Genesis 16:12

He will be like a wild donkey, his hand against every man, and every man’s hand against him; and he will live at odds with all his relatives.

Open English Bible (US)

In The King James Version

And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man’s hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.

In Context

11The messenger of the Lord also said to her, “You are pregnant, and will have a son; you must call him Ishmael God hears, because the Lord has heard of your ill-treatment.”

13Then she called the name of the Lord, who had spoken to her, El-roi (You are a God who sees me); for she said, “Have I seen God and am I still alive after I have looked upon him?”

Read all of Genesis 16

Cross References

Genesis 21:20The Lord was with the boy, and he grew up,

Genesis 27:40By your sword you will live, and your brother you will serve. But whenever you will break loose, you will break off his yoke from your neck.”

Matthew Henry on Genesis 16:11-15

The Promise Concerning Ishmael. ( b. c. 1911.) 10 And the angel of the Lord said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude. 11 And the angel of the Lord said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the Lord hath heard thy affliction. 12 And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren. 13 And she called… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Genesis 16:12