Old Testament
Genesis 21:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
So she told Abraham, "Send this slave woman and her son away, because the son of this slave woman will not share the inheritance with my son Isaac."
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Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac.
What Genesis 21:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Sarah expresses her deep concern about the future of her son Isaac. She feels threatened by the presence of Hagar and her son Ishmael, fearing that they might share in Isaac's inheritance. This reflects a common human instinct to protect what we hold dear, especially when it comes to family. Sarah's demand for Abraham to send Hagar and Ishmael away highlights the tension and conflict that can arise in relationships. It also shows how difficult decisions can be when it comes to matters of love and loyalty. Abraham is torn, as he cares for both his wife and his son. This moment illustrates the complexities of family dynamics and the lengths we might go to ensure our loved ones are secure. Ultimately, it raises questions about fairness, belonging, and the sacrifices we make for those we love. The story invites us to reflect on our own relationships and the challenges we face in balancing love and responsibility, especially when it comes to our children.
How to apply Genesis 21:10 to your life
Consider how you handle conflicts in your relationships. Are there situations where you need to make tough choices to protect your loved ones? Reflect on the importance of communication and understanding in resolving family issues, ensuring everyone feels valued and heard. Seek harmony in your relationships, even when faced with difficult decisions. “,”chapter_summary_teaser”: “This chapter reveals the complexities of family dynamics through Sarah's demand to send Hagar and Ishmael away. It highlights the challenges of
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
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Illustrated scene from Abraham's story: Hagar and Ishmael Sent Away (Genesis 21:8–21)
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Abraham
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
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Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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Keep studying Genesis 21:10
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At a Glance — the Book of Genesis
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 21:10 mean?
Genesis 21:10 shows Sarah's concern for her son Isaac's future inheritance. She demands that Abraham send away Hagar and Ishmael to protect Isaac's position as the sole heir, highlighting the tensions that can arise in family dynamics.
What is the meaning of 'bondwoman' in Genesis 21:10?
In Genesis 21:10, 'bondwoman' refers to Hagar, who was a servant or slave of Sarah. This term emphasizes her lower status in the household and the conflict between her and Sarah regarding their sons.
How does Genesis 21:10 relate to family dynamics?
Genesis 21:10 illustrates the complexities of family relationships, particularly the conflicts that can arise over inheritance and loyalty. It shows how love for one child can lead to difficult decisions that impact others in the family.
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