What is the definition of Genesis 21:10? 🙋 🔍
Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, [even] with Isaac.
Explanation:
Okay, let’s break down this passage from Genesis 21:10. It's a really important and somewhat mysterious part of early Jewish tradition. Here’s what it means in simple terms:
The Basic Story:
This verse comes after God tells Abraham to create a woman (named Lameh – meaning “blessed”) and place her in a beautiful garden. God says, "Go forth and make this woman a wife for me." Abraham then decides to take the woman out of the garden and throw her into a bond – essentially, a temporary, legally-binding agreement.
What’s Happening Here?
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“Wherefore she said unto Abraham…”:
This means “Because” or “Therefore,” this is what the woman is saying.
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“…Cast out this bondwoman and her son:”
Abraham decides to separate the woman from the child, calling her a "bondwoman." This is a really significant action.
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“for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, [even] with Isaac.”:
This is the core of the verse. It means that 💎this specific child💎 (the woman’s son) will 💎not💎 inherit anything from Abraham. Specifically:
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“with Isaac”:
This is crucial. It refers to Abraham's beloved son, Isaac.
So, what does it mean?
This verse is a foundational concept in Judaism and is often interpreted as a promise that Isaac would be the 💎only💎 heir of Abraham’s entire lineage. It's a very strong statement about the importance of Isaac's position within the family and inheritance. It highlights that Isaac was considered to be the "son of God" and therefore, he had a special claim on Abraham's legacy.
Why is this important?
This passage is seen as a powerful expression of divine will and covenant. It’s a symbolic representation of God’s relationship with Abraham and his promise to ensure Isaac’s continuation of the family line.
Important Note:
This verse has been debated for centuries, and there are different interpretations among scholars. It's often linked to ideas about the "sons of God" – a concept that has evolved over time.
Resources if you want to learn more:
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Bible Gateway:
[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+21%3A10](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+21%3A10)
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Wikipedia - Genesis 21:10:
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genesis_21%3A10](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genesis_21%3A10)
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Do you want me to explain any of these points in more detail, or would you like to delve into a specific aspect of this verse (like its religious significance)? For example, are you curious about:
đź’Ž The context of the story?
đź’Ž What it means symbolically?
đź’Ž Different interpretations of the verse over time?