Definition: And Abram [was] fourscore and six years old, when Hagar bare Ishmael to Abram.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 16:16 together. It’s a really important part of the story of Abraham and his journey! Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, this verse tells us that Abraham was around 40 years old when he had Ishmael born. Let’s unpack that a little bit: “Genesis 16” : This is a chapter in the Bible that describes God’s dealings with Abraham before he became a very important figure. “16” : The number 16 is significant, and it's often seen as a marker of time – a long time! “And Abram” : This is Abraham’s name in Hebrew. It means "he who burns" or "he who is burning." “Fourscore and six years old” : “Fourscore” means 40, and “and six” means six. So, this translates to 40 + 6 = 46 years old. Abraham was around 46 years old when he had Ishmael. “when Hagar bare Ishmael…” : This is a bit tricky – "Hagar" is a Hebrew name meaning “star.” So, this means that Abraham had Ishmael born. “…to Abram” : This is the name of Abraham’s husband. What does it mean in a bigger picture? This verse is a key moment in the story because: It establishes a long time: It shows that God started working in Abraham's life very early – before he was even a strong, established man. It sets the stage for family: It’s the beginning of the story of his descendants, who would become a huge part of the Jewish people and eventually influence much of Western civilization. Important Note: The verse is often interpreted as a bit mysterious – it's a little unusual that Abraham was so young when he had a child. However, theologians generally believe this is a way for God to show his power and plan for the future. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the Genesis 16 story? Discuss what the verse might symbolize (like faith or beginnings)?