Old Testament
Genesis 21:17
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God heard the boy's voice, and the angel of God called out to Hagar from heaven, saying, "What is wrong, Hagar? Do not be afraid, for God has heard the boy's voice right where he is."
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And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is.
What Genesis 21:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, God shows His deep care for Hagar and her son, Ishmael. Hagar is in a desperate situation, feeling alone and afraid. But God hears the cries of the boy, which signifies that He is aware of their suffering. The angel's message reassures Hagar, reminding her not to fear. God’s attention is not just on the boy but also on her, emphasizing that she is not forgotten. This encounter highlights God's compassion and willingness to intervene in our struggles. It teaches us that even in our darkest moments, we can find hope and comfort in knowing that God is listening. Hagar learns that she is not alone, and this realization can inspire us to trust in God's presence during our own challenges. His response encourages us to reach out in faith, knowing that He hears us wherever we are, just as He did for Hagar and Ishmael. This story reminds us that God cares deeply for each of us, no matter our circumstances or feelings of isolation. His love is always present, ready to uplift us.
How to apply Genesis 21:17 to your life
When you feel alone or afraid, remember that God hears your cries. Take a moment to pray and express your feelings to Him. Trust that He is aware of your situation and is ready to provide comfort and support. You are never truly alone in your struggles; God is always listening and caring for you. Lean on that truth in tough times, and find peace in His presence. “God hears you.” This simple truth can
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 21:17
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Key themes
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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 21:17 mean?
Genesis 21:17 shows God's compassion for Hagar and her son, Ishmael. It emphasizes that God hears their cries and reassures Hagar not to be afraid, highlighting His awareness of their suffering.
What is the meaning of 'God has heard the boy's voice' in Genesis 21:17?
The phrase 'God has heard the boy's voice' signifies that God is attentive to the needs and struggles of both Hagar and Ishmael. It reassures that even in desperate situations, God is aware and responsive.
How does Genesis 21:17 relate to feelings of fear?
Genesis 21:17 addresses feelings of fear by reminding us that God hears our cries and encourages us not to be afraid. It shows that in our moments of fear, we can find comfort in knowing God is listening.
What can we learn from Genesis 21:17?
From Genesis 21:17, we learn that God cares deeply for us and is aware of our struggles. It teaches us to trust in His presence and to reach out in faith, knowing we are never truly alone.
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