King James Version

What Does Genesis 21:8 Mean?

Genesis 21:8 in the King James Version says “And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weaned.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Genesis 21:8 · KJV

Context

6

And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me.

7

And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born him a son in his old age.

8

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

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.

Read Genesis 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weane... 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 specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַיִּגְדַּ֥ל1 of 11

“grew”

H1431

to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

הַיֶּ֖לֶד2 of 11

“And the child”

H3206

something born, i.e., a lad or offspring

הִגָּמֵ֥ל3 of 11

“and was weaned”

H1580

to treat a person (well or ill), i.e., benefit or requite; by implication (of toil), to ripen, i.e., (specifically) to wean

וַיַּ֤עַשׂ4 of 11

“made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אַבְרָהָם֙5 of 11

“and Abraham”

H85

abraham, the later name of abram

מִשְׁתֶּ֣ה6 of 11

“feast”

H4960

drink, by implication, drinking (the act); also (by implication) a banquet or (generally) feast

גָד֔וֹל7 of 11

“a great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

בְּי֖וֹם8 of 11

“the same day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הִגָּמֵ֥ל9 of 11

“and was weaned”

H1580

to treat a person (well or ill), i.e., benefit or requite; by implication (of toil), to ripen, i.e., (specifically) to wean

אֶת10 of 11
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יִצְחָֽק׃11 of 11

“that Isaac”

H3327

jitschak (or isaac), son of abraham

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 21:8 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 21:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 1:22Hosea 1:8Genesis 26:30Genesis 29:221 Kings 3:152 Samuel 3:20

Test Your Knowledge

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