Genesis 21:17

Authorized King James Version

And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is.

Word-by-Word Analysis

שָׁמַ֧ע

H8085

hath heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֱלֹהִ֛ים

H430

And God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

ק֥וֹל

H6963

the voice

a voice or sound

הַנַּ֖עַר

H5288

of the lad

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

וַיִּקְרָא֩

H7121

called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

מַלְאַ֨ךְ

H4397

and the angel

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

אֱלֹהִ֛ים

H430

And God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#10

הָגָ֑ר

H1904

to Hagar

hagar, the mother of ishmael

#11

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#12

הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם

H8064

out of heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

#13

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

#14

לָ֖הּ

#15

מַה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#16

לָּ֣ךְ

#17

הָגָ֑ר

H1904

to Hagar

hagar, the mother of ishmael

#18

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

#19

תִּ֣ירְאִ֔י

H3372

fear

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

#20

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#21

שָׁמַ֧ע

H8085

hath heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#22

אֱלֹהִ֛ים

H430

And God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#23

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#24

ק֥וֹל

H6963

the voice

a voice or sound

#25

הַנַּ֖עַר

H5288

of the lad

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

#26

בַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#27

הוּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#28

שָֽׁם׃

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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