New International VersionSo Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram gave the name Ishmael to the son she had borne.
New Living TranslationSo Hagar gave Abram a son, and Abram named him Ishmael.
English Standard VersionAnd Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael.
Berean Standard BibleAnd Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram gave the name Ishmael to the son she had borne.
King James BibleAnd Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son's name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael.
New King James VersionSo Hagar bore Abram a son; and Abram named his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael.
New American Standard BibleSo Hagar bore a son to Abram; and Abram named his son, to whom Hagar gave birth, Ishmael.
NASB 1995So Hagar bore Abram a son; and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael.
NASB 1977So Hagar bore Abram a son; and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael.
Legacy Standard BibleSo Hagar bore Abram a son; and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael.
Amplified BibleSo Hagar gave birth to Abram’s son; and Abram named his son, to whom Hagar gave birth, Ishmael (God hears).
Christian Standard BibleSo Hagar gave birth to Abram’s son, and Abram named his son (whom Hagar bore) Ishmael.
Holman Christian Standard BibleSo Hagar gave birth to Abram’s son, and Abram gave the name Ishmael to the son Hagar had.
American Standard VersionAnd Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bare, Ishmael.
English Revised VersionAnd Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called the name of his son, which Hagar bare, Ishmael.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationHagar gave birth to Abram's son. Abram named him Ishmael.
Good News TranslationHagar bore Abram a son, and he named him Ishmael.
International Standard VersionHagar eventually gave birth to Abram's son. Abram named his son whom Hagar bore Ishmael.
NET BibleSo Hagar gave birth to Abram's son, whom Abram named Ishmael.
New Heart English BibleHagar bore a son for Abram. Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd Hagar bore Abram a son: and Abram called his son's name, which Hagar bore, Ishmael. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram gave the name Ishmael to the son she had borne.
World English BibleHagar bore a son for Abram. Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Hagar bears a son to Abram; and Abram calls the name of his son, whom Hagar has borne, Ishmael;
Young's Literal Translation And Hagar beareth to Abram a son; and Abram calleth the name of his son, whom Hagar hath borne, Ishmael;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Hagar brought forth a son to Abram, and Abram shall call his name which Hagar brought forth, Ishmael. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Agar brought forth a son to Abram: who called his name Ismael.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd Hagar gave birth to a son for Abram, who called his name Ishmael.
New American BibleHagar bore Abram a son, and Abram named the son whom Hagar bore him Ishmael.
New Revised Standard VersionHagar bore Abram a son; and Abram named his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Hagar bore Abram a son; and Abram called his son's name, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd Hagar bore a son to Abram, and Abram called the name of his son, who was born to him, whom Hagar had given birth to by him, Ishmayl; and Abram was eighty and six years old when Hagar gave birth to Ishmayl by Abram. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Hagar bore Abram a son; and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Agar bore a son to Abram; and Abram called the name of his son which Agar bore to him, Ismael.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Birth of Ishmael… 14Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi. It is located between Kadesh and Bered. 15And HagarboreAbrama son,and Abramgavethe nameIshmaelto the sonshehad borne.16Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to him.…
Cross References Genesis 21:2-3So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised. / And Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore to him.
Genesis 25:12This is the account of Abraham’s son Ishmael, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s maidservant, bore to Abraham.
Galatians 4:22-23For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. / His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born through the promise.
Genesis 17:18-20And Abraham said to God, “O that Ishmael might live under Your blessing!” / But God replied, “Your wife Sarah will indeed bear you a son, and you are to name him Isaac. I will establish My covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him. / 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.
Genesis 21:9-10But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking her son, / and she said to Abraham, “Expel the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac!”
Romans 9:7-9Nor because they are Abraham’s descendants are they all his children. On the contrary, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.” / So it is not the children of the flesh who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as offspring. / For this is what the promise stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.”
Genesis 25:9His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite.
Genesis 28:9Esau went to Ishmael and married Mahalath, the sister of Nebaioth and daughter of Abraham’s son Ishmael, in addition to the wives he already had.
Genesis 29:30Jacob slept with Rachel as well, and indeed, he loved Rachel more than Leah. So he worked for Laban another seven years.
Genesis 30:4-5So Rachel gave Jacob her servant Bilhah as a wife, and he slept with her, / and Bilhah conceived and bore him a son.
Genesis 37:27-28Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay a hand on him; for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And they agreed. / So when the Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.
Genesis 46:12The sons of Judah: Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez, and Zerah; but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. The sons of Perez: Hezron and Hamul.
1 Chronicles 1:28The sons of Abraham were Isaac and Ishmael.
1 Chronicles 1:29These are their genealogies: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam,
Nehemiah 9:7You are the LORD, the God who chose Abram, who brought him out of Ur of the Chaldeans and gave him the name Abraham.
Treasury of Scripture And Hagar bore Abram a son: and Abram called his son's name, which Hagar bore, Ishmael. A. Genesis 16:11 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thouart with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction. Genesis 25:12 Now theseare the generations of Ishmael, Abraham's son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah's handmaid, bare unto Abraham: 1 Chronicles 1:28 The sons of Abraham; Isaac, and Ishmael. Ishmael. Genesis 17:18,20,25,26 And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee! … Genesis 21:9-21 And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking… Genesis 25:9,12 And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, whichis before Mamre; … Jump to Previous AbramBareBearethBirthBoreBorneChildHagarIshmaelIsh'maelSon'sJump to Next AbramBareBearethBirthBoreBorneChildHagarIshmaelIsh'maelSon'sGenesis 16 1.Sarai, being barren, gives Hagar to Abram.4.Hagar, being afflicted for despising her mistress, runs away.7.An angel commands her to return and submit herself,10.promises her a numerous posterity,12.and shows their character and condition.13.Hagar names the place, and returns to Sarai.15.Ishmael is born.16.The age of Abram.And Hagar bore Abram a sonHagar, an Egyptian maidservant of Sarai, becomes the mother of Abram's first son. This event follows Sarai's decision to give Hagar to Abram as a wife due to her own barrenness ( Genesis 16:1-3). The birth of Hagar's son marks a significant moment in biblical history, as it introduces Ishmael, the forefather of many Arab nations. The cultural practice of a maidservant bearing a child on behalf of her mistress was not uncommon in the ancient Near East, reflecting the societal norms and familial structures of the time. and Abram gave the name Ishmael
The name Ishmael means "God hears," signifying God's response to Hagar's affliction and distress (Genesis 16:11). This naming by Abram indicates his acceptance and recognition of the child as his own, despite the unconventional circumstances of his birth. The act of naming also reflects the patriarchal authority Abram holds within his family. Ishmael's name is a testament to God's providence and involvement in the lives of Abram and Hagar, as well as a foreshadowing of Ishmael's future as a significant figure in biblical history. to the son she had borne
This phrase emphasizes Hagar's role as the biological mother of Ishmael, highlighting the fulfillment of the angel of the Lord's prophecy to her (Genesis 16:10-11). The acknowledgment of Hagar's motherhood is crucial, as it establishes Ishmael's lineage and his connection to Abram. The birth of Ishmael sets the stage for future tensions between his descendants and those of Isaac, Abram's son with Sarai, which are explored in later biblical narratives. This moment also underscores the complexity of God's promises to Abram, as Ishmael's birth precedes the covenantal promise of Isaac. Persons / Places / Events 1. HagarAn Egyptian maidservant of Sarai (later Sarah), who becomes the mother of Abram's first son, Ishmael. Her account highlights themes of faith, obedience, and God's provision. 2. AbramLater known as Abraham, he is a central figure in the Bible, known for his faith and obedience to God. In this passage, he becomes the father of Ishmael through Hagar. 3. IshmaelThe first son of Abram, born to Hagar. His name means "God hears," reflecting God's response to Hagar's affliction. 4. Sarai/SarahAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, she is Abram's wife and plays a crucial role in the events leading up to Ishmael's birth. 5. The Birth of IshmaelThis event marks a significant moment in biblical history, as Ishmael becomes the ancestor of many nations, fulfilling part of God's promise to Abram. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and FaithfulnessDespite human attempts to fulfill God's promises through their own means, God's plans prevail. Ishmael's birth is a testament to God's faithfulness in hearing and responding to human needs. The Consequences of ImpatienceAbram and Sarai's decision to have a child through Hagar reflects a lack of patience and trust in God's timing. This serves as a reminder to wait on God's promises. God's Compassion and CareThe naming of Ishmael, meaning "God hears," emphasizes God's compassion and attentiveness to those in distress, encouraging believers to trust in His care. The Complexity of Human RelationshipsThe dynamics between Abram, Sarai, and Hagar illustrate the complexities and challenges in human relationships, urging believers to seek God's guidance in resolving conflicts. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Genesis 16:15?
2.How does Genesis 16:15 demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises?
3.What can we learn about God's plan through Hagar's experience in Genesis 16:15?
4.How does Genesis 16:15 connect to God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 12?
5.How should we respond when God's plans differ from our expectations, as in Genesis 16:15?
6.What role does obedience play in God's unfolding plan, as seen in Genesis 16:15?
7.Why did God allow Hagar to bear Abram a son instead of Sarai in Genesis 16:15?
8.How does Genesis 16:15 reflect on God's promise to Abram regarding his descendants?
9.What is the significance of Ishmael's birth in the context of God's covenant with Abram?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 16?
11.Who was Ishmael in the Bible?
12.Why does Galatians 4:22-23, referring to Abraham’s two sons, contradict other accounts of their significance in Genesis?
13.Was Hagar a wife or concubine of Abraham?
14.To whom did the Midianites sell Joseph? To the Ishmaelites (Genesis 37:28) To Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh (Genesis 37:36)What Does Genesis 16:15 Mean And Hagar bore Abram a sonHagar’s pregnancy had been foretold by the Angel of the LORD (Genesis 16:11). Now the promise is fulfilled in literal history—Hagar, the Egyptian servant, physically delivers Abram’s child. • This birth confirms that God sees and responds to human circumstances just as He said (Genesis 16:13). • It also highlights the immediate consequence of Abram and Sarai taking matters into their own hands (Genesis 16:2–4); the son is real flesh and blood, not a symbolic figure (Galatians 4:22–23).
and Abram gave the name IshmaelAbram obeys the divine instruction spoken to Hagar (Genesis 16:11: “you shall name him Ishmael”). • Naming is an act of authority and acknowledgment; Abram publicly owns the boy as his son, despite the complicated family dynamics (Genesis 17:18). • Ishmael means “God hears,” underscoring that the LORD heard Hagar’s distress (Genesis 16:11;Psalm 34:17). • By accepting the name, Abram affirms that God is attentive not only to him but also to the marginalized servant woman and her child (Luke 1:13).
to the son she had borneThis closing phrase repeats the fact of birth, underlining that Ishmael is Hagar’s natural offspring and Abram’s legal heir at that moment. • The repetition stresses legitimacy in the narrative flow (Genesis 17:20). • It sets the stage for future tension when Isaac is born according to God’s covenant promise (Genesis 21:10–12;Romans 9:7–9). • The verse therefore bridges human initiative (Hagar’s son) and divine initiative (the soon-to-come son of promise).
summaryGenesis 16:15 records the literal fulfillment of God’s word to Hagar and the tangible outcome of Abram and Sarai’s decision. Hagar delivers a real son; Abram names him Ishmael, acknowledging that the LORD hears. The verse stands as a historical marker that God’s promises come to pass, while also foreshadowing the unfolding covenant plan that will later center on Isaac. Verse 15. - And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son's name - a peculiarity of the Elohist to assign the naming of a child to the father (Knobel); but the present chapter is usually ascribed to the Jehovist, while the instances in which the name is given by the mother do not always occur in Jehovistic sections (cf. Genesis 30:6, which Tuch imputes to the Elohist) - which Hagar bare, Ishmael - thus acknowledging the truth of Hagar's vision.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew And Hagarהָגָ֛ר(hā·ḡār)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1904:Hagarboreוַתֵּ֧לֶד(wat·tê·leḏ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3205:To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineageAbramלְאַבְרָ֖ם(lə·’aḇ·rām)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 87:Abram -- 'exalted father', the original name of Abrahama son,בֵּ֑ן(bên)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1121:A sonand Abramאַבְרָ֧ם(’aḇ·rām)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 87:Abram -- 'exalted father', the original name of Abrahamgaveוַיִּקְרָ֨א(way·yiq·rā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121:To call, proclaim, readthe nameשֶׁם־(šem-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8034:A nameIshmaelיִשְׁמָעֵֽאל׃(yiš·mā·‘êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3458:Ishmael -- 'God hears', the name of several Israelitesto the sonבְּנ֛וֹ(bə·nōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121:A son[she]הָגָ֖ר(hā·ḡār)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1904:Hagarhad borne.יָלְדָ֥ה(yā·lə·ḏāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3205:To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage
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OT Law: Genesis 16:15 Hagar bore a son for Abram (Gen. Ge Gn) |
