Genesis 21:18 nasb — "Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him by the hand, for I will make a great nation of him."

NASB

""Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him by the hand, for I will make a great nation of him.""

— Genesis 21:18, NASB

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Genesis 21:18 in Other Translations

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Genesis 21 — Context

15

When the water in the skin was used up, she left the boy under one of the bushes.

16

Then she went and sat down opposite him, about a bowshot away, for she said, "Do not let me see the boy die." And she sat opposite him, and lifted up her voice and wept.

17

God heard the lad crying; and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, "What is the matter with you, Hagar? Do not fear, for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is.

18

"Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him by the hand, for I will make a great nation of him."

19

Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water; and she went and filled the skin with water and gave the lad a drink.

20

God was with the lad, and he grew; and he lived in the wilderness and became an archer.

21

He lived in the wilderness of Paran, and his mother took a wife for him from the land of Egypt.

Genesis 21:18 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Genesis 21:18 say?
Genesis 21:18 in the NASB reads: “"Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him by the hand, for I will make a great nation of him."”
Where is Genesis 21:18 in the Bible?
Genesis 21:18 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Genesis, chapter 21, verse 18.
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 21:18.
What translation should I read Genesis 21:18 in?
Genesis 21:18 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 21:18?
Genesis 21:18 reads (NASB): “"Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him by the hand, for I will make a great nation of him."” 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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