Genesis 16:11 Meaning and Explanation
“And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The angel announces Hagar's son and his name, which means God has heard her cry.
The Context of Genesis 16:11
The angel announces the birth of Ishmael and explains his name.
What Does Genesis 16:11 Mean?
The angel confirmed what Hagar already knew—she carried a son—and revealed his name: Ishmael, meaning 'God hears.' This name encapsulated the entire encounter: God had heard Hagar's affliction, her cry of distress in the wilderness. The naming was an act of divine recognition that her pain mattered and had been witnessed by the Lord.
The significance of the name went beyond Hagar's present suffering. It declared that God's attention and response to affliction define His character. Her son's very name would perpetually testify to a God who hears the cries of the powerless and remembers those whom others forget.
Genesis 16:11 in the Original Language
Ishmael (ישׁמעאל) — 'God hears' or 'He hears God.' The name combines the verb 'to hear' with the divine name El, testifying that God responds to affliction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 16:11
What does Genesis 16:11 mean?
The angel announces Hagar's son and his name, which means God has heard her cry.
What is the context of Genesis 16:11?
The angel announces the birth of Ishmael and explains his name.