Genesis 21:9 Meaning and Explanation
“And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Sarah observes Ishmael mocking, creating tension in Abraham's household.
The Context of Genesis 21:9
Conflict arises when Ishmael mocks the weaned Isaac.
What Does Genesis 21:9 Mean?
Ishmael, Abraham's firstborn son with Hagar, mocks Isaac. The mocking—likely meant to ridicule or diminish Isaac's status—triggers a crisis in the household. Sarah's protective reaction reveals the deep divide between the two family lines.
The scene shows how human arrangements and God's choice can create conflict. Ishmael, though Abraham's biological son, is not the heir of God's covenant promise, and the household feels this strain.
Genesis 21:9 in the Original Language
tzachaq (צָחַק), 'mocking' — to laugh, ridicule; can mean sport or derision depending on context.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 21:9
What does Genesis 21:9 mean?
Sarah observes Ishmael mocking, creating tension in Abraham's household.
What is the context of Genesis 21:9?
Conflict arises when Ishmael mocks the weaned Isaac.