Old Testament
Genesis 21:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"Get up, pick up the boy, and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation."
Compare translations
Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation.
What Genesis 21:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, God speaks to Hagar, urging her to take action. She is instructed to lift her son, Ishmael, and hold his hand. This command is not just about physical support; it symbolizes God's promise and care for Ishmael's future. God reassures Hagar that He has a plan for her son, declaring that he will become a great nation. This moment highlights the importance of faith and trust in God's promises, even in difficult circumstances. Hagar, feeling lost and alone, receives a powerful reminder that her son is valued and has a significant destiny. The message is clear: God sees us in our struggles and has a purpose for each of us, no matter our situation. This assurance can bring hope and strength to anyone facing challenges, reminding us that we are never truly alone. God’s plans often exceed our understanding, and He invites us to participate in them with courage and faith. Hagar's story encourages us to embrace our roles in God's unfolding story, trusting in His guidance.
How to apply Genesis 21:18 to your life
When facing tough times, remember that you are not alone. Like Hagar, trust that there is a purpose for your life and the lives of those you care about. Take action, support others, and hold onto hope. God has a plan for you, even when it’s hard to see it clearly. Keep faith alive in your heart and mind as you navigate challenges ahead. You are part of something greater than yourself, and your journey
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 21:18
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 21:18
Related Bible verses
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 21:18 mean?
Genesis 21:18 conveys God's command to Hagar to lift her son Ishmael, symbolizing His promise to care for him and make him a great nation. It emphasizes God's awareness of their struggles and His plans for their future.
What is the significance of lifting Ishmael in Genesis 21:18?
Lifting Ishmael in Genesis 21:18 represents both physical support and God's assurance of a hopeful future for him. It highlights the importance of faith and trust in God's promises during difficult times.
How does Genesis 21:18 relate to hope?
Genesis 21:18 relates to hope by showing that even in despair, God has a plan for our lives. Hagar receives a reminder that her son has a significant destiny, encouraging us to trust in God's guidance.
What themes are present in Genesis 21:18?
The themes present in Genesis 21:18 include faith, promise, destiny, hope, and support. These themes highlight the importance of trusting in God's plans and the value of each person's journey.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.