Genesis 21:8

KJV

And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast the [same] day that Isaac was weaned.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the child {H3206} grew {H1431}, and was weaned {H1580}: and Abraham {H85} made {H6213} a great {H1419} feast {H4960} the same day {H3117} that Isaac {H3327} was weaned {H1580}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The child grew and was weaned, and Avraham gave a great banquet on the day that Yitz'chak was weaned.

Berean Standard Bible

So the child grew and was weaned, and Abraham held a great feast on the day Isaac was weaned.

American Standard Version

And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 21:8 records a significant developmental milestone for Isaac, the long-awaited son of promise: his weaning. This event, far more than a simple dietary change, marked a crucial transition from infancy to early childhood in ancient Near Eastern culture. Abraham's subsequent "great feast" on the same day underscores the profound joy, gratitude, and public affirmation of God's faithfulness in bringing His covenant promises to fruition through the vitality and growth of the heir.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 21:8 follows directly from the miraculous birth of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah in their old age, a fulfillment of God's long-standing covenant promise (e.g., [Genesis 17:19](/genesis/17-19 "God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding Isaac")). The preceding verses describe Isaac's circumcision on the eighth day and Sarah's joyful, yet somewhat incredulous, laughter at God's impossible deed. The weaning event, therefore, is not an isolated incident but a natural progression in the narrative, confirming Isaac's health, growth, and continued existence as the promised heir. It sets the stage for the subsequent conflict with Ishmael (Genesis 21:9-21), as Isaac's maturation brings the issue of the true heir to a head, leading to Hagar and Ishmael's expulsion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, weaning was a protracted process, often lasting two to three years, and sometimes even longer, up to five years of age. It was a significant rite of passage, marking a child's transition from complete dependence on the mother to a more independent stage of early childhood, where they would begin to integrate more fully into the family and community structure. The "great feast" (Hebrew: *mishteh gadol*) associated with this event was a public declaration of the child's successful development and the family's prosperity and joy. Such feasts were costly and elaborate, signifying the immense value placed on the child and the momentousness of the occasion, particularly for a child as significant as Isaac, the son of promise.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **God's faithfulness** in fulfilling His promises, even against all human odds and delays, as seen in Isaac's continued growth and vitality. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **joy and laughter**, directly connected to Isaac's name (*Yitschâq*, meaning "he laughs" or "laughter"), celebrating the divine delight brought into Abraham and Sarah's lives. Thirdly, it underscores the **continuity of the covenant lineage**, demonstrating that the promised seed, through whom God's redemptive plan would unfold, was indeed thriving and progressing towards maturity, setting the stage for the future nation of Israel as outlined in God's covenant with Abraham in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's Call to Abraham and His Promises").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 21:8 succinctly captures a moment of profound significance for Abraham's family and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. The verse states, "And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast the [same] day that Isaac was weaned." This seemingly straightforward account is rich with cultural, linguistic, and theological depth.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Grew (Hebrew, _gâdal'_):** From H1431, a primitive root meaning "to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)." This word emphasizes Isaac's physical development and maturation, indicating that he was not merely surviving but thriving. His growth was a tangible sign of God's blessing and the vitality of the promised lineage, moving from infancy towards the fullness of childhood.
* **Weaned (Hebrew, _gâmal'_):** From H1580, a primitive root meaning "to treat a person (well or ill), i.e. benefit or requite; by implication (of toil), to ripen, i.e. (specifically) to wean." This term signifies completion and maturity in a specific developmental stage. Isaac's weaning was a "ripening" or "completion" of his infancy, marking his readiness for a new phase of life and a step towards greater independence. It implies a successful transition, affirming his health and robust development.
* **Great Feast (Hebrew, _mishteh gâdôwl'_):** From H4960 (feast) and H1419 (great). *Mishteh* refers to "drink, by implication, drinking (the act); also (by implication) a banquet or (generally) feast." *Gâdôwl* means "great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent." Combined, "great feast" denotes a lavish, significant, and public celebration. It was not a private family meal but a communal event, reflecting the immense joy and importance attached to Isaac's milestone and the fulfillment of God's promise.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the child grew, and was weaned":** This clause highlights Isaac's physical and developmental progression. The verb "grew" (gâdal) indicates a natural and healthy maturation process, affirming the vitality of the son of promise. The verb "was weaned" (gâmal) signifies the successful completion of his infancy, marking a crucial rite of passage in ancient culture. This transition from complete dependence on his mother to a new stage of independence was a public affirmation of his health and progression, vital for the future of the covenant people.
* **"and Abraham made a great feast the [same] day that Isaac was weaned":** This part of the verse describes Abraham's response to Isaac's milestone. The "great feast" (mishteh gadol) was a lavish, public, and joyous celebration, underscoring the profound importance of this event for Abraham's household and beyond. It was a direct expression of the immense joy and gratitude Abraham and Sarah felt for Isaac, whose very name, "Isaac" (Yitschâq), means "he laughs." This celebration was a public declaration of God's faithfulness and the realization of His promises through the continued development of their miraculous son.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Repetition** is evident in the phrase "was weaned," which appears twice, emphasizing the significance and finality of this developmental milestone. This repetition reinforces the idea that the event was a definitive transition. **Symbolism** is also at play; Isaac's weaning symbolizes not just physical maturation but also the progressive fulfillment of God's covenant promises. The "great feast" functions as a symbol of **joy, celebration, and public affirmation** of God's faithfulness and the vitality of the promised lineage. Furthermore, the entire scene subtly uses **foreshadowing**, as Isaac, the miraculously born son of promise, thriving and celebrated, prefigures the greater Son of Promise, Jesus Christ, whose coming would bring ultimate joy and the fulfillment of all God's redemptive purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 21:8 encapsulates the profound truth of God's unwavering faithfulness and His active involvement in the lives of His chosen people. Isaac's successful growth and weaning, culminating in a public celebration, serve as tangible evidence that God is meticulously bringing His covenant promises to fruition. This event underscores that God's plan unfolds not always through dramatic miracles, but often through the ordinary, yet divinely sustained, processes of life and development. The feast itself highlights the biblical precedent for celebrating significant milestones with joy and gratitude, recognizing God's hand in every stage of life and the blessings He bestows. It solidifies the continuity of the covenant lineage, ensuring that the promised seed, through whom all nations would be blessed, was indeed thriving.

* [Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "God Sent His Son at the Proper Time")
* [Psalm 127:3](/psalms/127-3 "Children are a Heritage from the Lord")
* [Hebrews 11:11-12](/hebrews/11-11-12 "By Faith Sarah Received Power to Conceive")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 21:8 offers a rich tapestry for reflection and application in our contemporary lives. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging and celebrating life's significant milestones and transitions, whether they are personal achievements, family developments, or communal blessings. Just as Abraham celebrated Isaac's weaning with a "great feast," we are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and joy, recognizing God's providential care in every stage of our journey and in the growth of those around us. This verse also stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, even when they seem long delayed or humanly impossible. It encourages us to trust in God's perfect timing and His sovereign plans, knowing that what He begins, He will bring to completion. We are called to observe and celebrate God's hand at work, even in the seemingly mundane aspects of life, for they are often the very means through which His grand purposes unfold.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What milestones in your life or the lives of those you love have you recently celebrated, and how did you acknowledge God's faithfulness in them?**
* **How does Isaac's growth and weaning encourage you to trust God's timing and process in fulfilling His promises in your own life?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a greater sense of joy and gratitude for the "ordinary" blessings and stages of development that God orchestrates?**

### FAQ
**Why was weaning such a significant event in ancient times?**

Answer: Weaning was a major developmental milestone in the ancient Near East, typically occurring between two and five years of age, and sometimes even older. It signified a child's transition from complete dependence on the mother to early childhood, marking a period of greater independence and a step closer to integration into the adult community. It was often celebrated publicly to acknowledge the child's growth and the family's joy, as well as the child's successful progression towards maturity and full participation in the household.

**What is the significance of the "great feast" Abraham made?**

Answer: The "great feast" (Hebrew: *mishteh gadol*) underscores the profound joy and gratitude Abraham and Sarah felt for Isaac, who was the miraculous son of promise. It was a lavish, public celebration that served as a declaration of the fulfillment of God's covenant, a public acknowledgment of Isaac's vitality, and an expression of the laughter and delight Isaac's birth and continued development had brought into their lives. Such a feast would have been a significant social event, affirming Isaac's status as the legitimate and thriving heir.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 21:8, with its focus on Isaac's growth and the celebratory feast, profoundly points forward to Christ, the ultimate "seed" of Abraham. Isaac, as the miraculously born "son of promise" through whom the covenant lineage would continue, serves as a powerful type of Christ, in whom all of God's promises find their definitive "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). The celebration of Isaac's growth and transition from infancy foreshadows the greater joy and fulfillment found in the coming of Jesus, who brings humanity from spiritual infancy to maturity in Him. Just as Isaac's weaning marked a new, more independent stage in the covenant's progression, Christ's life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection inaugurated the new covenant ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Christ, the Mediator of a Better Covenant")), bringing humanity into a deeper, more complete relationship with God and fulfilling the ultimate promise of redemption and eternal life. The joy of Abraham's feast for Isaac, a temporary earthly celebration, pales in comparison to the eternal joy and spiritual feast that accompanies salvation through Christ, where believers are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")).

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

1 Samuel 1:22

But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, [I will not go up] until the child be weaned, and [then] I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever.

Hosea 1:8

¶ Now when she had weaned Loruhamah, she conceived, and bare a son.

Genesis 19:3

And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.

Genesis 40:20

¶ And it came to pass the third day, [which was] Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants.

Genesis 29:22

And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast.

1 Kings 3:15

And Solomon awoke; and, behold, [it was] a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants.

Psalms 131:2

Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul [is] even as a weaned child.