Definition: And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he [is].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 21:17. It’s a really significant passage in the Bible that speaks about a very important relationship between God and Abraham’s wife, Hagar. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Abraham is Having a Baby: In the beginning, God told Abraham to go to Egypt and have a son. He needed someone to be his witness and to carry on his lineage. Hagar is Stuck: Hagar, Abraham’s servantess, was left alone with the baby. She was incredibly upset because she wasn't allowed to touch him. God hears her cry: God heard Hagar’s distress and felt sorry for her. He sent an angel to speak to her. What the Verse Says – A Gentle Plea: The verse says: “And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he [is].” Let’s unpack that: “God heard the voice of the lad”: This is key. It means God recognized and understood Hagar's feelings – she was sad and worried about her baby. "The angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven" : This describes the angel as a messenger from God, appearing in heaven. “What aileth thee, Hagar?” This is a comforting question from God. It’s like saying, “Are you feeling upset or troubled?” “Fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he [is]” : This is the most important part! God says that He heard Hagar's cry and recognized her distress. He felt her sadness, even though she was alone. He also tells her to be calm – it doesn’t matter that she’s a servant; God hears her. The Meaning & Significance: This verse is about God’s love and compassion. It shows that God cares deeply about everyone, even those who are suffering or feeling isolated. It emphasizes: God's Presence: He's always listening to us, even when we don't notice. Acceptance & Kindness: God doesn't judge Hagar; he sees her and recognizes her feelings. Trust in God’s Plan: It suggests that God is working for our good, even though it might seem difficult at the time. In short, this verse highlights God’s presence and love, offering comfort and reassurance to a woman who was feeling vulnerable. Do you want me to: Explain another part of the story? Discuss the symbolism behind this verse (like the creation of humanity)?