Key Verse Spotlight
Genesis 16:15 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" Hagar bore a son for Abram. Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael. "
Genesis 16:15
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
13 She called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, “You are a God who sees,” for she said, “Have I even stayed alive after seeing him?”
14 Therefore the well was called Beer Lahai Roi. Behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered.
15 Hagar bore a son for Abram. Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael.
16 Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram.
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It is taken for granted here, though not stated directly, that Hagar did what the angel had told her. She returned to her mistress and submitted to her, and then, when the time came, she gave birth to her son. Those who obey God’s commands will find comfort in God’s promises.
This was the son of the slave woman, born “according to the flesh” (Galatians 4:23), which represents the unbelieving Jews, as Paul says in the next verse. Many who can call Abraham their father are still born “according to the flesh” (Matthew 3:9). In the church, people who are only outwardly religious often appear sooner than those who are truly spiritual. It is easier to persuade people to take on the appearance of godliness than to submit to its power.
People and relationships
Show connectionsHide connections
See how people in this passage connect. Open a source to read the supporting Scripture.
Abraham
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Sarah Abraham is the husband of Sarah.
Source: Genesis 11:29
Abram and Nahor married wives. The name of Abram’s wife was Sarai, and the name of Nahor’s wife was Milcah, the daughter of Haran, who was also the father of Iscah.
Read Genesis 11:29 -
Ishmael Abraham is the father of Ishmael.
Source: Genesis 16:15
Hagar bore a son for Abram. Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael.
Read Genesis 16:15 -
Isaac Abraham is the father of Isaac.
Source: Genesis 21:3
Abraham called his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore to him, Isaac.
Read Genesis 21:3
Hagar
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Ishmael Hagar is the mother of Ishmael.
Source: Genesis 16:15
Hagar bore a son for Abram. Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael.
Read Genesis 16:15
Ishmael
-
Abraham Abraham is the father of Ishmael.
Source: Genesis 16:15
Hagar bore a son for Abram. Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael.
Read Genesis 16:15 -
Hagar Hagar is the mother of Ishmael.
Source: Genesis 16:15
Hagar bore a son for Abram. Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael.
Read Genesis 16:15
Selected relationship data adapted from BibleData, Brady Stephenson (CC BY 4.0). Reviewed, translated and supplemented with Scripture references.
From This Chapter
Genesis 16:1
"Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, bore him no children. She had a servant, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar."
Genesis 16:2
"Sarai said to Abram, “See now, the LORD has restrained me from bearing. Please go in to my servant. It may be that I will obtain children by her.” Abram listened to the voice of Sarai."
Genesis 16:3
"Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her servant, after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to Abram her husband to be his wife."
Genesis 16:4
"He went in to Hagar, and she conceived. When she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes."
Genesis 16:5
"Sarai said to Abram, “This wrong is your fault. I gave my servant into your bosom, and when she saw that she had conceived, she despised me. May the LORD judge between me and you.”"
Genesis 16:6
"But Abram said to Sarai, “Behold, your maid is in your hand. Do to her whatever is good in your eyes.” Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she fled from her face."
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