Genesis 21:11

KJV

And the thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight because of his son.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the thing {H1697} was very {H3966} grievous {H3415} in Abraham's {H85} sight {H5869} because {H182} of his son {H1121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Avraham became very distressed over this matter of his son.

Berean Standard Bible

Now this matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son Ishmael.

American Standard Version

And the thing was very grievous in Abraham’s sight on account of his son.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 21:11 recounts Abraham's profound distress and sorrow upon hearing Sarah's demand for the expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael. This "very grievous" situation illuminates the patriarch's deep paternal affection for Ishmael, his firstborn son, even as he grappled with the difficult divine directive that would ensure the covenantal promise through Isaac. It powerfully captures the painful intersection of human relationships, personal anguish, and God's sovereign, often demanding, purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Sarah's vehement demand in [Genesis 21:9-10](/genesis/21-9-10 "Sarah's Demand for Ishmael's Expulsion") that Abraham "cast out this bondwoman and her son." Her anger was provoked by Ishmael, Abraham's son by Hagar, "mocking" or "playing" with Isaac, the miraculously born son of promise. The tension between the two sons, representing two different lines of descent—one born of human attempt to fulfill God's promise ([Genesis 16:1-4](/genesis/16-1-4 "Hagar and Ishmael's Conception")), the other of divine intervention ([Genesis 21:1-7](/genesis/21-1-7 "Isaac's Miraculous Birth"))—reaches a breaking point. Abraham's grief in this verse sets the stage for God's direct intervention and reassurance in [Genesis 21:12-13](/genesis/21-12-13 "God's Command and Promise to Abraham Regarding Ishmael"), which provides the necessary divine perspective for Abraham to obey.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the birth of a son to a bondwoman was a recognized practice to provide an heir when the primary wife was barren. However, the arrival of a legitimate heir through the primary wife often led to the expulsion of the bondwoman and her son, particularly if the latter posed a threat to the inheritance of the legitimate son. Ishmael, as Abraham's firstborn, would have held a significant position, and Sarah's demand reflects the cultural imperative to protect Isaac's unique status as the legitimate heir and ensure the purity of the family line through which the covenant would pass. The concept of primogeniture, where the firstborn son held special rights and inheritance, made the decision to disinherit Ishmael culturally complex and emotionally devastating for Abraham.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 21:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis. It highlights the **sovereignty of God's promise**, demonstrating that despite human attempts to manipulate or hasten divine plans (as with Hagar and Ishmael's conception), God's specific covenant through Isaac will prevail. It underscores the **consequences of human impatience and unbelief**, as the initial decision to have a child through Hagar led to deep familial strife and pain. Furthermore, it subtly introduces the theme of **divine election and separation**, where God chooses a specific line (Isaac) through whom His redemptive purposes will unfold, often requiring difficult separations from those not chosen for that particular covenantal role, even while showing compassion to all, as seen in God's promise to Ishmael in [Genesis 21:13](/genesis/21-13 "God's Promise to Make a Nation of Ishmael").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Thing (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This word, H1697, derived from the root meaning "to speak," carries a broad semantic range, encompassing "a word," "a matter," "an affair," or "a deed." Here, "the thing" refers specifically to Sarah's demand to cast out Hagar and Ishmael, encapsulating the entire distressing situation and the difficult command Abraham faced. It's not just a casual "thing" but a weighty, significant matter with profound implications for his family and his paternal heart.
* **Grievous (Hebrew, _yâraʻ'_):** H3415, a primitive root, fundamentally means "to be broken up (with any violent action)" or, figuratively, "to fear." In this context, it signifies that the matter was profoundly distressing, painful, or evil in Abraham's perception. It conveys a strong sense of emotional anguish, deep displeasure, and something that caused him significant internal suffering, far beyond mere inconvenience or annoyance.
* **Sight (Hebrew, _ʻayin'_):** H5869, literally meaning "eye," is used here figuratively to denote Abraham's perception, his internal assessment, or his emotional reality. The phrase "in Abraham's sight" emphasizes that his distress was not merely an objective observation of the situation but a deeply personal, subjective experience of pain and sorrow. It was grievous *to him*, affecting his inner being and outlook.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the thing was very grievous":** This opening clause immediately establishes the intense emotional impact of Sarah's demand on Abraham. The "thing" refers to the specific request to expel Hagar and Ishmael. The adverb "very" (H3966, _mᵉʼôd_), meaning "vehemence" or "exceedingly," intensifies "grievous," emphasizing the profound depth of Abraham's distress. It was not merely unpleasant but caused him immense pain and sorrow, indicating a significant internal struggle.
* **"in Abraham's sight":** This phrase clarifies that the "grievousness" was Abraham's personal experience and perception. It highlights his subjective anguish and the emotional weight he felt. It was a matter that deeply troubled his spirit and caused him profound displeasure, affecting his inner being and his view of the situation.
* **"because of his son":** This final clause provides the precise reason for Abraham's profound grief: the impending separation from Ishmael. Despite Ishmael not being the son of promise through whom the covenant would continue, Abraham clearly loved him deeply as his firstborn. His distress stemmed from the prospect of sending away a child he considered his own flesh and blood, underscoring his paternal affection and the painful cost of obedience to God's difficult, yet necessary, command.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Pathos** to evoke sympathy for Abraham's plight. The phrase "very grievous in Abraham's sight" is a powerful appeal to emotion, highlighting his deep personal suffering. This emotional intensity is further amplified by the specific reason given: "because of his son," which underscores the profound bond between father and child and the pain of its severance. There is also a subtle use of **Irony** in the narrative, as Abraham's earlier attempt to secure an heir through Hagar, born out of a lack of full faith in God's timing, now becomes the source of his greatest familial heartache. The verse also functions as a moment of **Rising Action**, building tension towards God's direct intervention in the subsequent verses, where He provides comfort and clear instruction, demonstrating His sovereignty over even the most painful human circumstances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 21:11 profoundly illustrates the tension between human affection and divine purpose, revealing that God's sovereign plan often necessitates difficult choices and personal sacrifice. While Abraham deeply loved Ishmael, God's covenantal promise was exclusively through Isaac, demonstrating God's meticulous care in preserving the lineage of the Messiah. This painful separation underscores that God's ways are higher than human ways, and His ultimate redemptive plan will be accomplished, even if it involves personal heartache for His servants. It also serves as a stark reminder of the long-term consequences that can arise from human attempts to "help" God fulfill His promises, as Abraham and Sarah's initial decision to involve Hagar led to this deeply distressing family crisis.

* [Genesis 17:19](/genesis/17-19 "God's Covenant with Isaac")
* [Galatians 4:22-31](/galatians/4-22-31 "Paul's Allegory of Hagar and Sarah")
* [Romans 9:6-9](/romans/9-6-9 "God's Choice of Isaac and Jacob")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 21:11 offers profound insights into navigating difficult family decisions and trusting God's leading even when it brings personal pain. Abraham was faced with a choice that went against his natural affections and paternal love, yet God intervened immediately after this verse to reassure him, commanding him to "hearken unto her voice" (Sarah's) because "in Isaac shall thy seed be called" ([Genesis 21:12](/genesis/21-12 "God's Instruction to Abraham")). Furthermore, God promised to make a great nation of Ishmael also, "because he is thy seed" ([Genesis 21:13](/genesis/21-13 "God's Promise for Ishmael")). This reminds us that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even complex and heartbreaking family dynamics, and He cares for all parties involved, extending His provision even to those outside the direct line of covenantal blessing. In our own lives, we may face situations where God's will requires us to make painful choices that challenge our natural inclinations, personal desires, or even deeply held relationships. This passage encourages us to trust in God's ultimate plan and provision, knowing that He works all things for His purposes, even through our sorrow and the difficult consequences of past choices, always remaining faithful to His word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond when God's will seems to contradict my natural affections or desires?**
* **What past choices, perhaps made out of impatience or a lack of trust, might be causing current distress in my life or relationships?**
* **How does Abraham's grief, followed by his obedience, encourage me to trust God's plan even when it's painful?**

### FAQ
**What does Abraham's "grievous" reaction reveal about his character and faith?**

Answer: Abraham's "grievous" reaction reveals his profound humanity and deep paternal love. Despite knowing that Isaac was the son of promise through whom God's covenant would continue ([Genesis 17:19](/genesis/17-19 "God's Covenant with Isaac")), Abraham genuinely loved Ishmael as his firstborn son. His distress shows that obedience to God's difficult commands does not negate human emotion or the pain of separation. It highlights his compassion, his capacity for deep affection, and the personal cost of faith. Far from indicating a lack of faith, it demonstrates that even great men of faith grapple with profound emotional challenges, yet choose obedience despite the pain, trusting God's ultimate wisdom and provision, as seen in [Genesis 21:12-13](/genesis/21-12-13 "God's Reassurance to Abraham").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The painful narrative of Isaac's singular position as the son of promise, necessitating Ishmael's departure, profoundly points to Christ as the ultimate, divinely appointed Seed. Isaac, miraculously born and chosen by divine decree, prefigures Jesus Christ as the true Heir through whom all God's promises are fulfilled. Just as Isaac was the unique son of the covenant, so too is Christ the sole inheritor of God's redemptive plan, the one through whom blessing comes to all nations ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Christ as the Seed of Abraham")). The exclusion of Ishmael, while a historical event with human consequences, prophetically underscores that salvation and true sonship come not through human effort, natural birthright, or the "flesh," but through the singular, divinely chosen Son, Jesus, who is the ultimate fulfillment of Abraham's seed ([Romans 9:6-8](/romans/9-6-8 "Not all Israel is Israel")). He is the true "Son" who takes away the sin of the world and establishes the new covenant, making all who believe in Him children of God by faith, not by works of the law or natural descent ([John 1:12-13](/john/1-12-13 "Children of God by Faith"); [Galatians 3:26-29](/galatians/3-26-29 "Sons of God Through Faith in Christ Jesus")).

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 17:18

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

Hebrews 12:11

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

2 Samuel 18:33

And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!

Matthew 10:37

He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

Genesis 22:1

¶ And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, [here] I [am].

Genesis 22:2

And he said, Take now thy son, thine only [son] Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.