King James Version

What Does Genesis 21:9 Mean?

Genesis 21:9 in the King James Version says “And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Genesis 21:9 · KJV

Context

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.

11

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

Read Genesis 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking.... 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. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. How does this passage challenge modern cultural assumptions about identity, purpose, or morality?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וַתֵּ֨רֶא1 of 10

“saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

שָׂרָ֜ה2 of 10

“And Sarah”

H8283

sarah, abraham's wife

אֶֽת3 of 10
H853

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

בֶּן4 of 10

“the 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

הָגָ֧ר5 of 10

“of Hagar”

H1904

hagar, the mother of ishmael

הַמִּצְרִ֛ית6 of 10

“the Egyptian”

H4713

a mitsrite, or inhabitant of mitsrajim

אֲשֶׁר7 of 10
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יָֽלְדָ֥ה8 of 10

“which she had born”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

לְאַבְרָהָ֖ם9 of 10

“unto Abraham”

H85

abraham, the later name of abram

מְצַחֵֽק׃10 of 10

“mocking”

H6711

to laugh outright (in merriment or scorn); by implication, to sport

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 21:9 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 21:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 16:15Galatians 4:29Galatians 4:22Genesis 16:1Lamentations 1:7Psalms 44:13-14

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