Genesis 21:13 (KJV)

What does Genesis 21:13 mean?

Genesis 21:13 means that God promises to make a nation from the son of Hagar, the servant woman, because this son is also Abraham’s descendant. Even though this son is not from Abraham’s wife Sarah, God assures Abraham that the boy will have a future and become the ancestor of a people.

In this verse, God is speaking to Abraham about Ishmael, the son born to him through Hagar, Sarah’s servant. The situation is tense because Sarah wants Hagar and Ishmael sent away after Isaac’s birth. God reassures Abraham that Ishmael will not be abandoned or forgotten, but will become the founder of a nation because he is Abraham’s "seed" or offspring.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 21:13

• "son" (בֵּן, ben): This word means a male child or descendant. Here, it highlights that Ishmael is truly Abraham’s son, even though his mother is a servant.
• "bondwoman" (אָמָה, ’amah): This term refers to a female servant or slave. The verse uses it to emphasize Hagar’s lower social status, making God’s promise to her son even more striking.
• "make" (שִׂים, sim): This verb often means "to set" or "to establish." God is not just predicting Ishmael’s future, but actively declaring that He will establish a nation through him.
• "nation" (גוֹי, goy): This word means a people group or nation, often used for groups outside of Israel. God’s promise is that Ishmael’s descendants will become a distinct and recognized people.
• "seed" (זֶרַע, zera‘): This word means offspring or descendants. God’s reason for blessing Ishmael is that he is Abraham’s "seed," showing the importance of Abraham’s lineage.

Why Genesis 21:13 matters

• Genesis 21:13 clarifies that God’s promises to Abraham include not just Isaac, but also Ishmael, showing God’s care for all of Abraham’s children.
• The verse highlights that social status (Hagar being a servant) does not prevent God from making significant promises or plans for someone’s descendants.
• This promise connects to the broader story, explaining why Ishmael’s descendants become a great nation and setting the stage for later interactions between Israel and neighboring peoples.