Old Testament
Genesis 21:11
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
This deeply troubled Abraham because it concerned his son.
Compare translations
And the thing was very grievous in Abraham’s sight because of his son.
What Genesis 21:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
Abraham was deeply troubled when he learned about the situation involving his son. This moment highlights the emotional weight that parental love carries. Abraham's concern reflects a universal feeling that many parents experience when their children face difficulties. It shows how deeply connected we are to our loved ones. The pain of seeing a child in distress can be overwhelming. Abraham's reaction reminds us that love often comes with worry and fear. This moment in his life illustrates the challenges of balancing faith and family. It’s a poignant reminder that even great leaders like Abraham felt the weight of their responsibilities as parents. His struggle is relatable, showing that love can lead to difficult decisions and heartache, but it also strengthens our bonds with those we care about most. In this way, Abraham's story resonates with anyone who has ever faced tough choices for the sake of their children, making it a timeless lesson in love and sacrifice.
How to apply Genesis 21:11 to your life
When faced with difficult decisions regarding loved ones, remember that your feelings are valid. Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you and your family. Open communication can help ease worries and strengthen relationships. Trust that love can guide you through tough times. Your concerns show how much you care, and that’s important for growth and understanding in any relationship. “,”chapter_summary_teaser”: “In this chapter, Abraham faces a challenging situation involving his son, leading
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Abraham's story: Hagar and Ishmael Sent Away (Genesis 21:8–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Genesis 21:11
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Genesis 21:11
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 21:11 mean?
Genesis 21:11 shows Abraham's deep emotional turmoil regarding a situation involving his son. It highlights the intense feelings parents experience when their children face challenges.
What is the meaning of 'grievous' in Genesis 21:11?
In Genesis 21:11, 'grievous' refers to something that causes great sorrow or distress. Abraham felt this way because the situation affected his son, illustrating the weight of parental concern.
How does Genesis 21:11 relate to parental love?
Genesis 21:11 illustrates the depth of parental love by showing how Abraham was troubled by circumstances affecting his son. It serves as a reminder that love often comes with worry and difficult decisions.
What can we learn from Abraham's reaction in Genesis 21:11?
Abraham's reaction in Genesis 21:11 teaches us that it's natural for parents to feel distressed about their children's struggles. It encourages open communication and reflection on what truly matters in family relationships.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.