Genesis 16:15

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 16:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bare, Ishmael.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bare, Ishmael.
Genesis 16:15 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 16

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
15And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bare, Ishmael.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And Hagar bare Abram a son, etc.] Being returned to his house, and received by him, and reconciled to Sarai, she brought forth a son to Abram, according to the prediction of the angel: and Abram called his son’s name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael; and this name Jarchi suggests he gave by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that dwelt in him: but it is highly reasonable to suppose, that Hagar upon her return reported to Abram the whole of the conversation she had with the angel; wherefore Abram believing what she said, in obedience to the order and command of the angel, gave him this name.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“- The Birth of Ishmael 1. הנר hāgār, Hagar, “flight.” Hejrah, the flight of Muhammed. 7. מלאך mal'ak “messenger, angel.” A deputy commissioned to discharge a certain duty for the principal whom he represents. As the most usual task is that of bearing messages, commands, or tidings, he is commonly called a “messenger” ἄγγελος angelos). The word is therefore a term of office, and does not further distinguish the office-bearer than as an intelligent being. Hence, a מלאך mal'ak may be a man deputed by a man Genesis 32:3; Job 1:14, or by God Haggai 1:13; Malachi 3:1, or a superhuman being delegated in this case only by God. The English term “angel” is now especially appropriated to the latter…”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification