And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking.

GENESIS 21:9KJV
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Genesis 21:9 (KJV)

What does Genesis 21:9 mean?

Genesis 21:9 describes how Sarah noticed the son of Hagar, who was an Egyptian and had given birth to Abraham’s child, mocking or making fun of someone. This moment sets off tension in Abraham’s household, as Sarah reacts strongly to what she sees.

In the story, Sarah is observing Ishmael, Hagar’s son, during a time of family celebration after Isaac’s birth. The verse highlights a conflict between Sarah and Hagar’s son, which leads to important decisions about the future of both children. The word "mocking" suggests disrespect or rivalry, which becomes a turning point in the relationship between Sarah, Hagar, and their sons.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 21:9

  • Mocking (מְצַחֵק, mĕtsaḥēq): This word can mean laughing, mocking, or making sport. Here, it often carries the sense of ridicule or disrespect, not just innocent laughter. This detail helps explain why Sarah reacts so strongly, seeing Ishmael’s behavior as a threat to Isaac’s place in the family.
  • Hagar (הָגָר, Hāgār) and Egyptian (מִצְרִית, Mitsrit): The verse emphasizes Hagar’s identity as an Egyptian, which may highlight her outsider status in Abraham’s family and add to the tension Sarah feels.

Why Genesis 21:9 matters

  • This verse clarifies the source of conflict that leads Sarah to ask Abraham to send Hagar and Ishmael away, a major turning point in the story of Abraham’s family.
  • The focus on Ishmael’s behavior (“mocking”) helps explain Sarah’s concern for Isaac’s future and inheritance, showing the complex family dynamics at play.
  • Understanding the original word for "mocking" reveals that Ishmael’s actions were taken seriously by Sarah, not just as child’s play, but as something that could threaten Isaac’s position.

Where else these words appear

“Hagar” Hebrew H1904 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 16:1 Now Sarai Abram's wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar.
  • Genesis 16:8 And he said, Hagar, Sarai's maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go? And she said, I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai.
  • Genesis 21:14 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.

“mocking” Hebrew H6711 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 17:17 Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?
  • Genesis 18:15 Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.
  • Genesis 39:14 That she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock us; he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice:

“Egyptian” Hebrew H4713 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 12:12 Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive.
  • Genesis 43:32 And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians.
  • Deuteronomy 26:6 And the Egyptians evil entreated us, and afflicted us, and laid upon us hard bondage:

“Sarah” Hebrew H8283 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 17:15 And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be.
  • Genesis 18:14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.
  • Genesis 21:7 And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born him a son in his old age.