Old Testament

Genesis 21:18

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this moment, God speaks to Hagar, urging her to take action.

Author
Traditionally attributed to Moses
Written
Around 1400 BC
Genre
Law (Pentateuch)
Original Audience
The Israelites in the wilderness
CBTClear Bible Translation

"Get up, pick up the boy, and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation."

KJVKing James Version

Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation.

Verse Analysis

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. Explore related gods.

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

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.

The Book of Genesis
Book Summary

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.

Premium

Unlock the full Genesis summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Genesis — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 50 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Genesis summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.