Genesis 21:18 Meaning and Explanation
“Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The angel commands Hagar to help her son and reiterates God's promise of nationhood.
The Context of Genesis 21:18
The angel directs Hagar to care for her son and promises his future.
What Does Genesis 21:18 Mean?
The command shifts Hagar from despair to action. 'Arise' and 'lift up the lad' transform her from passive, weeping helplessness into active care. The angel's instruction gives her purpose and direction when everything seemed lost.
The promise that Ishmael will become a great nation is not merely comfort but a commitment. God's word guarantees Ishmael's future, making Hagar's act of holding him again an act rooted in faith in divine promise.
Genesis 21:18 in the Original Language
qum (קוּם), 'arise' — to stand up, get up; marks a decisive turn from despair to action and faith.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 21:18
What does Genesis 21:18 mean?
The angel commands Hagar to help her son and reiterates God's promise of nationhood.
What is the context of Genesis 21:18?
The angel directs Hagar to care for her son and promises his future.