Genesis 21:21

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And he dwelt {H3427} in the wilderness {H4057} of Paran {H6290}: and his mother {H517} took {H3947} him a wife {H802} out of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He lived in the Pa'ran Desert, and his mother chose a wife for him from the land of Egypt.

Berean Standard Bible

And while he was dwelling in the Wilderness of Paran, his mother got a wife for him from the land of Egypt.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 21:21 concludes the narrative of Ishmael's expulsion from Abraham's household, portraying God's continued faithfulness and provision for him in the desolate wilderness of Paran. This verse marks Ishmael's establishment of an independent life and lineage, as his mother, Hagar, secures a wife for him from her native Egypt, thereby laying the groundwork for the fulfillment of God's promise to make a great nation of him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding statement to the dramatic account of Hagar and Ishmael's expulsion from Abraham's home. The preceding verses detail Sarah's insistence on their removal ([Genesis 21:9-10](/genesis/21-9-10 "Sarah's Demand for Hagar and Ishmael's Expulsion")), Abraham's distress, and God's comforting assurance that He would [make a nation of Ishmael](/genesis/21-13 "God's Promise to Make a Nation of Ishmael") because he was Abraham's offspring. The narrative then shifts to Hagar and Ishmael's desperate plight in the wilderness, their miraculous rescue by divine intervention when God opened Hagar's eyes to a well ([Genesis 21:19](/genesis/21-19 "God Opens Hagar's Eyes to a Well")), and the subsequent affirmation of God's presence with Ishmael. Genesis 21:21 thus provides a sense of resolution and stability for Ishmael's immediate future, fulfilling the divine promise of his survival and establishment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "wilderness of Paran" was a vast, arid region stretching south of Canaan and north of the Sinai Peninsula, characterized by nomadic life. For Ishmael to "dwell" there implies an adaptation to this challenging environment, consistent with the lifestyle of a "wild donkey of a man" prophesied in [Genesis 16:12](/genesis/16-12 "The Angel's Prophecy About Ishmael"). In ancient Near Eastern societies, the arrangement of marriages by parents was a common and crucial practice, signifying the formal establishment of a new family unit and ensuring the continuation of lineage. Hagar, being an Egyptian, would naturally seek a wife for her son from her homeland, reinforcing cultural ties and securing a suitable match within a familiar social framework. This act was vital for the foundation of Ishmael's independent household and future descendants.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 21:21 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Providence**, demonstrating God's care and faithfulness extending even to those outside the direct covenant line established through Isaac. It also highlights the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as God's earlier promises to Hagar ([Genesis 16:10](/genesis/16-10 "The Angel's Promise of a Multitude of Descendants for Hagar")) and Abraham ([Genesis 21:13](/genesis/21-13 "God's Promise to Make a Nation of Ishmael")) regarding Ishmael's future are shown to be actively unfolding. Furthermore, the verse underscores the **Formation of Nations**, marking a foundational step in the distinct development of the Ishmaelite people, separate from the burgeoning Israelite nation. This separation, while divinely ordained, still operates within God's sovereign plan for all humanity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 21:21 succinctly details two pivotal developments in Ishmael's life after his departure from Abraham's camp: his dwelling place and his marriage, both demonstrating God's continued oversight.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **dwelt (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** This primitive root signifies more than mere temporary residence; it implies settling down, remaining, establishing a home, and even, causatively, to marry. Here, it denotes Ishmael's transition from a transient, dependent child to an independent individual establishing a permanent, albeit nomadic, base in the wilderness. It speaks to a divinely ordained stability in an otherwise unstable environment.
* **wilderness (Hebrew, _midbâr'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to drive," this word refers to a pasture or open field where cattle are driven, by implication, a desert. It describes a desolate yet expansive region, suitable for a nomadic lifestyle. The specific mention of "Paran" grounds Ishmael's new life in a known geographical area, emphasizing his separation from the settled life of Abraham's camp and his adaptation to a rugged, untamed existence.
* **took (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** This primitive root is broad, meaning "to take" in various applications, including to fetch, get, or receive. In this context, it specifically refers to Hagar's active role in securing a wife for Ishmael. This highlights her continued maternal care and agency in shaping her son's future, a crucial act in ancient societies for establishing a new family unit and ensuring the continuation of lineage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran":** This phrase marks Ishmael's establishment of an independent existence. After the dramatic events of his expulsion and God's miraculous provision, Ishmael finds a settled, though nomadic, home in the vast and arid region of Paran. This dwelling signifies a new chapter for Ishmael, where he begins to fulfill the prophetic word given to Hagar that he would be a "wild donkey of a man" ([Genesis 16:12](/genesis/16-12 "The Angel's Prophecy About Ishmael")), thriving in untamed environments. It underscores God's faithfulness in providing a place for Ishmael to grow and multiply, even outside the direct covenant line through Isaac.
* **"and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Egypt":** This clause highlights Hagar's ongoing maternal care and her pivotal role in securing Ishmael's future. As an Egyptian herself, Hagar's choice of a wife from her homeland ensured a strong cultural and ethnic connection for Ishmael's burgeoning lineage. In ancient Near Eastern societies, parental arrangement of marriages was customary and essential for the formal establishment of a new family unit. This marriage is crucial for the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that Ishmael would be made "fruitful and multiply him exceedingly" ([Genesis 17:20](/genesis/17-20 "God's Blessing on Ishmael")), laying the groundwork for the twelve princes and the nation that would descend from him, as later detailed in [Genesis 25:12-18](/genesis/25-12-18 "The Generations of Ishmael").

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Conciseness** to convey significant developments in Ishmael's life with remarkable brevity. It acts as a **Summary Statement**, providing closure to Ishmael's immediate narrative arc following his expulsion. The mention of the "wilderness of Paran" functions as **Setting** and **Symbolism**, representing both a literal geographical location and a metaphorical space of testing, independence, and divine provision outside the familiar. The act of Hagar taking a wife from Egypt is a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the distinct cultural and national identity that the Ishmaelites would develop, separate from the Israelites, yet still under God's overarching sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 21:21 offers a profound glimpse into the expansive nature of God's providence and faithfulness. While the primary covenant line passes through Isaac, this verse powerfully illustrates that God's care extends beyond the chosen lineage, demonstrating His commitment to all His promises, even those made to Abraham concerning Ishmael. It underscores that God's sovereign plan encompasses diverse peoples and their origins, affirming His universal dominion and compassion. Ishmael's establishment in the wilderness, a place often associated with hardship and divine encounter in biblical narratives, further highlights God's ability to sustain and provide even in the most challenging circumstances.

* [Genesis 16:10](/genesis/16-10 "The Angel's Promise of a Multitude of Descendants for Hagar")
* [Genesis 21:13](/genesis/21-13 "God's Promise to Make a Nation of Ishmael")
* [Genesis 25:12-18](/genesis/25-12-18 "The Generations of Ishmael")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 21:21 offers profound encouragement that God's care extends beyond our immediate expectations, comfort zones, or even perceived "right" paths. Ishmael, cast out from Abraham's home, found stability and purpose in the wilderness, a place of desolation transformed into a dwelling by God's provision. This reminds us that even when we feel displaced, overlooked, or navigate a "wilderness" season of life, God remains faithful to His word, providing for and guiding individuals according to His sovereign plan. Our worth and future are not solely determined by human favor or conventional paths, but by God's unwavering commitment to His promises. We are called to trust in His provision, knowing He can lead us to stability, purpose, and the fulfillment of His will, even in the most unexpected places, demonstrating His grace in every circumstance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "wilderness" seasons of your life have you experienced God's unexpected provision and guidance?**
* **How does Ishmael's story challenge your understanding of God's care extending beyond conventional or "chosen" paths?**
* **What promises of God can you cling to when you feel cast out or uncertain about your future?**

### FAQ
**Why did God continue to bless Ishmael if he was not the covenant heir?**

Answer: God's covenant with Abraham, establishing the lineage for the promised Messiah, was indeed specifically through Isaac. However, God's character is also one of universal care and faithfulness to all His promises. He had promised Abraham that Ishmael would also be blessed and become a great nation because he was Abraham's son ([Genesis 17:20](/genesis/17-20 "God's Blessing on Ishmael")). Genesis 21:21 demonstrates God's commitment to this specific promise, showcasing His compassion and ability to work out His plans for multiple lineages, even while maintaining the distinct covenant line through Isaac. This highlights the multifaceted nature of God's sovereignty, where His specific redemptive plan coexists with His general providence over all humanity.

**What is the significance of Ishmael's mother taking him a wife from Egypt?**

Answer: Hagar, Ishmael's mother, was an Egyptian slave, and her decision to take a wife for Ishmael from her homeland reinforced his cultural and ethnic identity. This choice ensured that Ishmael's descendants would be connected to Egypt, a powerful and influential nation in the ancient world. It also highlights the common practice of arranged marriages in ancient Near Eastern societies, where parents played a crucial role in securing their children's future, lineage, and social standing. This act was instrumental in establishing Ishmael's independent family and laying the groundwork for the fulfillment of God's promise to make him a great nation, as detailed in [Genesis 25:12-18](/genesis/25-12-18 "The Generations of Ishmael").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 21:21 focuses on Ishmael, a figure outside the direct Messianic lineage, it subtly points to the expansive nature of God's grace and provision, which finds its ultimate and universal fulfillment in Christ. The fact that God cared for Ishmael, established his dwelling, and ensured his lineage, even after his separation from Abraham's household, foreshadows the New Covenant reality where God's saving grace extends beyond the physical descendants of Abraham to all nations through faith in Jesus Christ ([Galatians 3:28-29](/galatians/3-28-29 "No Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free, Male or Female in Christ Jesus")). Christ's redemptive work bridges divides, offering a new "dwelling" and "lineage" in Him, where all who believe, regardless of their earthly origin or past circumstances, are brought into God's family and partake in the ultimate fulfillment of His promises ([Ephesians 2:19-20](/ephesians/2-19-20 "No Longer Strangers and Aliens, but Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). In Christ, the "wilderness" becomes a place of spiritual flourishing, and the "taking of a wife" finds its spiritual parallel in the church, the bride of Christ, drawn from every tribe and nation ([Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9-10 "You are Worthy to Take the Scroll")).

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

Judges 14:2

And he came up, and told his father and his mother, and said, I have seen a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines: now therefore get her for me to wife.

Genesis 24:3

And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell:

Genesis 24:4

But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac.

Numbers 13:26

¶ And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and shewed them the fruit of the land.

Genesis 26:34

¶ And Esau was forty years old when he took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bashemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite:

Genesis 26:35

Which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah.

Genesis 27:46

And Rebekah said to Isaac, I am weary of my life because of the daughters of Heth: if Jacob take a wife of the daughters of Heth, such as these [which are] of the daughters of the land, what good shall my life do me?