Genesis 21:16 web — She went and sat down opposite him, a good way off, about a bow shot away. For she said, "Don't let me see the death of…

World English Bible

"She went and sat down opposite him, a good way off, about a bow shot away. For she said, "Don't let me see the death of the child." She sat over against him, and lifted up her voice, and wept."

— Genesis 21:16, World English Bible

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Genesis 21:16 in Other Translations

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Genesis 21 — Context

13

I will also make a nation of the son of the handmaid, because he is your seed."

14

Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread and a bottle of water, and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder; and gave her the child, and sent her away. She departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.

15

The water in the bottle was spent, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs.

16

She went and sat down opposite him, a good way off, about a bow shot away. For she said, "Don't let me see the death of the child." She sat over against him, and lifted up her voice, and wept.

17

God heard the voice of the boy. The angel of God called to Hagar out of the sky, and said to her, "What ails you, Hagar? Don't be afraid. For God has heard the voice of the boy where he is.

18

Get up, lift up the boy, and hold him in your hand. For I will make him a great nation."

19

God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. She went, filled the bottle with water, and gave the boy drink.

Genesis 21:16 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Genesis 21:16 say?
Genesis 21:16 in the World English Bible reads: “She went and sat down opposite him, a good way off, about a bow shot away. For she said, "Don't let me see the death of the child." She sat over against him, and lifted up her voice, and wept.”
Where is Genesis 21:16 in the Bible?
Genesis 21:16 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Genesis, chapter 21, verse 16.
Who wrote Genesis?
Genesis is traditionally attributed to Moses (traditional). Anciently attributed to Moses; many modern scholars view Genesis as a compilation of older oral and written sources finalized in or after the Babylonian exile. It was written c. 1446–1406 BC.
What is the book of Genesis about?
Genesis is the book of beginnings — the origin of the universe, humanity, sin, and the covenant family God chose to bless the nations. It traces creation, the fall, the flood, and the lives of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, laying the foundation for the rest of Scripture and pointing forward to the redemption that comes through the promised seed.
What are the major themes of Genesis?
Genesis explores themes including Creation, Fall, Covenant, Faith, Family, Promise. These themes shape the meaning and context of Genesis 21:16.
What translation should I read Genesis 21:16 in?
Genesis 21:16 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Genesis 21:16?
Genesis 21:16 reads (WEB): “She went and sat down opposite him, a good way off, about a bow shot away. For she said, "Don't let me see the death of the child." She sat over against him, and lifted up her voice, and wept.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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