Genesis 21:10

KJV

Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, [even] with Isaac.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore she said {H559} unto Abraham {H85}, Cast out {H1644} this bondwoman {H519} and her son {H1121}: for the son {H1121} of this bondwoman {H519} shall not be heir {H3423} with my son {H1121}, even with Isaac {H3327}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so Sarah said to Avraham, "Throw this slave-girl out! And her son! I will not have this slave-girl's son as your heir along with my son Yitz'chak!"

Berean Standard Bible

and she said to Abraham, “Expel the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac!”

American Standard Version

Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this handmaid and her son: for the son of this handmaid shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 21:10 records Sarah's unequivocal and deeply painful directive to Abraham: to expel Hagar, her Egyptian maidservant, and their son Ishmael. Her demand is rooted in the conviction that Ishmael, born of a bondwoman, cannot share the sacred inheritance designated for Isaac, the miraculously born son of promise. This pivotal moment, occurring after Isaac's weaning, underscores the escalating tension and Sarah's fierce determination to safeguard the divine covenant's lineage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the patriarchal narrative, immediately following the joyous, long-awaited birth and weaning of Isaac, the son of promise. The celebration of Isaac's weaning, a significant cultural milestone, ironically precipitates the crisis. The preceding verse, [Genesis 21:9](/genesis/21-9 "Ishmael mocking Isaac"), describes Ishmael "mocking" Isaac, an act that Sarah perceives as a direct threat to Isaac's position and the covenant's integrity. This incident reignites the deep-seated conflict that began when Sarah, in her impatience, offered Hagar to Abraham to bear a child, resulting in Ishmael's birth ([Genesis 16:1-4](/genesis/16-1-4 "Sarah's initial plan with Hagar")). Sarah's demand in verse 10, though harsh, is thus a culmination of years of domestic tension and a desperate attempt to secure Isaac's unique status as the sole heir.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, inheritance laws and family structures were paramount. While a firstborn son typically held a privileged position, the concept of a "son of promise" or a designated heir, especially in the context of a divine covenant, could override conventional norms. Concubinage was a recognized practice for producing heirs when a primary wife was barren, but the children of such unions often held a secondary status. The weaning of a child, particularly a male heir, was a significant event, often marked by a large feast, signifying the child's transition from infancy and the consolidation of his position within the household. Sarah's concern about Ishmael's "mocking" (which could imply hostile jesting or even a claim to inheritance) would have been understood within this cultural framework as a serious challenge to Isaac's future.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 21:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty vs. Human Effort**, vividly contrasting Ishmael, born of human ingenuity and impatience, with Isaac, born through God's miraculous intervention and faithfulness to His promise. The verse also underscores the **Purity and Preservation of the Covenant Line**, demonstrating that God's specific plan for Abraham's descendants would pass exclusively through Isaac, a truth later affirmed by God Himself in [Genesis 21:12](/genesis/21-12 "God's affirmation of Sarah's demand"). Furthermore, it illustrates the **Consequences of Sin and Disobedience**, as the domestic strife and pain are direct results of Sarah's initial lack of faith and Abraham's complicity in taking Hagar ([Genesis 16](/genesis/16 "The birth of Ishmael")). Despite the human failings, God's ultimate purpose for the Abrahamic covenant remains steadfast, ensuring the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Sarah's declaration in Genesis 21:10 is stark and absolute: "Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, [even] with Isaac." This command is not merely an emotional outburst but a calculated move to secure Isaac's unique position as the covenant heir.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cast out (Hebrew, _gârash'_):** From H1644, a primitive root meaning "to drive out from a possession; especially to expatriate or divorce." Sarah's use of this verb is forceful and absolute, implying a permanent and decisive expulsion. It signifies not merely a temporary removal but a complete severing of ties and a forfeiture of any claim to the household's future.
* **bondwoman (Hebrew, _ʼâmâh'_):** From H519, meaning "a maidservant or female slave." This term emphasizes Hagar's legal status as property, reinforcing Sarah's perception of her and Ishmael as subordinate and, therefore, ineligible for the primary inheritance, especially when contrasted with Isaac, the son of the free wife.
* **son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, meaning "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship)." The repeated use of "son" in this verse ("her son," "my son," "the son of this bondwoman") highlights the central conflict: the identity and rightful place of two sons, one born "of the flesh" and the other "of promise," in the building of Abraham's family name and legacy.
* **heir (Hebrew, _yârash'_):** From H3423, meaning "to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit." This word directly addresses the core issue: who will inherit Abraham's spiritual and material legacy. Sarah's declaration is a forceful assertion that Ishmael has no claim to this inheritance, which belongs exclusively to Isaac.
* **Isaac (Hebrew, _Yitschâq'_):** From H3327, meaning "laughter (i.e. mockery)." While the name itself means "he laughs" (referring to Sarah's laughter of disbelief and then joy), its appearance here in the context of Ishmael's "mocking" (from the same root, *tsachaq*) creates a **Irony**. Isaac's name signifies the joyful, miraculous laughter of God's promise fulfilled ([Genesis 21:6](/genesis/21-6 "Sarah's laughter of joy")), while Ishmael's *tsachaq* in [Genesis 21:9](/genesis/21-9 "Ishmael's mocking") indicates a derisive or hostile laughter that threatens that very promise.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore she said unto Abraham":** This opening establishes Sarah as the initiator of this drastic action. Her words are presented as a direct command, reflecting her authority as Abraham's primary wife and her deep conviction regarding the matter. The phrase "wherefore" links her statement directly to Ishmael's "mocking" in the preceding verse, indicating that his action was the immediate trigger for her demand.
* **"Cast out this bondwoman and her son":** This is the core of Sarah's demand, a forceful imperative. The use of "this bondwoman" (Hagar) and "her son" (Ishmael) emphasizes their perceived status as outsiders or secondary, distinct from Sarah and her son, Isaac, who represent the legitimate line of promise. The command to "cast out" (H1644, *gârash*) signifies a permanent expulsion, a complete removal from the household and its future.
* **"for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, [even] with Isaac":** This clause provides Sarah's explicit justification for her demand. It clarifies that the issue is one of inheritance and lineage. Sarah understands that the covenant promises, particularly the inheritance of the land and the blessing, are to pass exclusively through Isaac. Ishmael's presence, especially in light of his "mocking," is seen as a direct challenge to Isaac's unique position and the purity of the promised line. The repetition of "son" (H1121, *bên*) highlights the central conflict between the two half-brothers for the position of heir.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the Hebrew root *tsachaq* (to laugh), which gives Isaac his name, is also used to describe Ishmael's "mocking" in [Genesis 21:9](/genesis/21-9 "Ishmael's mocking of Isaac"). This creates a stark contrast between the laughter of divine joy and promise (Isaac's birth) and the laughter of scorn or hostility (Ishmael's action). The narrative also utilizes **Juxtaposition**, placing the celebration of Isaac's weaning immediately before the painful demand for Ishmael's expulsion, highlighting the abrupt shift from joy to conflict. The phrase "this bondwoman and her son" functions as a **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where the status of the mother (bondwoman) defines the son's (Ishmael's) perceived status and disqualification from the primary inheritance, rather than referring to them as individuals with their own names. This emphasizes the legal and social distinction that Sarah is asserting.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 21:10 is a pivotal moment that profoundly illustrates the unfolding of God's sovereign plan amidst human complexities and failings. It underscores the critical theological distinction between the "son of the flesh" (Ishmael), born of human effort and impatience, and the "son of promise" (Isaac), born through divine intervention and faithfulness. This narrative teaches that God's covenant purposes are precise and will be fulfilled according to His design, even if it requires difficult separations. It also serves as a stark reminder of the long-term consequences of attempting to fulfill God's promises through human means rather than waiting on His perfect timing and method. While the immediate human cost was high, God's subsequent affirmation of Sarah's demand to Abraham ([Genesis 21:12](/genesis/21-12 "God's instruction to Abraham concerning Sarah's demand")) reveals that this separation was divinely ordained to protect the purity and exclusivity of the covenant line.

* [Genesis 17:19](/genesis/17-19 "God's promise of Isaac's birth and covenant")
* [Romans 9:7-9](/romans/9-7-9 "Paul's explanation of Isaac as the child of promise")
* [Galatians 4:22-31](/galatians/4-22-31 "Paul's allegory of Sarah and Hagar")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 21:10, though depicting a moment of profound family strife and pain, offers timeless lessons for believers today. It challenges us to reflect on the nature of God's promises and our response to them. Are we prone to relying on our own strength and ingenuity to "help" God, or do we patiently trust in His perfect timing and supernatural ability to fulfill His word? The story reminds us that God's ultimate plan will always prevail, often requiring difficult choices or separations to ensure the purity and progression of His divine purposes. It highlights the complexities of human relationships, the destructive power of jealousy and perceived threats, and the necessity of discerning God's will even when it leads to painful outcomes. Ultimately, this narrative encourages us to prioritize God's covenant purposes above all else, trusting that His ways, though sometimes mysterious or challenging, are always righteous and lead to the fulfillment of His good will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Sarah's insistence on Ishmael's expulsion challenge or affirm my understanding of God's sovereignty and human responsibility?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to "help" God fulfill His promises, rather than patiently trusting in His timing and methods?**
* **What difficult "separations" or painful decisions might God be calling me to make in order to protect the purity or progression of His purposes in my life or community?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's faithfulness, even when His path seems counter-intuitive or requires personal sacrifice?**

### FAQ
**Why was Sarah so insistent on expelling Hagar and Ishmael?**

Answer: Sarah's insistence stemmed from her profound understanding that Isaac was the sole heir to God's covenant promises, and she perceived Ishmael's presence, particularly his "mocking" of Isaac ([Genesis 21:9](/genesis/21-9 "Ishmael's mocking of Isaac")), as a direct threat to Isaac's unique position and inheritance. Her actions were driven by a deep-seated desire to protect the purity and exclusivity of the promised lineage, ensuring that God's covenant would pass through Isaac alone.

**Was Sarah's demand justified, considering Hagar and Ishmael were also Abraham's family?**

Answer: From a purely human perspective, Sarah's demand was undeniably harsh and caused Abraham great distress ([Genesis 21:11](/genesis/21-11 "Abraham's distress over Sarah's demand")). However, from a divine perspective, God Himself commanded Abraham to listen to Sarah, explicitly stating that "in Isaac shall thy seed be called" ([Genesis 21:12](/genesis/21-12 "God's command to Abraham to listen to Sarah")). This divine endorsement confirms that while the human cost was high, the separation was necessary for the fulfillment of God's specific covenant plan, which centered on Isaac. It highlights that God's purposes sometimes require difficult choices that transcend conventional family loyalties.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Sarah's demand and the subsequent expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament, particularly through the Apostle Paul's allegorical interpretation in [Galatians 4:22-31](/galatians/4-22-31 "Paul's allegory of Sarah and Hagar and the two covenants"). Paul uses Hagar and Ishmael, born "according to the flesh" and representing the covenant of the Law given at Mount Sinai, which leads to bondage. In stark contrast, Sarah and Isaac, born "through promise" and by the power of God, represent the covenant of grace in Christ, which leads to freedom. Just as Ishmael, the son of the bondwoman, was "cast out" so that the son of the free woman (Isaac) could inherit, so too are those who rely on works of the Law excluded from the inheritance of God's promise. The true inheritance is received by faith in Christ, who is the ultimate "Son of Promise," the true Isaac. Through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, Jesus Christ fulfills all the promises made to Abraham, becoming the means by which all who believe, whether Jew or Gentile, become "children of the promise" and co-heirs with Him ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Heirs according to the promise")). The expulsion of Ishmael thus foreshadows the necessary separation between reliance on human effort (Law) and reliance on divine grace (Christ), emphasizing that salvation and spiritual inheritance come solely through faith in the promised Seed.

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

John 8:35

And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: [but] the Son abideth ever.

1 Peter 1:4

To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

1 John 2:19

They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would [no doubt] have continued with us: but [they went out], that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

Galatians 4:22

For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.

Galatians 4:31

So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

Matthew 22:13

Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast [him] into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Galatians 4:7

Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.