Genesis 16:11 - Yahweh’s angel said to her, “Behold, you are with child, and will bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, because Yahweh has heard your affliction.
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What does "Genesis 16:11" mean?
Genesis 16:11 is a pivotal verse in the story of Hagar, Sarai's (later Sarah's) servant. Let's break down what it means:
"Yahweh's angel said to her..." This indicates divine intervention and communication. An angel, acting as a messenger of God (Yahweh), is conveying a prophecy directly to Hagar. This highlights the importance of Hagar and her future child in God's plan.
"...“Behold, you are with child, and will bear a son." This is a straightforward declaration that Hagar is pregnant and will give birth to a male child. It's a direct response to Hagar's distress and plight.
"You shall call his name Ishmael..." God (through the angel) is giving Hagar the name for her son. This is significant in ancient cultures, as names often carried meaning and significance.
"...because Yahweh has heard your affliction." This is the key to understanding the name "Ishmael." The name itself (in Hebrew, Yishma'el) literally means "God hears" or "God has heard." This explains the reason for the name: Yahweh has acknowledged and responded to Hagar's suffering. Hagar was being mistreated by Sarai and forced to flee, and God heard her cry. This demonstrates God's care for those who are marginalized and oppressed.
In summary, Genesis 16:11 reveals that:
God is aware of Hagar's suffering.
God is intervening in her life through a divine messenger.
God is promising her a son, Ishmael.
The name Ishmael is a reminder that God hears and responds to the cries of those in distress.
Theological Implications:
God's compassion: The verse demonstrates God's compassion and care for those who are vulnerable and mistreated, even those who are not part of the "chosen" line.
God's sovereignty: God's ability to know the future and name a child before its birth highlights God's sovereignty.
Promise and lineage: While Ishmael is not part of the covenant line through Isaac, the verse still indicates that he will be a significant figure. Later in Genesis, God promises to make Ishmael a great nation (Genesis 17:20). This promise has been interpreted in various ways, and is important for understanding the roots of the Jewish and Islamic religions.
Genesis 16:11 - Yahweh’s angel said to her, “Behold, you are with child, and will bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, because Yahweh has heard your affliction.
What does "Genesis 16:11" mean?
Genesis 16:11 is a pivotal verse in the story of Hagar, Sarai's (later Sarah's) servant. Let's break down what it means:
"Yahweh's angel said to her..." This indicates divine intervention and communication. An angel, acting as a messenger of God (Yahweh), is conveying a prophecy directly to Hagar. This highlights the importance of Hagar and her future child in God's plan.
"...“Behold, you are with child, and will bear a son." This is a straightforward declaration that Hagar is pregnant and will give birth to a male child. It's a direct response to Hagar's distress and plight.
"You shall call his name Ishmael..." God (through the angel) is giving Hagar the name for her son. This is significant in ancient cultures, as names often carried meaning and significance.
"...because Yahweh has heard your affliction." This is the key to understanding the name "Ishmael." The name itself (in Hebrew, Yishma'el) literally means "God hears" or "God has heard." This explains the reason for the name: Yahweh has acknowledged and responded to Hagar's suffering. Hagar was being mistreated by Sarai and forced to flee, and God heard her cry. This demonstrates God's care for those who are marginalized and oppressed.
In summary, Genesis 16:11 reveals that:
God is aware of Hagar's suffering.
God is intervening in her life through a divine messenger.
God is promising her a son, Ishmael.
The name Ishmael is a reminder that God hears and responds to the cries of those in distress.
Theological Implications:
God's compassion: The verse demonstrates God's compassion and care for those who are vulnerable and mistreated, even those who are not part of the "chosen" line.
God's sovereignty: God's ability to know the future and name a child before its birth highlights God's sovereignty.
Promise and lineage: While Ishmael is not part of the covenant line through Isaac, the verse still indicates that he will be a significant figure. Later in Genesis, God promises to make Ishmael a great nation (Genesis 17:20). This promise has been interpreted in various ways, and is important for understanding the roots of the Jewish and Islamic religions.