Genesis 21:10 (KJV)

What does Genesis 21:10 mean?

Genesis 21:10 records Sarah telling Abraham to send away Hagar, her servant, and Hagar’s son, because Sarah does not want Hagar’s son to share the inheritance with her own son, Isaac. Sarah insists that only Isaac should be recognized as Abraham’s heir.

In this verse, Sarah is speaking directly to Abraham during a tense family situation. Hagar is an Egyptian servant who bore Abraham a son, Ishmael, before Isaac was born. Now that Isaac, the promised child, has arrived, Sarah is concerned about the future and inheritance, so she demands that Abraham remove Hagar and Ishmael from their household to secure Isaac’s position.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 21:10

• "Cast out" (גָּרֵשׁ, garesh) means to drive away or send out forcefully. Sarah is not just asking Abraham to separate from Hagar and Ishmael, but to expel them decisively from the family circle.
• "Bondwoman" (אָמָה, ’amah) refers to a female servant or slave. Sarah uses this term for Hagar, emphasizing Hagar’s lower social status and her lack of claim to Abraham’s inheritance.
• "Heir" (יָרַשׁ, yarash) means to inherit or possess. Sarah’s concern is about who will legally and socially inherit Abraham’s estate and legacy.

Why Genesis 21:10 matters

• This verse highlights the deep family conflict and the difficult choices Abraham faces between his wife Sarah and his son Ishmael.
• The verse clarifies that inheritance in this context is not just about property, but about identity, promise, and the future of Abraham’s line.
• Genesis 21:10 sets up the separation of Ishmael and Isaac, which becomes a turning point in the story of both nations that trace their roots to Abraham.