complete verse (Genesis 21:13)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 21:13:

  • Kankanaey: “But since/because Ismael is your (sing.) child just the same, I will also cause-to-become-many the offspring-he-produces so that they will fill an entire nation.'” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “But because the child of that maid servant is also your child, I will also make a great nation from him.'” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “And concerning Ishmael, I will- also -give him many descendants and they too will-become a nation, because he is also your child.'” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “But I will also cause the son of your maidservant to be the ancestor of the people of a great nation, because he is also your son.'” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 21:13

And I will make a nation of the son of the slave woman also: to make a nation requires a process in time, and in many languages some adjustments are necessary to translate this thought clearly. For example, “I will make the descendants of the slave woman’s son to become a nation.” For a similar kind of translation adjustment, see the discussion of 12.2.

In 17.20 and 18.18 the Hebrew text says “a great nation,” and many translations follow the ancient versions and supply the word “great” here. However, that word is lacking in the Hebrew text of this verse and need not be supplied (so Hebrew Old Testament Text Project).

Because he is your offspring is literally “because he is your seed.” This clause gives the reason for making Ishmael’s descendants a nation; that is, “because he [Ishmael] is your son.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .