Genesis 16:10

ΒΆ And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.

And the angel {H4397} of the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto her, I will multiply {H7235} thy seed {H2233} exceedingly {H7235}, that it shall not be numbered {H5608} for multitude {H7230}.

The angel of ADONAI said to her, "I will greatly increase your descendants; there will be so many that it will be impossible to count them."

Then the angel added, β€œI will greatly multiply your offspring so that they will be too numerous to count.”

And the angel of Jehovah said unto her, I will greatly multiply thy seed, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.

Commentary

Context

Genesis 16:10 finds Hagar, Sarai's Egyptian handmaid, in a desperate situation. Having conceived Ishmael by Abram at Sarai's urging, Hagar was then treated harshly by Sarai and fled into the wilderness (Genesis 16:6). It is here, by a fountain in the wilderness, that the Angel of the LORD encounters her. This divine encounter marks a pivotal moment, demonstrating God's compassion and intervention in the lives of even the most vulnerable and marginalized.

Key Themes

  • Divine Compassion and Intervention: This verse highlights God's profound care for Hagar, who was in distress and alone. Even outside the direct lineage of the covenant through Abram and Sarai, God sees her affliction and offers comfort and a future. This underscores a key biblical theme of God's attentiveness to the suffering (Psalm 34:18).
  • God's Unstoppable Promises: The promise to multiply Hagar's seed echoes the promises made to Abram concerning his own descendants (Genesis 12:2, Genesis 15:5). While Ishmael is not the promised son of the covenant through whom the Messiah would come, God still extends a significant blessing to his lineage, demonstrating His sovereign plan and faithfulness even to those outside the primary covenant line.
  • The Future of Ishmael's Descendants: The phrase "shall not be numbered for multitude" emphasizes the vastness of Ishmael's future offspring. This prophecy was fulfilled as Ishmael became the progenitor of numerous Arab tribes, forming a significant people group (Genesis 17:20).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the angel of the LORD" (Hebrew: mal'akh Yahweh - מלאך Χ™Χ”Χ•Χ”) is significant. In many Old Testament contexts, this figure is understood not merely as a messenger, but as a pre-incarnate manifestation of God Himself, often referred to as a Christophany. The fact that the Angel speaks with divine authority ("I will multiply thy seed") supports this interpretation, indicating God's direct involvement in Hagar's situation.

The expression "multiply thy seed exceedingly" uses a strong Hebrew idiom, literally "multiplying, I will multiply," emphasizing the certainty and greatness of the promised increase.

Practical Application

Genesis 16:10 offers profound comfort and insight for believers today:

  • God Sees and Cares: Like Hagar, we may sometimes feel overlooked, abandoned, or in desperate circumstances. This verse reminds us that God sees our distress, hears our cries, and actively intervenes in our lives, even when we feel alone.
  • God's Promises Are Vast: The scope of God's blessings often extends beyond our immediate understanding or expectations. Even when human plans fail or lead to complications, God's overarching purpose and promises continue to unfold.
  • Hope in Adversity: Hagar's encounter transformed her despair into hope. When facing challenges, we can find encouragement that God's presence and promises can turn our wilderness experiences into encounters with His grace and provision.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 17:20 (7 votes)

    And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.

  • Psalms 83:6 (4 votes)

    The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes;

  • Psalms 83:7 (4 votes)

    Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre;

  • Genesis 21:18 (3 votes)

    Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation.

  • Genesis 25:12 (3 votes)

    Now these [are] the generations of Ishmael, Abraham's son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah's handmaid, bare unto Abraham:

  • Genesis 25:18 (3 votes)

    And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur, that [is] before Egypt, as thou goest toward Assyria: [and] he died in the presence of all his brethren.

  • Genesis 21:13 (3 votes)

    And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he [is] thy seed.