. as giving a man a kind of posthumous life, esp. in his sons

name, as designation of God

of false gods, use forbidden

= memorial, monument

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8034 שֵׁם name (√ unknown)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8034 shem shame

a primitive word (perhaps rather from 7760 through the idea

of definite and conspicuous position; compare 8064); an

appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by

implication honor, authority, character:--+ base,

(in-)fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.

see HEBREW for 07760

see HEBREW for 08064

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שֵׁם (shem) — name.

1) name

1a) name

1b) reputation, fame, glory

1c) the Name (as designation of God)

1d) memorial, monument

Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular construct
HNcmsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.

I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.

For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.

Lamentations 3:1.

The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.

Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.

That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.

Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…

and she bore Hagar to Abram a son and he called Abram [the] name of son his whom she had borne Hagar Ishmael
בְּנ֛וֹbe.No son his H1121 Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
4,943× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Amplified meaning
male child, descendant
Tyndale gloss
son: child
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בֵּן (ben) means 'son' or 'male child' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including descendants, young animals, and even figurative uses like sparks or arrows. It can refer to members of a tribe or class and is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, such as in 1 Chronicles 24:26. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to build' and implies a connection to family or lineage.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בֵּן 4870 n.m. son

son, male child, born of a woman

children (male and female)

youth, young men

the young of animals

of plant shoots

fig. of lifeless things, sparks, stars, arrows

member of a guild, order or class

of animals son of (the) herd

ב׳ as n. relat. followed by word of quality, characteristic, etc.

n. relat. of age

base

בְּנוֹ 1 Ch 24:26, 27 as n.pr.m. in AV, RV, but render: the sons of Jaaziah his son, & the sons of Merari by Jaaziah his son, cf. VB & Be Öt.

done

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1121a בֵּן son . son, male child, born of a woman

. children (male and female)

. youth, young men

. the young of animals

. of plant shoots

. fig. of lifeless things, sparks, stars, arrows

. . member of a guild, order or class

. of animals son of (the) herd

. ב׳ as n. relat. followed by word of quality, characteristic, etc.

. n. relat. of age

H1121b בְּנוֹ as n. pr. m. in AV, RV, but render: the sons of Jaaziah his son, & the sons of Merari by Jaaziah his son

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1121 ben bane

from 1129; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the

widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship,

including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition,

etc., (like 1, 251, etc.)):--+ afflicted, age, (Ahoh-)

(Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-)ite, (anoint-)ed one, appointed to,

(+) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-)ian, one born,

bough, branch, breed, + (young) bullock, + (young) calf, X

came up in, child, colt, X common, X corn, daughter, X of

first, + firstborn, foal, + very fruitful, + postage, X in, +

kid, + lamb, (+) man, meet, + mighty, + nephew, old, (+)

people, + rebel, + robber, X servant born, X soldier, son, +

spark, + steward, + stranger, X surely, them of, + tumultuous

one, + valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth.

see HEBREW for 01129

see HEBREW for 01

see HEBREW for 0251

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בֵּן (ben) — son: child.

: child/son

בְּנוֹ (be.no) — Beno.

A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.24.26;

son of: Jaaziah (H3269);

brother of: Shoham (H7719), Zaccur (H2139I) and Ibri (H5681)

§ Beno = "his son"

the sons of Jaaziah and the sons of Merari by Jaahziah (his son)

בֵּן (ben) — son: descendant/people.

: descendant, people, tribe, nation

A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)

§ : child/son

בֵּן (ben) — son: young animal.

: calf/lamb/young(ANIMAL)

A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)

§ : descendant

בֵּן (ben) — son: type of.

: rebel/son(Belial)

A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)

§ : people/men/nation/tribe

בֵּן (ben) — son.

: [inheriting]son/heir

A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)

בֵּן (ben) — son: warrior.

: warrior/son(strong)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HNcmsc/Sp3ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

hiz: Used often in the King James Version with reference to a neuter or inanimate thing, or to a lower animal (Ge 1:11, "after his kind"; Le 1:16, "pluck away his crop"; Ac 12:10, "of his own accord"; 1Co 15:38, "his own body"), etc. the Revised Version (British and American) substitutes "its."

and she bore Hagar to Abram a son and he called Abram [the] name of son his whom she had borne Hagar Ishmael
אֲשֶׁר־'a.Sher- whom H834 Particle
5,500× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Tyndale gloss
which
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֲשֶׁר (*asher*) is a relative pronoun that can mean 'who,' 'which,' or 'that.' It serves various grammatical functions, including as an adverb or conjunction, indicating relationships between clauses, places, or conditions. Variants like בַאֲשֶׁר (*ba-asher*), מֵאֲשֶׁר (*me-asher*), and כַּאֲשֶׁר (*ka-asher*) expand its usage to specific contexts such as location, causation, and time.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause.

base

בַאֲשֶׁר

in (that) which

adv. in (the place) where

conj. in that, inasmuch as

on account of whom?

base

מֵאֲשֶׁר

from (or than) that which

adv. from (the place) where

conj. from (the fact) that …, since

base

כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when

according to that which, according as, as

with a causal force, in so far as, since

with a temporal force, when

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H834a אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause. H834b בַאֲשֶׁר . in (that) which

. adv. in (the place) where

. conj. in that, inasmuch as

. on account of whom?

H834c מֵאֲשֶׁר . from (or than) that which

. adv. from (the place) where

. conj. from (the fact) that …, since

H834d כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when . according to that which, according as, as

. with a causal force, in so far as, since

. with a temporal force, when

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

834 'aher ash-er'

a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number);

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction)

when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.:--X after, X

alike, as (soon as), because, X every, for, + forasmuch, +

from whence, + how(-soever), X if, (so) that ((thing) which,

wherein), X though, + until, + whatsoever, when, where

(+ -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, +

whither(- soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is

indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun

expletively, used to show the connection.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֲשֶׁר (a.sher) — which.

A: 1) (relative part.)

1a) which, who

1b) that which

2) (conj)

2a) that (in obj clause)

2b) when

2c) since

2d) as

2e) conditional if

B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which

2) (adv)

2a) where

3) (conj)

3a) in that, inasmuch as

3b) on account of

C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which

2) from (the place) where

3) from (the fact) that, since

D: Kaph+

1) (conj.), according as, as, when

1a) according to that which, according as, as

1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since

1c) with a temporal force: when

בַאֲשֶׁר (ba.a.sher) — in which.

1) in (that) which

2) (adv)

2a) where

3) (conj)

3a) in that, inasmuch as

3b) on account of

מֵאֲשֶׁר (me.a.sher) — whence.

1) from (or than) that which

2) from (the place) where

3) from (the fact) that, since

כַּאֲשֶׁר (ka.a.sher) — as which.

conj

1) according as, as, when

1a) according to that which, according as, as

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTr — Particle
HTr
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and she bore Hagar to Abram a son and he called Abram [the] name of son his whom she had borne Hagar Ishmael
יָלְדָ֥הYal.dah she had borne H3205 Verb · Qal · perfect third person feminine singular
496× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Amplified meaning
given birth to, brought forth
Tyndale gloss
to beget
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word יָלַד (*yalad*) means to bear, bring forth, or beget, and it encompasses various forms of childbirth and lineage declaration. It can refer to both the act of giving birth and the role of a midwife. The entries also note its use in contexts of distress and wicked behavior, as well as in reference to birthdays.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יָלַד 497 vb. bear, bring forth, beget

Qal

bear, bring forth

less often beget

of both parents

Niph. be born

Pi. cause (or help) to bring forth, viz., assist or tend as midwife

Pu. be born

Hiph.

beget (a father a child)

bear

Hoph. day of one's being born = birthday

Hithp. declared their pedigree

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3205 יָלַד bear, bring forth, beget .. bear, bring forth

. less often beget

. of both parents

. be born

. cause (or help) to bring forth, viz., assist or tend as midwife

. be born

. . beget (a father a child)

. bear

. day of one's being born = birthday

. declared their pedigree

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3205 yalad yaw-lad'

a primitive root; to bear young; causatively, to beget;

medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show

lineage:--bear, beget, birth((-day)), born, (make to) bring

forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be

delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch,

labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be

the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָלַד (ya.lad) — to beget.

1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to bear, bring forth

1a1a) of child birth

1a1b) of distress (simile)

1a1c) of wicked (behaviour)

1a2) to beget

1b) (Niphal) to be born

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to cause or help to bring forth

1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife

1c3) midwife (participle)

1d) (Pual) to be born

1e) (Hiphil)

1e1) to beget (a child)

1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity)

1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive)

1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Perf-3fs — Verb · Qal · perfect third person feminine singular
HVqp3fs
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

See BORN.

and she bore Hagar to Abram a son and he called Abram [the] name of son his whom she had borne Hagar Ishmael
הָגָ֖רha.Gar Hagar H1904 Noun proper feminine
12× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Hagar was a slave girl from Egypt who became Abraham's concubine and the mother of Ishmael. Her name means 'flight' and she is an important figure in the book of Genesis, where her story is told in chapters 16 and 21.
Tyndale gloss
Hagar
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

הָגָר (Hagar) refers to Sarah's Egyptian maid and the mother of Ishmael. The name is associated with the concept of 'flight' and is first mentioned in Genesis 16:1. The lexicons indicate that the derivation of the name is uncertain, possibly foreign, but they consistently identify her role in the biblical narrative.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הָגָר n.pr.f. Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian maid, mother of Ishmael

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1904 הָגָר Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian maid, mother of Ishmael

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1904 Hagar haw-gawr'

of uncertain (perhaps foreign) derivation; Hagar, the mother

of Ishmael:--Hagar.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הָגָר (ha.gar) — Hagar.

A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.16.1; married to Abraham (H0085);

mother of: Ishmael (H3458)

Also named: Agar (Ἄγαρ "Hagar" G0028)

§ Hagar = "flight"

Sarah's Egyptian slave girl, Abraham's concubine, Ishmael's mother

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper feminine
HNpf
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ha'-gar (haghar, "emigration," "flight"; Hagar, Agar): An Egyptian woman, the handmaid or slave of Sarai; a present, perhaps, from Pharaoh when Abram dissembled to him in Egypt (Ge 12:16). Mention is made of her in two passages (Ge 16; 21:8-21).

1. The Scornful Handmaid and Her Flight:

In the first narrative (Ge 16) it is related that Sarai, despairing at her age of having children, gave Hagar to Abram as a concubine. As Hagar was not an ordinary household slave but the peculiar property of her mistress (compare Ge 29:24,29), any offspring which she might bear to Abram would be reckoned as Sarai's (compare Ge 30:3-9). In the prospect of becoming a mother, Hagar, forgetting her position, seems to have assumed an insolent bearing…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Hagar

Flight, or, according to others, stranger, an Egyptian, Sarah’s handmaid (Gen. 16:1; 21:9, 10), whom she gave to Abraham (q.v.) as a secondary wife (16:2). When she was about to become a mother she fled from the cruelty of her mistress, intending apparently to return to her relatives in Egypt, through the desert of Shur, which lay between. Wearied and worn she had reached the place she distinguished by the name of Beer-lahai-roi (“the well of the visible God”), where the angel of the Lord appeared to her. In obedience to the heavenly visitor she returned to the tent of Abraham, where her son Ishmael was born, and where she remained (16) till after the birth of Isaac, the space of fourteen years. Sarah after this began to vent her dissatisfaction both on Hagar and her child. Ishmael’s conduct was insulting to Sarah, and she…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(flight), an Egyptian woman, the handmaid or slave of Sarah, (Genesis 16:1) whom the latter gave as a concubine to Abraham, after he had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan and had no children by Sarah. ch (Genesis 16:2,3) (B.C. 1912.) When Hagar saw that she had conceived, "her mistress was despised in her eyes," v. 4, and Sarah, with the anger, we may suppose, of a free woman rather than of a wife, reproached Abraham for the results of her own act. Hagar fled, turning her steps toward her native land through the great wilderness traversed by the Egyptian road. By the fountain in the way to Shur the angel of the Lord found her, charged her to return and submit herself under the hands of her mistress, and delivered the remarkable prophecy respecting her unborn child recorded in…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Stranger, an Egyptian bondmaid in the household of Sarah, Ge 12:16, who, being barren, gave her to Abraham for a secondary wife, that by her, as a substitute, she might have children in accordance with the customs of the East in that age. The history of Hagar is given in Ge 16:1-16; 17:1-27; 21:1-34. In an allegory, Paul makes Hagar represent the Jewish church, which was in bondage to the ceremonial law; as Sarah represents the true church of Christ, which is free from this bondage, Ga 4:24. Her name is much honored among the Arabs claiming to be her descendants.

and she bore Hagar to Abram a son and he called Abram [the] name of son his whom she had borne Hagar Ishmael
יִשְׁמָעֵֽאל׃yish.ma.'El Ishmael H3458 Noun proper masculine
48× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Ishmael means God will hear, and refers to Abraham's son with Hagar, as well as several other Israelites. He is mentioned in Genesis and Ezra. Ishmael is considered the progenitor of the Arabian peoples.
Amplified meaning
God will hear
Tyndale gloss
Ishmael
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word יִשְׁמָעֵאל (*Yishma'el*) means 'God will hear' and refers primarily to Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar. The entries detail various individuals named Ishmael, including a murderer of Gedaliah and several figures from the tribes of Benjamin and Judah. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings or references.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יִשְׁמָעֵאל 48 n.pr.m. (Ēl heareth)

son of Abraham and Hagar

murderer of Gedaliah

in Benj.

in Judah

Jew with foreign wife

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3458 יִשְׁמָעֵאל . son of Abraham and Hagar

. murderer of Gedaliah

. in Benj.

. in Judah

. Jew with foreign wife

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3458 Yishma`e'l yish-maw-ale'

from 8085 and 410; God will hear; Jishmael, the name of

Abraham's oldest son, and of five Israelites:--Ishmael.

see HEBREW for 08085

see HEBREW for 0410

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יִשְׁמָעֵאל (yish.ma.el) — Ishmael.

A man of Arabia living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.16.11;

son of: Abraham (H0085) and Hagar (H1904);

half-brother of: Isaac (H3327), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744);

father of: Nebaioth (H5032), Kedar (H6938), Adbeel (H0110), Mibsam (H4017), Mishma (H4927), Dumah (H1746), Massa (H4854), Hadad (H2301), Tema (H8485), Jetur (H3195), Naphish (H5305), Kedemah (H6929) and Mahalath (H4258)

§ Ishmael = "God will hear"

1) son of Abraham and Sarah's handmaid Hagar and the progenitor of the Arabian peoples

2) son of Nethaniah and the murderer of Gedaliah

3) a Benjamite, one of the sons of Azel a descendant of Saul through Meribbaal or Mephibosheth

4) a Judaite, father of Zebadiah

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper masculine
HNpm
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Ishmael

God hears. (1.) Abraham’s eldest son, by Hagar the concubine (Gen. 16:15; 17:23). He was born at Mamre, when Abraham was eighty-six years of age, eleven years after his arrival in Canaan (16:3; 21:5). At the age of thirteen he was circumcised (17:25). He grew up a true child of the desert, wild and wayward. On the occasion of the weaning of Isaac his rude and wayward spirit broke out in expressions of insult and mockery (21:9, 10); and Sarah, discovering this, said to Abraham, “Expel this slave and her son.” Influenced by a divine admonition, Abraham dismissed Hagar and her son with no more than a skin of water and some bread. The narrative describing this act is one of the most beautiful and touching incidents of patriarchal life (Gen. 21:14-16). (See HAGAR.)

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(whom God hears). The son of Abraham by Hagar the Egyptian his concubine; born when Abraham was fourscore and six years old. (Genesis 16:15,16) (B.C. 1910.) Ishmael was the first-born of his father. He was born in Abraham’s house when he dwelt in the plain of Mamre; and on the institution of the covenant of circumcision, was circumcised, he being then thirteen years old (Genesis 17:26) With the institution of the covenant, God renewed his promise respecting Ishmael. He does not again appear in the narrative until the weaning of Isaac. At the great feast made in celebration of the weaning, "Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had borne unto Abraham, mocking," and urged Abraham to cast him and his mother out. Comforted by the renewal of God’s promise to make of…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

1. Ge 16:1-16 21:1-34, son of Abraham and Hagar, B. C. 1910. He was at first regarded as "the son of the promise;" but after the birth and weaning of Isaac he was driven from his father’s house, at the age of about seventeen, and took with his mother the way to Egypt her native land. Overcome with heat and thirst, and then miraculously relieved, he remained in the wilderness of Paran, took a wife from Egypt, and was the father of twelve sons, heads of Arab tribes. He seems to have become on friendly terms with Isaac, and to have attended at the bedside of their dying father. At his own death, he was one hundred and thirty-seven years old, Ge 25:9,17.

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

God that hears

Sources on this page. Lexicons and dictionaries imported from the CrossWire SWORD modules — Abbott-Smith, Strong's, Dodson, the Intermediate Liddell-Scott-Jones, Robinson and Packard, Webster and Cawdrey. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Harper, 1889 — Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti, translated, revised and enlarged by Joseph Henry Thayer) is public domain and is set here from the Internet Archive page scan greekenglishlex00grim; it is uncorrected OCR, marked as such on the entry itself, and the Strong’s numbers — which Thayer’s own edition does not carry — were matched by lemma against the other modules on this page. Trench’s Synonyms of the New Testament (Macmillan, 1880) and Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (Hodder & Stoughton, 1930, which entered the United States public domain on 1 January 2026) are set from Internet Archive page scans synonymsofnewtes00treniala and vocabularyofgree00mouluoft, and are likewise uncorrected OCR matched to Strong’s numbers by lemma. Trench treats a group of words at once, so the same essay stands on the page of each word it compares. The Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary is © 1993 and is used here by permission for non-commercial use, www.teknia.com/greek-dictionary. The full Liddell-Scott-Jones and the Hebrew word data (TAHOT) come from STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0. Brown-Driver-Briggs is the OpenScriptures digitisation, public domain. Syntax analysis is the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (biblicalhumanities.org); the concordance and morphology are built from the tagged Nestle 1904 text. Septuagint occurrences use the Open Scriptures Septuagint lemma index, derived from CCAT (University of Pennsylvania) and the Rahlfs 1935 dataset by Eliran Wong, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — used here on a non-commercial ministry site. Greek of Josephus and Barnabas from the Perseus Digital Library, CC BY-SA 4.0. Commentaries and the Ante-Nicene Fathers are public-domain texts hosted on this site. Everyday Greek from the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri, CC BY 3.0, with dates and provenance from the Heidelberger Gesamtverzeichnis. Philo and the Apostolic Fathers from Open Greek and Latin (First1KGreek), CC BY-SA 4.0. The apparatus and the fifth Greek column are the SBL Greek New Testament, © 2010 SBL and Logos Bible Software, CC BY 4.0. The Latin is the Clementine Vulgate (public domain); the Syriac New Testament is the ETCBC edition (MIT licence). The Hebrew behind the Greek is computed here from the Septuagint index and TAHOT, not taken from any aligned edition. The translation spread and the per-word edition marks come from the Translators Amalgamated Greek NT (STEPBible, CC BY 4.0); clause roles from the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (CC BY-SA 4.0); place identifications and their confidence from OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding (CC BY 4.0), with map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors. Gospel parallels are computed here from shared uncommon vocabulary, not taken from any printed harmony. Cross references are the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the subject headings are Nave’s Topical Bible, both public domain. Works under Creative Commons licences are used unchanged apart from markup removal.

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