“The angel of the LORD proceeded: “Behold, you have conceived and will bear a son. And you shall name him Ishmael, for the LORD has heard your cry of affliction.”
Genesis 16:11
BSBGo deeper on this verse (4)
- Hagar: The Runaway Slave Who Named God (Genesis 16)
Abram listened, and God heard
Abram "listened" here translates shama (H8085), to hear. Joined to qol, voice, it is the covenant phrase for obeying God, and Abram heeded a voice other than God's. Later in the chapter the same verb gives Ishmael (H3458) his name, God hears: "for the LORD has heard your cry of affliction" (Genesis 16:11).
Read the whole studyConnection with Hagar in the desert again
About seventeen years later Hagar was in the desert again, sent away with Ishmael, and their water ran out. God heard the boy (Genesis 21:17), just as the name He gave him here promised.
Read the whole studyWhat the name Ishmael means
Hagar was an Egyptian slave, and her son would later be sent away from Abraham's family. God still spoke to her, and the boy's name carries the reason: Ishmael means God hears.
Read the whole study
Read Genesis 16:11 and keep notes on it in Doxa's Daily Faith Steps.
Open in DoxaShare this verse
Read next
How to Hear God’s Voice: A Practical Guide for BelieversScripture is the record of a God who speaks. This guide covers how to hear Him today and keep what He says.Engage with Genesis 16:11 in a fresh way
On the Doxa App you can have a personal interaction about any Scripture. Ask questions and even debate.
