Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. New Living Translation But God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, “Hagar, what’s wrong? Do not be afraid! God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. English Standard Version And God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. Berean Standard Bible Then God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, “What is wrong, Hagar? Do not be afraid, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he lies. Berean Literal Bible And God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar out of the heavens and said to her, “What ails you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has listened to the voice of the boy where he is there. King James Bible 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. New King James Version And God heard the voice of the lad. Then the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said to her, “What ails you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is. New American Standard Bible God heard the boy crying; and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What is the matter with you, Hagar? Do not fear, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. NASB 1995 God heard the lad crying; and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What is the matter with you, Hagar? Do not fear, for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is. NASB 1977 And God heard the lad crying; and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, and said to her, “What is the matter with you, Hagar? Do not fear, for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is. Legacy Standard Bible Then God heard the voice of the boy crying; and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What is the matter with you, Hagar? Do not fear, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. Amplified Bible God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Do not be afraid, for God has heard the voice of the boy from where he is [resting]. Berean Annotated Bible Then God {Elohim} heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar (flight) from heaven, “What is wrong, Hagar? Do not be afraid, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he lies. Christian Standard Bible God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What’s wrong, Hagar? Don’t be afraid, for God has heard the boy crying from the place where he is. Holman Christian Standard Bible God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What’s wrong, Hagar? Don’t be afraid, for God has heard the voice of the boy from the place where he is. American Standard Version 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. Contemporary English Version When God heard the boy crying, the angel of God called out to Hagar from heaven and said, "Hagar, why are you worried? Don't be afraid. I have heard your son crying. English Revised Version 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation God heard the boy crying, and the Messenger of God called to Hagar from heaven. "What's the matter, Hagar?" he asked her. "Don't be afraid! God has heard the boy crying from the bushes. Good News Translation God heard the boy crying, and from heaven the angel of God spoke to Hagar, "What are you troubled about, Hagar? Don't be afraid. God has heard the boy crying. International Standard Version God heard the boy's voice, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven. He asked her, "What's wrong with you, Hagar? Don't be afraid, because God has heard the voice of the youth where he is. NET Bible But God heard the boy's voice. The angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and asked her, "What is the matter, Hagar? Don't be afraid, for God has heard the boy's voice right where he is crying. New Heart English Bible And God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from the sky and said to her, "What troubles you, Hagar? Do not be afraid. For God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. Webster's Bible Translation And God heard the voice of the lad: and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said to her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, “What is wrong, Hagar? Do not be afraid, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he lies. World English Bible God heard the voice of the boy. The angel of God called to Hagar out of the sky, and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Don’t be afraid. For God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd God hears the voice of the youth; and the messenger of God calls to Hagar from the heavens and says to her, “What to you, Hagar? Do not fear; for God has listened to the voice of the youth where he [is]; Berean Literal Bible And God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar out of the heavens and said to her, “What ails you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has listened to the voice of the boy where he is there. Young's Literal Translation And God heareth the voice of the youth; and the messenger of God calleth unto Hagar from the heavens, and saith to her, 'What to thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath hearkened unto the voice of the youth where he is; Smith's Literal Translation And God will hear the voice of the child: and the messenger of God will call to Hagar from the heavens, and will say to her, What to thee Hagar? thou shalt not fear, for God heard the voice of the child, from where he is. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd God heard the voice of the boy: and an angel of God called to Agar from heaven, saying: What art thou doing, Agar? fear not: for God hath heard the voice of the boy, from the place wherein he is. Catholic Public Domain Version But God heard the voice of the boy. And an Angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, saying: “What are you doing, Hagar? Do not be afraid. For God has heeded the voice of the boy, from the place where he is. New American Bible God heard the boy’s voice, and God’s angel called to Hagar from heaven: “What is the matter, Hagar? Do not fear; God has heard the boy’s voice in this plight of his. New Revised Standard Version And God heard the voice of the boy; and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Do not be afraid; for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the LORD heard the voice of the boy; and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, and said to her, What troubles you, Hagar? Fear not; for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And God heard the voice of the boy and the Angel of God called to Hagar from Heaven and said to her, “What is happening to you Hagar? Do not be afraid, because God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And 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. Brenton Septuagint Translation And God heard the voice of the child from the place where he was, and an angel of God called Agar out of heaven, and said to her, What is it, Agar? fear not, for God has heard the voice of the child from the place where he is. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Sarah Turns Against Hagar…16Then she went off and sat down nearby, about a bowshot away, for she said, “I cannot bear to watch the boy die!” And as she sat nearby, she lifted up her voice and wept. 17Then God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, “What is wrong, Hagar? Do not be afraid, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he lies. 18Get up, lift up the boy, and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.”… Cross References Then God heard the voice of the boy, Exodus 2:23-25 After a long time, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned and cried out under their burden of slavery, and their cry for deliverance from bondage ascended to God. / So God heard their groaning, and He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. / God saw the Israelites and took notice. Psalm 22:24 For He has not despised or detested the torment of the afflicted. He has not hidden His face from him, but has attended to his cry for help. Psalm 116:1-2 I love the LORD, for He has heard my voice—my appeal for mercy. / Because He has inclined His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live. and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, Genesis 16:7-10 Now the angel of the LORD found Hagar by a spring of water in the desert—the spring along the road to Shur. / “Hagar, servant of Sarai,” he said, “where have you come from, and where are you going?” “I am running away from my mistress Sarai,” she replied. / So the angel of the LORD told her, “Return to your mistress and submit to her authority.” … Genesis 22:11-12 Just then the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, “Abraham, Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. / “Do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to him,” said the angel, “for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your only son from me.” Exodus 3:2-4 There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from within a bush. Moses saw the bush ablaze with fire, but it was not consumed. / So Moses thought, “I must go over and see this marvelous sight. Why is the bush not burning up?” / When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from within the bush, “Moses, Moses!” “Here I am,” he answered. “What is wrong, Hagar? Genesis 16:7-8 Now the angel of the LORD found Hagar by a spring of water in the desert—the spring along the road to Shur. / “Hagar, servant of Sarai,” he said, “where have you come from, and where are you going?” “I am running away from my mistress Sarai,” she replied. 1 Samuel 1:8 “Hannah, why are you crying?” her husband Elkanah asked. “Why won’t you eat? Why is your heart so grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?” 1 Kings 19:9-13 There Elijah entered a cave and spent the night. And the word of the LORD came to him, saying, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” / “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of Hosts,” he replied, “but the Israelites have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well.” / Then the LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD. Behold, the LORD is about to pass by.” And a great and mighty wind tore into the mountains and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. … Do not be afraid, Genesis 15:1 After these events, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” Luke 1:30 So the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Genesis 46:3 “I am God,” He said, “the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. for God has heard the voice of the boy where he lies. Genesis 16:11 The angel of the LORD proceeded: “Behold, you have conceived and will bear a son. And you shall name him Ishmael, for the LORD has heard your cry of affliction. 2 Kings 20:5 “Go back and tell Hezekiah the leader of My people that this is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: ‘I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. I will surely heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the house of the LORD. Psalm 34:17-18 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles. / The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit. Exodus 3:7 The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the affliction of My people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their oppressors, and I am aware of their sufferings. Treasury of Scripture And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said to her, What ails you, Hagar? fear not; for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is. heard. Genesis 16:11 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction. Exodus 3:7 And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; Exodus 22:23,27 If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry; … the angel. Genesis 16:9,11 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands… What. Judges 18:23 And they cried unto the children of Dan. And they turned their faces, and said unto Micah, What aileth thee, that thou comest with such a company? 1 Samuel 11:5 And, behold, Saul came after the herd out of the field; and Saul said, What aileth the people that they weep? And they told him the tidings of the men of Jabesh. Isaiah 22:1 The burden of the valley of vision. What aileth thee now, that thou art wholly gone up to the housetops? fear. Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. Genesis 46:3 And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation: Exodus 14:13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. Jump to Previous Afraid Aileth Ails Angel Boy Boy's Child's Cry Crying Ears Fear Hagar Heard Heareth Heaven Heavens Lad Matter Messenger Sky Troubles Voice Weeping YouthJump to Next Afraid Aileth Ails Angel Boy Boy's Child's Cry Crying Ears Fear Hagar Heard Heareth Heaven Heavens Lad Matter Messenger Sky Troubles Voice Weeping YouthGenesis 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. Then God heard the voice of the boy This phrase highlights God's attentiveness to human distress, emphasizing His compassion and responsiveness. The boy, Ishmael, is Abraham's son through Hagar, and his cries in the wilderness reflect a dire situation. This moment underscores God's promise to Abraham that Ishmael would also become a great nation (Genesis 17:20). It parallels God's hearing of the Israelites' cries in Egypt (Exodus 2:24), showing His consistent nature in responding to the afflicted. and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven “What is wrong, Hagar? Do not be afraid for God has heard the voice of the boy where he lies Persons / Places / Events 1. GodThe omniscient and compassionate deity who hears the cries of the afflicted and intervenes in their distress. 2. The Angel of God A divine messenger who communicates God's message and assurance to Hagar. 3. Hagar The Egyptian maidservant of Sarah and mother of Ishmael, who finds herself in a desperate situation in the wilderness. 4. Ishmael The son of Abraham and Hagar, whose cries are heard by God, leading to divine intervention. 5. The Wilderness of Beersheba The desolate location where Hagar and Ishmael find themselves, symbolizing isolation and despair. Teaching Points God's Omniscience and CompassionGod is aware of our struggles and hears our cries, even when we feel isolated and abandoned. Divine Intervention God's intervention often comes in unexpected ways and times, reminding us to trust in His timing and methods. Fear and Faith The command "Do not be afraid" is a call to trust in God's provision and care, even in dire circumstances. The Value of Every Life God's response to Ishmael's cries underscores the value He places on every individual, regardless of their status or circumstances. Hope in Desolation Even in the wilderness of life, God provides hope and a future, encouraging us to look beyond our immediate circumstances. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 21:17?2. How does Genesis 21:17 demonstrate God's responsiveness to human distress and prayer? 3. What does God's intervention in Genesis 21:17 reveal about His character? 4. How can we apply God's promise to Hagar in our own struggles today? 5. In what ways does Genesis 21:17 connect with God's faithfulness throughout Scripture? 6. How can we trust God's provision when facing seemingly hopeless situations like Hagar's? 7. How does Genesis 21:17 demonstrate God's awareness of human suffering and need? 8. Why does God respond to Hagar's situation in Genesis 21:17? 9. What does Genesis 21:17 reveal about God's character and compassion? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 21? 11. Who were the sons of Abraham? 12. Who exemplifies faith and strength among biblical women? 13. What does the Bible say about single mothers? 14. What does "God of all comfort" mean? What Does Genesis 21:17 Mean Then God heard the voice of the boy• Scripture presents God as personally attentive; He literally hears Ishmael’s cry. Compare Psalm 34:15: “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry.” • The timing is deliberate—“Then” follows the moment Hagar has exhausted her resources (Genesis 21:15–16). God’s response underscores His faithfulness to Abraham’s earlier plea for Ishmael (Genesis 17:20). • Hearing precedes seeing; God’s first act is to listen, revealing His compassionate nature (Exodus 2:24). and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven • As in Genesis 16:7, the Angel of God appears, showing continuity in divine care for Hagar. • “From heaven” confirms a real, heavenly intervention, not a dream or inner impression (Luke 1:11–13). • God employs a mediator—His Angel—yet the message carries divine authority, reflecting passages like Exodus 3:2 and Acts 7:30. What is wrong, Hagar? • The question is not for information but invitation; God draws Hagar into dialogue, just as He did with Elijah (1 Kings 19:9). • By naming her, He affirms personal worth. In Genesis 16:13 Hagar called God “the God who sees me”; here He again proves He knows her by name. Do not be afraid • Fear is natural when circumstances seem hopeless, but God’s command dispels it (Isaiah 41:10). • The imperative reassures that His presence is the answer to fear, echoing Jesus’ words in John 14:27: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” • It bridges to provision—physical safety for Ishmael and emotional relief for Hagar. for God has heard the voice of the boy where he lies • Repetition of “heard” doubles the emphasis: God’s attention is fixed on Ishmael’s exact location. • “Where he lies” shows God’s precise knowledge (Psalm 139:1–3). Nothing is hidden, even in the wilderness. • The promise anticipates the well of water in verse 19 and the nation promised in verse 18, linking God’s immediate aid to His larger covenant plan (Genesis 17:20; 25:12–18). summary Genesis 21:17 reveals God’s compassionate, covenant–faithful character: He literally hears Ishmael’s cry, sends His Angel to engage Hagar personally, removes fear with His presence, and affirms future provision. The verse assures believers that God is never distant; He listens, speaks, and acts precisely where His children are in need. (17) The angel of God.--In Genesis 16:7 it was "the angel of Jehovah" which appeared unto Hagar; here it is the angel of Elohim. It is impossible not to be struck with this exact use of the names of Deity. Hagar was then still a member of Abraham's family; here she is so no longer; and it is Elohim, and not Jehovah, the covenant God of the chosen race, who saves her.Verse 17. - And God - Elohim; Hagar and Ishmael having now been removed from the care and superintendence of the covenant God to the guidance and providence of God the ruler of all nations (Keil) - heard the voice of the lad; - praying (Inglis), or weeping, ut supra - and the angel of God - Maleach Elohim; not Maleach Jehovah, as in Genesis 16:7-13, for the reason above specified (Hengstenberg, Quarry) - called to Hagar out of heaven, - it may be inferred there was no external appearance or theophaneia, such as was vouchsafed to her when wandering in the wilderness of Shut (Genesis 16:7) - and said unto her, What aileth thee (literally, What to thee?) Hagar? fear not; - so the word of Jehovah addressed Abram (Genesis 15:1), Isaac (Genesis 26:4), Daniel (Daniel 10:12), and John (Revelation 1:17) - for God hath heard the voice of the lad - i.e. the voice (perhaps the mute cry) of the lad's misery, and in that also the audible sob of Hagar's weeping. It is net said that either Ishmael or his mother prayed to God in their distress. Hence the Divine interposition on their behalf non quid a se peterent, sed quid servo suo Abrahae de Ismaele pollicitus foret, respexit (Calvin) - where he is - an ellipsis for from, or in, the place where he is; ἐκ τοῦ τόπου οὑ ἐστιν (LXX.); ex loco ubi est (Calvin); meaning either "in his helpless condition" (Keil), or out in the desolate wilderness, as contrasted with the house of Abraham (Calvin).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Then Godאֱלֹהִים֮ (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative heard וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע (way·yiš·ma‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently the voice ק֣וֹל (qō·wl) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6963: A voice, sound of the boy, הַנַּעַר֒ (han·na·‘ar) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer and the angel מַלְאַ֨ךְ (mal·’aḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4397: A messenger, of God, an angel of God אֱלֹהִ֤ים ׀ (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative called וַיִּקְרָא֩ (way·yiq·rā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Hagar הָגָר֙ (hā·ḡār) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1904: Hagar from מִן־ (min-) Preposition Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of heaven, הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם (haš·šā·ma·yim) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 8064: Heaven, sky “What is wrong, מַה־ (mah-) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what Hagar? הָגָ֑ר (hā·ḡār) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1904: Hagar Do not אַל־ (’al-) Adverb Strong's 408: Not be afraid, תִּ֣ירְאִ֔י (tî·rə·’î) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person feminine singular Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten for כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction God אֱלֹהִ֛ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative has heard שָׁמַ֧ע (šā·ma‘) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently the voice ק֥וֹל (qō·wl) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6963: A voice, sound of the boy הַנַּ֖עַר (han·na·‘ar) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer where בַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר (ba·’ă·šer) Preposition-b | Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that he הוּא־ (hū-) Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are lies. שָֽׁם׃ (šām) Adverb Strong's 8033: There, then, thither Links Genesis 21:17 NIVGenesis 21:17 NLT Genesis 21:17 ESV Genesis 21:17 NASB Genesis 21:17 KJV Genesis 21:17 BibleApps.com Genesis 21:17 Biblia Paralela Genesis 21:17 Chinese Bible Genesis 21:17 French Bible Genesis 21:17 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 21:17 God heard the voice of the boy (Gen. 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