“Then God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, “What is wrong, Hagar? Do not be afraid, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he lies.”
Genesis 21:17
BSBGo deeper on this verse (3)
- Hagar and Ishmael: Why God Heard the Boy in the Desert (Genesis 21)
Why Genesis 21 never names Ishmael
This verse gives the reason for the name Ishmael: the LORD has heard. In Genesis 21 the Hebrew never says his name. In the desert only Hagar's weeping is recorded, yet "God heard the voice of the boy" (Genesis 21:17). The son said nothing on the page, and God heard him anyway.
Read the whole studyConnection with Ishmael, whose name means God hears
Ishmael's name means God hears, and God kept hearing. He told Abraham, "As for Ishmael, I have heard you" (Genesis 17:20), and here He "heard the voice of the boy." Each of God's promises about Ishmael has a matching line in Genesis 25:12–18, the list of his descendants.
Read the whole study
Read Genesis 21:17 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 21:17 in a fresh way
On the Doxa App you can have a personal interaction about any Scripture. Ask questions and even debate.
