King James Version

What Does Genesis 21:11 Mean?

Genesis 21:11 in the King James Version says “And the thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight because of his son.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Genesis 21:11 · KJV

Context

9

And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking.

10

Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac.

11

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

12

And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.

13

And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight because of his son.... This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.

Central themes include God's unconditional covenant promises (land, descendants, blessing to nations), the call to faith and obedience, the testing of faith through delays and impossibilities, the contrast between divine promises and human schemes, and God's gracious persistence despite human failures. Abraham emerges as the father of faith whose trust in God's promises becomes the model for all believers (Romans 4, Galatians 3, Hebrews 11).

Theologically, these narratives establish: (1) salvation by grace through faith rather than works; (2) covenant as God's gracious initiative binding Himself to His people; (3) the necessity of patient trust when promises seem impossible; (4) the consequences of attempting to fulfill God's promises through human effort; (5) the pattern of divine testing producing mature faith. The Abraham cycle foreshadows Christ as the ultimate seed through whom blessing extends to all nations (Galatians 3:16).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וַיֵּ֧רַע1 of 8
H7489

properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)

הַדָּבָ֛ר2 of 8

“And the thing”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

מְאֹ֖ד3 of 8

“was very”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

בְּעֵינֵ֣י4 of 8

“sight”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

אַבְרָהָ֑ם5 of 8

“in Abraham's”

H85

abraham, the later name of abram

עַ֖ל6 of 8
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אוֹדֹ֥ת7 of 8

“because”

H182

turnings (i.e., occasions); (adverb) on account of

בְּנֽוֹ׃8 of 8

“of his son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 21:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 21:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 12:11Genesis 17:18Matthew 10:37Genesis 22:1-22 Samuel 18:33

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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