Genesis 21:12 But God said to Abraham, "Do not be distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to everything that Sarah tells you, for through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.

◄ Genesis 21:12 ►

New International Version
But God said to him, “Do not be so distressed about the boy and your slave woman. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.

New Living Translation
But God told Abraham, “Do not be upset over the boy and your servant. Do whatever Sarah tells you, for Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted.

English Standard Version
But God said to Abraham, “Be not displeased because of the boy and because of your slave woman. Whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for through Isaac shall your offspring be named.

Berean Standard Bible
But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to everything that Sarah tells you, for through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.

King James Bible
And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.

New King James Version
But God said to Abraham, “Do not let it be displeasing in your sight because of the lad or because of your bondwoman. Whatever Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice; for in Isaac your seed shall be called.

New American Standard Bible
But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed because of the boy and your slave woman; whatever Sarah tells you, listen to her, for through Isaac your descendants shall be named.

NASB 1995
But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed because of the lad and your maid; whatever Sarah tells you, listen to her, for through Isaac your descendants shall be named.

NASB 1977
But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed because of the lad and your maid; whatever Sarah tells you, listen to her, for through Isaac your descendants shall be named.

Legacy Standard Bible
So God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed because of the boy and your maidservant; whatever Sarah tells you, listen to her voice, for through Isaac your seed shall be named.

Amplified Bible
God said to Abraham, “Do not let it distress you because of Ishmael and your maid; whatever Sarah tells you, listen to her and do what she asks, for your descendants will be named through Isaac.

Christian Standard Bible
But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed about the boy and about your slave. Whatever Sarah says to you, listen to her, because your offspring will be traced through Isaac,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But God said to Abraham, “Do not be concerned about the boy and your slave. Whatever Sarah says to you, listen to her, because your offspring will be traced through Isaac.

American Standard Version
And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy handmaid; in all that Sarah saith unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.

Contemporary English Version
But God said, "Abraham, don't worry about your slave woman and the boy. Just do what Sarah tells you. Isaac will inherit your family name,

English Revised Version
And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah saith unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But God said to Abraham, "Don't be upset about the boy and your slave. Listen to what Sarah says because through Isaac your descendants will carry on your name.

Good News Translation
But God said to Abraham, "Don't be worried about the boy and your slave Hagar. Do whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that you will have the descendants I have promised.

International Standard Version
but God told Abraham, "Don't be troubled about the youth and your slave girl. Pay attention to Sarah in everything she tells you, because your offspring are to be named through Isaac.

Majority Standard Bible
But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to everything that Sarah tells you, for through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.

NET Bible
But God said to Abraham, "Do not be upset about the boy or your slave wife. Do all that Sarah is telling you because through Isaac your descendants will be counted.

New Heart English Bible
God said to Abraham, "Do not let it be grievous in your sight because of the boy, and because of your slave woman. In all that Sarah says to you, listen to her voice. For from Isaac will your descendants be called.

Webster's Bible Translation
And God said to Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight, because of the lad, and because of thy bond-woman; in all that Sarah hath said to thee, hearken to her voice: for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.

World English Bible
God said to Abraham, “Don’t let it be grievous in your sight because of the boy, and because of your servant. In all that Sarah says to you, listen to her voice. For your offspring will be named through Isaac.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and God says to Abraham, “Let it not be wrong in your eyes because of the youth, and because of your handmaid: all that Sarah says to you—listen to her voice, for in Isaac is a seed called to you.

Young's Literal Translation
and God saith unto Abraham, 'Let it not be wrong in thine eyes because of the youth, and because of thy handmaid: all that Sarah saith unto thee -- hearken to her voice, for in Isaac is a seed called to thee.

Smith's Literal Translation
And God will say to Abraham, It shall not be evil in thine eyes concerning the boy, and concerning thy maidservant; all which Sarah shall say to thee, hear to her voice; for in Isaak the seed shall be called to thee.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And God said to him: Let it not seem grievous to thee for the boy, and for thy bondwoman: in all that Sara hath said to thee, hearken to her voice: for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And God said to him: “Let it not seem harsh to you concerning the boy and your woman servant. In all that Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice. For your offspring will be invoked in Isaac.

New American Bible
But God said to Abraham: Do not be distressed about the boy or about your slave woman. Obey Sarah, no matter what she asks of you; for it is through Isaac that descendants will bear your name.

New Revised Standard Version
But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed because of the boy and because of your slave woman; whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for it is through Isaac that offspring shall be named for you.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And God said to Abraham, Let it not be grievous in your sight because of the boy and because of your maidservant; whatever Sarah tells you, hearken to her voice; for your descendants shall come through Isaac.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And God said to Abraham: “Do not let it be distressing in your eyes, concerning the boy, and concerning your Maidservant. Listen to her voice in everything that Sara spoke to you, because your seed shall be called in Isaaq.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And God said unto Abraham: 'Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah saith unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall seed be called to thee.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But God said to Abraam, Let it not be hard before thee concerning the child, and concerning the bondwoman; in all things whatsoever Sarrha shall say to thee, hear her voice, for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Sarah Turns Against Hagar
…11Now this matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son Ishmael. 12But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to everything that Sarah tells you, for through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned. 13But I will also make a nation of the slave woman’s son, because he is your offspring.”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Romans 9:7
Nor because they are Abraham’s descendants are they all his children. On the contrary, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.”

Hebrews 11:18
even though God had said to him, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.”

Galatians 4:30
But what does the Scripture say? “Expel the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.”

Romans 4:18
Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.”

Genesis 17:19
But God replied, “Your wife Sarah will indeed bear you a son, and you are to name him Isaac. I will establish My covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him.

Genesis 22:2
“Take your son,” God said, “your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.”

Genesis 26:3-5
Stay in this land as a foreigner, and I will be with you and bless you. For I will give all these lands to you and your offspring, and I will confirm the oath that I swore to your father Abraham. / I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and I will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, / because Abraham listened to My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.”

Genesis 28:13-14
And there at the top the LORD was standing and saying, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you now lie. / Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and east and north and south. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your offspring.

Genesis 35:12
The land that I gave to Abraham and Isaac I will give to you, and I will give this land to your descendants after you.”

Genesis 48:16
the angel who has redeemed me from all harm—may He bless these boys. And may they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they grow into a multitude upon the earth.”

Genesis 49:10
The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his.

Exodus 3:6
Then He said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.

Exodus 32:13
Remember Your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, to whom You swore by Your very self when You declared, ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and I will give your descendants all this land that I have promised, and it shall be their inheritance forever.’”

Numbers 23:19
God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?

Deuteronomy 7:8
But because the LORD loved you and kept the oath He swore to your fathers, He brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.

Treasury of Scripture

And God said to Abraham, Let it not be grievous in your sight because of the lad, and because of your female slave; in all that Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice; for in Isaac shall your seed be called.

hearken.

1 Samuel 8:7,9
And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them…

Isaiah 46:10
Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

in Isaac.

Genesis 17:19,21
And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him…

Romans 9:7,8
Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called…

Hebrews 11:18
Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:

Jump to Previous

Abraham Bondwoman Bond-Woman Boy Descendants Displeased Distressed Eyes Grief Grievous Hagar Handmaid Hearken Isaac Lad Maid Maidservant Mother Offspring Sarah Seed Sight Slave Tells Voice Whatever Wrong

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Genesis 21

1. Isaac is born, and circumcised.
6. Sarah's joy.
8. Isaac is weaned.
9. Hagar and Ishmael sent away.
15. Hagar in distress.
17. The angel relieves and comforts her.
23. Abimelech's covenant with Abraham at Beersheba.

Berean Study Bible

But God said to Abraham
This phrase highlights the direct communication between God and Abraham, emphasizing the personal relationship and covenantal bond they share. In Hebrew, the word for God here is "Elohim," which underscores His power and authority. This divine intervention reassures Abraham, guiding him through a difficult decision. Historically, this reflects the patriarchal era where divine guidance was sought and revered, and it underscores the importance of obedience to God's will.

Do not be distressed
The Hebrew root for "distressed" is "ra'a," which can mean to be displeased or grieved. This phrase is a comforting command from God, acknowledging Abraham's emotional turmoil. It reflects God's compassion and understanding of human emotions, offering peace in the midst of familial conflict. This assurance is a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to bring good out of challenging situations.

about the boy and your maidservant
Here, "the boy" refers to Ishmael, and "your maidservant" to Hagar. This phrase acknowledges the complex family dynamics at play. Ishmael, though not the child of promise, is still under God's care. The historical context shows the practice of having children through maidservants, which was culturally accepted at the time. God's mention of both Ishmael and Hagar indicates His concern for all individuals, regardless of their status.

Listen to everything Sarah tells you
This directive places Sarah's counsel in a position of divine endorsement. The Hebrew word for "listen" is "shama," which implies not just hearing but obeying. This instruction highlights the importance of Sarah's role in the fulfillment of God's promise. It also reflects the biblical theme of God working through human relationships and decisions to accomplish His purposes.

for through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned
The phrase "through Isaac" is pivotal, as it identifies Isaac as the child of promise through whom God's covenant will continue. The Hebrew word for "reckoned" is "qara," meaning to be called or named. This establishes Isaac as the legitimate heir in God's plan, reinforcing the theme of divine election. Historically, this sets the stage for the nation of Israel, as Isaac's lineage leads to the twelve tribes. It underscores the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises, despite human imperfections and challenges.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(12) In Isaac shall thy seed be called--Heb., in Isaac there shall be called to thee a seed: that is, the seed that shall especially be accounted thine, and which, as such, shall inherit the promises, will be that sprung from Isaac.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 12. - And God said unto Abraham, - probably in a dream, or night vision (vide Ver. 14) - Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; - who was never recognized by God as Abraham's wife (cf. Genesis 16:8) - in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice. Though Sarah's counsel was approved by God, it does not follow that her conduct was. On a former occasion Abraham's hearkening unto Sarah's voice had led to sin (Genesis 16:2); this time it would lie exactly in the line of duty. For in Isaac shall thy seed be called. Literally, in Isaac shall seed (i.e. posterity) be called to thee; meaning neither, "by Isaac shall thy seed be called, or named" (Hofmann, Kalisch, Ainsworth), nor, "in Isaac shall thy seed be called into existence" (Dreschler); but, "in Isaac shall there be posterity to thee which shall pass as such," i.e. be called or recognized as such (Keil); or, more simply, "in Isaac," i.e. in the line of Isaac, "shall be called to thee a seed," i.e. a seed par excellence, the seed already promised (Bleek, Delitzsch, Rosenmüller, Alford, Murphy).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

But God
אֱלֹהִ֜ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

said
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Abraham,
אַבְרָהָ֗ם (’aḇ·rā·hām)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 85: Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nation

“Do not
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

be distressed
יֵרַ֤ע (yê·ra‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7489: To spoil, to make, good for, nothing, bad

about
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the boy
הַנַּ֣עַר (han·na·‘ar)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer

and your maidservant.
אֲמָתֶ֔ךָ (’ă·mā·ṯe·ḵā)
Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 519: A maidservant, female slave

Listen to
שְׁמַ֣ע (šə·ma‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

everything
כֹּל֩ (kōl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

that
אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

Sarah
שָׂרָ֖ה (śā·rāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 8283: Sarah -- 'princess', a wife of Abraham

tells
תֹּאמַ֥ר (tō·mar)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

you,
אֵלֶ֛יךָ (’ê·le·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

for
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

through Isaac
בְיִצְחָ֔ק (ḇə·yiṣ·ḥāq)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3327: Isaac -- 'he laughs', son of Abraham and Sarah

your offspring
זָֽרַע׃ (zā·ra‘)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2233: Seed, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

will be reckoned.
יִקָּרֵ֥א (yiq·qā·rê)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

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OT Law: Genesis 21:12 God said to Abraham Don't let it (Gen. Ge Gn)