Genesis 21:9

Translations

Modern

But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking her son,

Traditional

And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking.

Literal

And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, mocking her son.

Latin

Cumque vidisset Sara filium Agar Ægyptiæ ludentem cum Isaac filio suo, dixit ad Abraham:

Original

Hebrew

English

But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking her son,

Notes

Genesis 21:8–9

The feast for Isaac’s weaning probably happened when he was three. Ishmael was around 17 years old at that time (16:16). Sarah saw Ishmael mocking her son, Isaac. The verb metsakheq (“mocking”) is related to the word for “laughter.” This theme (21:6) becomes negative because of Ishmael’s mocking.

Genesis 21:8–21

God used the incident of Ishmael’s mocking Isaac to separate Ishmael and Hagar from the family and the child of promise. They would constantly threaten the promised descendant if they remained with the family.

Theme notes and profiles

Abraham Hagar Isaac Ishmael Sarah Symbolic Numbers

Related verses

Galatians 4:29
At that time, however, the son born by the flesh persecuted the son born by the Spirit. It is the same now.
Genesis 16:15
And Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram gave the name Ishmael to the son she had borne.
Galatians 4:22
For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman.
Genesis 16:1
Now Abram’s wife Sarai had borne him no children, but she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar.
Psalm 44:13–14
You have made us a reproach to our neighbors, a mockery and derision to those around us.
Psalm 22:6
But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people.
Lamentations 1:7
In the days of her affliction and wandering Jerusalem remembers all the treasures that were hers in days of old. When her people fell into enemy hands she received no help. Her enemies looked upon her, laughing at her downfall.
Proverbs 20:11
Even a young man is known by his actions—whether his conduct is pure and upright.
2 Chronicles 36:16
But they mocked the messengers of God, despising His words and scoffing at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against His people was stirred up beyond remedy.
Psalm 42:10
Like the crushing of my bones, my enemies taunt me, while they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”
2 Chronicles 30:10
And the couriers traveled from city to city through the land of Ephraim and Manasseh as far as Zebulun, but the people scorned and mocked them.
Genesis 17:20
As for Ishmael, I have heard you, and I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He will become the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation.

Parallels

Galatians 4:21–30

People

Abraham: Patriarch, chosen by God to father His people Hagar: Sarah's Egyptian maidservant; mother of Ishmael Sarah: Wife of Abraham; mother of Isaac

Places

Egypt: Ancient nation; Israelites enslaved there; plagues and Exodus

Glossary

Abraham Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Birthright Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of Hagar Isaac Patriarchs, Period of the Primogeniture

Topics

Children: Alienated, Ishmael, to Gratify Sarah Children: Wicked: Ishmael Concubinage: Laws Concerning: Concubines Might be Dismissed Cruelty of Sarah to Hagar Envy: Sarah, of Hagar Inheritance: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Ishmael: Son of Abraham: Sent Away by Abraham Malice: Ishmael Toward Sarah Mocking: Ishmael Mocks Sarah Polygamy: Domestic Unhappiness in Abraham's Family Sarah: Also Called Sarai: Her Jealousy of Hagar Scoffing: Ishmael Scorning and Mocking: Ishmael Scorning and Mocking: Saints Endure, on Account of Being Children of God Women: Sarah, in Her Jealousy and Malice Toward Hagar

Genesis 21:9

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?

Parallels?