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Genesis 21:13 - Divine promise to Hagar's son

Genesis 21:13 - בראשית 21:13

Hebrew Text

וְגַם אֶת־בֶּן־הָאָמָה לְגוֹי אֲשִׂימֶנּוּ כִּי זַרְעֲךָ הוּא׃

English Translation

And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.

Transliteration

Ve'gam et ben-ha'ama legoy asimeno ki zar'akha hu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְגַ֥ם אֶת־בֶּן־הָאָמָ֖ה לְג֣וֹי אֲשִׂימֶ֑נּוּ כִּ֥י זַרְעֲךָ֖ הֽוּא׃
וְגַ֥ם אֶת־בֶּן־הָאָמָ֖ה לְג֣וֹי אֲשִׂימֶ֑נּוּ כִּ֥י זַרְעֲךָ֖ הֽוּא׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 21:13) is part of Hashem's reassurance to Avraham after Sarah insists that Hagar and her son Yishmael be sent away. Despite Sarah's concerns about Yishmael's influence on Yitzchak, Hashem affirms that Yishmael will also become a nation because he is Avraham's descendant.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi comments that the phrase "כי זרעך הוא" ("because he is thy seed") teaches that Yishmael's merit to become a nation stems from his connection to Avraham. However, Rashi emphasizes that the primary covenant and inheritance of the Land of Israel would be through Yitzchak (Genesis 17:19), as Yishmael was the son of a bondwoman (Hagar) and not Sarah.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 3:50), Rambam explains that Hashem's promise to make Yishmael a nation reflects Divine providence, ensuring that Avraham's descendants—even through Hagar—would not be entirely cast aside. However, the spiritual legacy and covenant remain exclusively with Yitzchak's lineage.

Midrashic Insights

  • Bereishit Rabbah (53:13): The Midrash notes that Yishmael's future greatness (becoming a nation) was granted in Avraham's merit, but his actions would later diverge from Avraham's path of righteousness.
  • Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer (30): This Midrash elaborates that Yishmael's descendants would become a powerful nation, but their relationship with Yitzchak's descendants would be fraught with conflict, as foreshadowed in the Torah (Genesis 16:12).

Halachic Implications

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 59b) discusses the distinction between Yishmael and Yitzchak, clarifying that while Yishmael is part of Avraham's physical seed, the spiritual covenant of Torah and mitzvot applies only to Yitzchak's descendants. This reinforces the principle that Jewish identity and inheritance of the covenant are matrilineal (Kiddushin 68b).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 91a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the descendants of Hagar and their status as a nation, relating to the broader topic of lineage and inheritance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 21:13 mean when it says 'the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation'?
A: This verse refers to Yishmael (Ishmael), the son of Hagar, Sarah's maidservant. Hashem promises Avraham that even though Yishmael is not the primary heir (as Yitzchak is), he will still become a great nation because he is Avraham's descendant. Rashi explains that this shows Hashem's kindness, as He blesses Yishmael due to Avraham's merit.
Q: Why is Genesis 21:13 important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse is important because it establishes that Yishmael, though not the chosen line for the covenant (which continues through Yitzchak), is still part of Avraham's legacy. The Rambam notes that this teaches us that Hashem recognizes the potential in all of Avraham's descendants, even if their spiritual paths differ.
Q: What can we learn from Genesis 21:13 about how we treat others?
A: The verse teaches that even when people are not part of our primary mission (like Yishmael was not the main heir), we must still recognize their inherent worth as creations of Hashem. The Midrash highlights that Avraham cared for Yishmael despite his flaws, showing the importance of compassion and responsibility toward others.
Q: How does Genesis 21:13 apply to Jewish identity today?
A: This verse reminds us that Jewish identity is tied to the covenant through Yitzchak, while acknowledging that other nations (like Yishmael's descendants) also have a place in Hashem's plan. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 91a) discusses how each nation has its unique role, and Jews must focus on their own spiritual mission while respecting others.