Genesis 16:15

KJV

¶ And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son's name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Hagar {H1904} bare {H3205} Abram {H87} a son {H1121}: and Abram {H87} called {H7121} his son's {H1121} name {H8034}, which Hagar {H1904} bare {H3205}, Ishmael {H3458}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Hagar bore Avram a son, and Avram called the son whom Hagar had borne Yishma'el.

Berean Standard Bible

And Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram gave the name Ishmael to the son she had borne.

American Standard Version

And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bare, Ishmael.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 16:15 chronicles the birth of Ishmael, Abram’s first son, born to Hagar, Sarai’s Egyptian handmaid. This pivotal event in the patriarchal narrative serves as a profound illustration of the immediate and far-reaching consequences when human ingenuity and impatience attempt to fulfill divine promises through their own means, rather than patiently trusting in God's perfect timing and sovereign plan. Simultaneously, it powerfully demonstrates God's unwavering compassion and attentiveness, even amidst the complexities arising from human error.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 16:15 is situated within the broader narrative of God's covenant promises to Abram, particularly the promise of countless descendants and a great nation, first articulated in [Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2-3 "God's Initial Promises to Abram"). Years have passed since these initial promises, and Abram and Sarai remain childless. The immediate preceding verses of [Genesis 16](/genesis/16 "Genesis 16 - Hagar and Ishmael") detail Sarai's desperation and her culturally-sanctioned, yet divinely-unintended, solution: giving her handmaid Hagar to Abram to bear an heir on her behalf ([Genesis 16:1-3](/genesis/16-1-3 "Sarai's Plan for an Heir")). This act leads to conflict between Sarai and Hagar, Hagar's flight into the wilderness, and a divine encounter where an angel instructs Hagar to return and prophesies about her son, Ishmael, whose name signifies "God hears" ([Genesis 16:7-14](/genesis/16-7-14 "Hagar's Encounter with the Angel")). Thus, Genesis 16:15 marks the culmination of this episode, the physical manifestation of human striving to fulfill a divine promise, setting the stage for the subsequent narrative of God's faithfulness in bringing forth the true son of promise, Isaac, through Sarai.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of a barren wife providing her husband with a handmaid to bear children on her behalf was a recognized custom in the ancient Near East, evidenced by legal codes such as the Code of Hammurabi and Nuzi tablets. In this cultural framework, the children born to the handmaid were legally considered the children of the primary wife, ensuring the continuation of the family line and inheritance. Sarai's suggestion to Abram ([Genesis 16:2](/genesis/16-2 "Sarai's Proposal")) was therefore culturally acceptable and aimed at addressing the profound social and personal shame associated with barrenness in that society. However, while culturally permissible, this practice was outside God's specific divine plan for the promised heir to come directly from Sarai's own body ([Genesis 15:4](/genesis/15-4 "God's Promise of a Direct Heir")). The birth of Ishmael, therefore, highlights the tension between human cultural norms and divine covenantal promises, setting the stage for future complications.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **divine promise versus human impatience**. Abram and Sarai's decision to act outside God's perfect timing illustrates the human tendency to take matters into their own hands when God's promises seem delayed. Secondly, it highlights **God's sovereignty and compassion**. Even though Ishmael's birth arises from human misjudgment, God does not abandon Hagar or Ishmael. His compassionate attentiveness is evident in the angel's encounter with Hagar and the very name "Ishmael" ("God hears"), affirming His care for all individuals, even those born into complex circumstances ([Genesis 16:11](/genesis/16-11 "The Angel's Prophecy to Hagar")). Thirdly, the event establishes the **distinction of covenant lines**, clearly differentiating Ishmael's lineage from the divinely appointed line through which the Abrahamic covenant would ultimately be fulfilled, destined to come through Isaac ([Genesis 17:19](/genesis/17-19 "God's Covenant with Isaac through Sarah")). This distinction is crucial for understanding the unfolding of God's redemptive plan throughout salvation history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 16:15 succinctly records the fulfillment of Hagar's pregnancy and Abram's subsequent action: "And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son's name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael." This verse is a concise yet profoundly significant statement marking the arrival of Abram's firstborn son, an event with lasting implications for the unfolding biblical narrative and the history of nations.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hagar (Hebrew, _Hâgâr'_ - H1904):** Of uncertain derivation, Hagar is identified as the mother of Ishmael. Her presence here is crucial, as she is the instrument through whom Abram attempts to fulfill God's promise. Her identity as an Egyptian handmaid also foreshadows future interactions and tensions between the descendants of the covenant line and other nations.
* **bare (Hebrew, _yâlad'_ - H3205):** This primitive root means "to bear young; causatively, to beget." Here, it signifies the act of giving birth, emphasizing the physical reality of Ishmael's arrival. The use of "bare" highlights Hagar's role as the birth mother, distinct from Sarai's legal claim on the child, setting up the complex familial dynamics that follow.
* **called (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_ - H7121):** This root means "to call out to; to address by name." In this context, it signifies Abram's act of naming his son. The father's act of naming was a significant cultural and legal act, signifying paternity, acceptance, and authority over the child. Abram's naming of Ishmael confirms his acknowledgment of the child as his own son.
* **Ishmael (Hebrew, _Yishmâʻêʼl'_ - H3458):** Derived from the Hebrew words for "to hear" (שָׁמַע, _shama_) and "God" (אֵל, _El_), the name literally means "God will hear" or "God has heard." This name is deeply significant, as it was given to Hagar by the angel of the Lord prior to his birth ([Genesis 16:11](/genesis/16-11 "The Angel's Prophecy of Ishmael's Name")), in response to Hagar's affliction. Abram's adoption of this name for his son underscores the divine involvement in Ishmael's story, even though his birth was a result of human initiative.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Hagar bare Abram a son":** This clause directly states the outcome of Hagar's pregnancy, confirming the birth of a male child. The phrasing emphasizes Hagar as the biological mother and Abram as the father, establishing the immediate familial relationship. This birth is the direct consequence of Sarai's plan to obtain an heir through her handmaid, a culturally accepted practice but one that would ultimately lead to significant tension and deviation from God's intended covenantal path.
* **"and Abram called his son's name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael."**: This second clause details Abram's formal act of naming the child. The repetition "which Hagar bare" subtly reinforces Hagar's role as the birth mother, even as Abram claims paternity by naming him. The chosen name, "Ishmael," is highly significant, carrying the theological meaning "God hears." This name serves as a divine commentary on the preceding events, reminding the reader of God's compassionate awareness of Hagar's distress and His promise to bless Ishmael, despite the circumstances of his conception.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Conciseness** is evident in its direct and factual reporting of the birth and naming, yet it carries immense narrative weight. The **Repetition** of "which Hagar bare" emphasizes Hagar's role as the birth mother, subtly highlighting the distinction from Sarai, even though the child is legally Abram's. Most profoundly, the **Symbolism** of the name "Ishmael" ("God hears") is paramount. It functions as a theological statement, not merely a personal identifier, symbolizing God's omnipresent awareness and compassion, even in situations born of human impatience and misdirection. This name also carries a degree of **Irony**, as the son born from human impatience is named for God's attentiveness, suggesting that God's plan is not thwarted by human error, but rather His compassion extends even to the consequences of such actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 16:15 is a foundational verse for understanding the complex interplay between divine promise and human agency. It powerfully illustrates that while God's promises are certain, human attempts to "help" God fulfill them through their own means often lead to unintended complications and consequences. Ishmael's birth, though not the fulfillment of the specific covenantal promise for the "seed" through whom all nations would be blessed, nevertheless demonstrates God's enduring faithfulness and compassion. God hears Hagar's cry and blesses Ishmael, establishing him as the progenitor of a great nation, even as He maintains the distinction of the covenant line through Isaac. This narrative underscores God's ability to work within and even redeem complex human situations, always moving His ultimate redemptive plan forward.

* [Genesis 17:19](/genesis/17-19 "God's Covenant Promise through Isaac")
* [Galatians 4:22-31](/galatians/4-22-31 "Paul's Allegory of Hagar and Sarah")
* [Romans 9:7-9](/romans/9-7-9 "God's Choice of Isaac as the Child of Promise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 16:15 offers a profound and timeless lesson for believers today: the critical importance of patient trust in God's perfect timing and methods, rather than succumbing to the temptation of human ingenuity or cultural pressures to achieve God's purposes. Abram and Sarai's impatience led to a complex situation with lasting repercussions, reminding us that even well-intentioned human efforts, when outside of God's specific will, can create significant challenges. However, this verse also provides immense comfort and reassurance: even when our impatience or missteps lead to unintended consequences, God remains faithful to His character and His promises. He is a God who "hears" (Ishmael), who is compassionate, and who can work His purposes even through our imperfections. We are called to cultivate a deep reliance on God's sovereignty, understanding that His plans are perfect, His timing is impeccable, and His compassion endures, always attentive to the cries of His people and capable of bringing good out of every circumstance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life am I tempted to "help" God fulfill His promises or purposes through my own efforts rather than patiently trusting His timing?**
* **How does the name "Ishmael" ("God hears") encourage me in times of distress or when I feel unheard by God?**
* **What does this narrative teach me about the potential long-term consequences of making decisions based on impatience or cultural norms rather than divine guidance?**
* **How can I better cultivate a spirit of patient endurance and trust in God's perfect plan, even when His timing seems slow?**

### FAQ
**Was Ishmael the promised son through whom the Abrahamic covenant would be established?**

Answer: No, while Ishmael was indeed Abram's firstborn son and blessed by God to become the father of a great nation ([Genesis 17:20](/genesis/17-20 "God's Blessing on Ishmael")), he was not the specific "son of promise" through whom the Abrahamic covenant's central promises of land, nationhood, and universal blessing would be fully realized. God explicitly clarified that the covenant would be established through Isaac, the son born to Abram and Sarai (later Abraham and Sarah) in their old age, a miraculous birth that would clearly demonstrate God's sovereign power and faithfulness ([Genesis 17:19](/genesis/17-19 "God's Covenant with Isaac"); [Genesis 21:2-3](/genesis/21-2-3 "The Birth of Isaac")). Ishmael's birth, conversely, resulted from human attempts to fulfill God's promise outside of His divine timing and specific plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The birth of Ishmael, born of human effort and impatience, stands in stark contrast to the miraculous birth of Isaac, which would later highlight God's sovereign and perfect timing. This narrative foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment found in Christ, who is the true "seed" of Abraham, not born of human striving or fleshly descent, but through the divine initiative and the power of the Holy Spirit ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Christ as the Seed of Abraham"); [Matthew 1:18-25](/matthew/1-18-25 "The Virgin Birth of Jesus")). The tension between the "children of the flesh" (Ishmael) and the "children of promise" (Isaac) finds its ultimate resolution in Christ, who embodies the promise given by grace, not by human works ([Romans 9:6-8](/romans/9-6-8 "Not all Israel is Israel")). Furthermore, the name "Ishmael" ("God hears") powerfully points to Christ, who perfectly embodies God's attentive and compassionate ear. As the great High Priest, Jesus hears the cries of humanity, intercedes for His people ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Jesus' Eternal Intercession")), and through His atoning sacrifice, provides the ultimate answer to humanity's deepest need for salvation and reconciliation with God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God"); [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God demonstrates His love")). Thus, in Christ, God's promises are perfectly fulfilled, His timing is impeccable, and His ear is eternally open to all who call upon His name.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 25:12

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

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.

Genesis 28:9

Then went Esau unto Ishmael, and took unto the wives which he had Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham's son, the sister of Nebajoth, to be his wife.

Genesis 21:9

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

Genesis 21:21

And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran: and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Egypt.

Genesis 17:18

And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!

Genesis 17:20

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.