Genesis 21

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 21 of 50

1 And Jehovah visited Sarah as He had said. And the Lord did to Sarah as He had spoken.

2 And Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the time appointed, that which God had spoken with him.

3 And Abraham called the name of the son who was born to him, whom Sarah had borne to him, Isaac.

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Chapter Summary

1 Isaac is born and is circumcised. 6 Sarah’s joy. 9 Hagar and Ishmael are cast out. 15 Hagar is distressed. 17 The angel comforts her.

Key Hebrew Words

צָחַק laugh H6711 · TWOT 1905
מוּל circumcise H4135 · TWOT 1204
גָּמַל wean H1580 · TWOT 360
בְּרִית covenant H1285 · TWOT 282a
שָׁבַע swear an oath H7650 · TWOT 2319
בְּאֵר well H875 · TWOT 194a

People & Context

Abraham

Father of Isaac at age 100; circumcises him, casts out Hagar, and cuts a covenant with Abimelech

Sarah

Bears Isaac in old age as Jehovah promised; rejoices in laughter and demands Hagar's son be driven out

Isaac

Promised son born to Sarah, named 'laughter,' circumcised at eight days and weaned with a great feast

Hagar

Egyptian slave-girl cast into the wilderness with her son; weeps until God shows her a well of water

Ishmael

Hagar's son cast out with her; God hears the boy, sustains him, and promises to make him a great nation

Abimelech

King who, with his commander Phicol, swears a covenant of peace with Abraham at Beer-sheba

Timeline

Birth of Isaac

Jehovah visits Sarah as promised, and she conceives and bears a son to Abraham in his old age, just as God had spoken. Abraham names him Isaac. Abraham circumcises Isaac when he is eight days old. Abraham is 100 years old when Isaac is born.

Genesis 21:1-5
Sarah's Joy

Sarah expresses joy and laughter, saying all who hear will laugh with her.

Genesis 21:6-7
Isaac Weaned, Ishmael Mocks

Isaac grows and is weaned, and Abraham makes a great feast. Sarah sees Hagar's son Ishmael mocking Isaac.

Genesis 21:8-9

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