🍀 Have Bible scholars debated Ishmael’s age at the time he and Hagar were sent away from Abraham’s household (Genesis 21)?

Yes, Bible scholars have debated Ishmael’s age when he and his mother Hagar were sent away from Abraham’s household, as described in Genesis 21. The debate arises because there appears to be a tension between Ishmael’s known age from earlier chapters and how he is described in the story of his departure.

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🔹 The Core Issue

By the time Ishmael is sent away in Genesis 21:

• Chronologically, he should be about 16 or 17 years old.

• But the narrative language makes him seem much younger—perhaps even a small child.

This discrepancy is what scholars have tried to reconcile.

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🔸 Biblical Timeline Breakdown

1. Genesis 16:16 – Abraham is 86 years old when Ishmael is born.

2. Genesis 21:5 – Abraham is 100 years old when Isaac is born.

• This means Ishmael is about 14 years old at Isaac’s birth.

3. Genesis 21 (Hagar and Ishmael sent away) occurs after Isaac is weaned—likely around age 2 or 3.

• That puts Ishmael around 16 or 17 years old.

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🔸 But in Genesis 21:14–19…

• Hagar carries water and the “child” on her shoulder.

• She places him under a bush when he is faint with thirst.

• The angel says, “Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Lift the boy up and take him by the hand.”

These details suggest a small child, possibly even an infant, rather than a teenager:

• Hagar “placing” him under a bush implies a much younger, possibly carried child.

• The Hebrew word for “child” (yeled) can refer to a broad range of ages, but often implies a young boy.

• Some translations and interpretations even picture Ishmael as a toddler.

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🔹 Scholarly Interpretations and Debates

1. Literal chronology is correct; the narrative is symbolic or stylized:

• Ishmael was a teenager, but the story uses language typical of small-child narratives for literary or emotional effect.

• The story’s focus is Hagar’s distress and God’s care, not strict age reporting.

2. There may be a doublet (two similar stories merged):

• Some scholars argue Genesis 16 and 21 are two versions of the same basic story (Hagar fleeing or being expelled), compiled from different sources.

• In this theory, one source portrays Ishmael as young and dependent, possibly even infant-like, while the other depicts him as older, more independent, and adolescent rather than a small child.

3. The reference to Hagar carrying “the child” may refer to carrying provisions or helping a weak, fainting teen.

• Some suggest the “carrying” in Hebrew could mean supporting or helping, not physically lifting.

• The word “child” can still apply to adolescents.

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🔹 In Summary

Yes, Bible scholars have debated Ishmael’s age at the time he left Abraham’s house because:

• The chronology suggests he was a teenager (around 16–17).

• But the narrative imagery and vocabulary suggest a much younger child, possibly even a baby.

• This tension has led to various theories, including symbolic interpretation, source criticism, and linguistic clarifications.

— Azahari Hassim

Founder, The World of Abrahamic Theology