Definition: 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? “Wherefore she said unto Abraham…”: This means “Because” or “Therefore,” this is what the woman is saying. “…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. “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: “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: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+21%3A10](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+21%3A10) Wikipedia - Genesis 21:10: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genesis_21%3A10](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genesis_21%3A10) --- 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: The context of the story? What it means symbolically? Different interpretations of the verse over time?