Genesis 16:16

And Abram [was] fourscore and six years old, when Hagar bare Ishmael to Abram.

And Abram {H87} was fourscore {H8084}{H8141} and six {H8337} years {H8141} old {H1121}, when Hagar {H1904} bare {H3205} Ishmael {H3458} to Abram {H87}.

Avram was 86 years old when Hagar bore Yishma'el to Avram.

Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to him.

And Abram was fourscore and six years old, when Hagar bare Ishmael to Abram.

Commentary

Context

Genesis 16:16 marks a significant point in the narrative of Abram (later Abraham) and his wife Sarai (later Sarah). God had promised Abram a son and numerous descendants (Genesis 12:2, Genesis 15:4), but years passed, and Sarai remained barren. Impatient with God's timing, Sarai suggested that Abram have a child with her Egyptian servant, Hagar (Genesis 16:2). This verse records the birth of Ishmael, the son born of this union, and Abram's age at the time.

Key Themes

  • Human Impatience vs. Divine Timing: The birth of Ishmael highlights the consequences of humans trying to fulfill God's promises through their own means rather than patiently waiting for God's perfect timing. Abram was 75 when he received the promise, and 86 when Ishmael was born, indicating a decade of waiting before this human intervention.
  • The Age of Abram: The specific mention of Abram's age, "fourscore and six years old" (86 years), emphasizes the passage of time and the growing challenge to the promise of a natural heir from Sarai. This age contrasts sharply with his age when the promised son, Isaac, was born (Genesis 21:5), highlighting the miraculous nature of God's eventual fulfillment.
  • The Birth of Ishmael: While not the promised son through Sarai, Ishmael played a significant role in biblical history and became the father of a great nation, as God later promised Hagar (Genesis 21:13).

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "fourscore and six years old" is an archaic KJV English term meaning 86 years old. "Fourscore" means four times twenty, or eighty. This precise detail underscores the historical accuracy and chronological focus of the biblical narrative, marking a significant milestone in Abram's life and the unfolding of God's plan.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder about the importance of waiting on God's timing and not attempting to "help" Him fulfill His promises in our own strength. While Ishmael was a legitimate son, his birth through Hagar led to significant conflict and complications within Abram's household and had long-term consequences for future generations (as seen in the ongoing tension between the descendants of Ishmael and Isaac). It encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty and wisdom, even when His plans seem delayed or human solutions appear more expedient. True fulfillment comes through divine faithfulness, not human ingenuity.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.