Old Testament
Genesis 21:13
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God reassures Abraham that even though Ishmael is the son of a slave woman, he will still be blessed and become a great nation.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
"I will also make the slave woman's son into a nation, because he is your offspring."
And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God reassures Abraham that even though Ishmael is the son of a slave woman, he will still be blessed and become a great nation. This promise highlights God's ability to work through unexpected circumstances and people. Ishmael, despite his origins, is recognized as part of Abraham's family. This shows that God's plans can include everyone, regardless of their background. It emphasizes the importance of family ties and the potential for greatness in all individuals. God's promise to Ishmael reflects His compassion and desire to bless all of Abraham's descendants. This moment is a reminder that everyone has value and purpose in God's eyes, and that His love extends beyond conventional boundaries. It encourages us to see the potential in others, no matter their situation or status, and to recognize that everyone can contribute to the world in meaningful ways. God's promises are inclusive and transformative, reminding us that we are all part of a larger story. Explore related gods.
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How to apply Genesis 21:13 to your life
Reflect on how you view others in your life. Are there people you overlook because of their background? Remember that everyone has unique value and potential. Embrace inclusivity and seek to uplift those around you, recognizing their worth in God's eyes. Your actions can make a difference in their lives and yours.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 21:13 mean?
Genesis 21:13 means that God promises to bless Ishmael, the son of Hagar, despite his status as a slave woman's child. This verse highlights God's willingness to include all of Abraham's descendants in His plans, showing that everyone has value.
What is the significance of Ishmael in Genesis 21:13?
Ishmael's significance in Genesis 21:13 lies in God's promise to make him a great nation. This indicates that God's blessings extend beyond traditional boundaries and that even those seen as outsiders can have a significant role in His plans.
What does the term 'slave woman' refer to in Genesis 21:13?
The term 'slave woman' in Genesis 21:13 refers to Hagar, who was Sarah's maidservant and the mother of Ishmael. This designation emphasizes Ishmael's humble beginnings but does not diminish God's promise to him.
How does Genesis 21:13 relate to God's promises?
Genesis 21:13 illustrates that God's promises are inclusive and extend to all of Abraham's descendants, regardless of their background. It shows that God's plans can encompass unexpected individuals and circumstances.
The Book of Genesis
Genesis 1: Creation
God creates the heaven and the earth, and the earth is without form and void, covered in darkness as His Spirit moves upon the waters. He speaks light into existence, separates it from darkness, and names them Day and Night. He divides the waters with a firmament called Heaven, gathers the lower waters to reveal dry land called Earth, and commands the earth to bring forth grass, herbs, and fruit trees yielding seed after their kind. He sets the sun, moon, and stars in the firmament to divide day from night, to give light, and to mark seasons, days, and years. He fills the waters with living creatures and the air with fowl, blessing them to multiply, then creates cattle, creeping things, and beasts of the earth. Finally, He creates man in His own image, male and female, gives them dominion over all living things, and appoints every herb and tree for food, and He sees that all He has made is very good.
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