Genesis 16:12
New International Version
He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers.”

New Living Translation
This son of yours will be a wild man, as untamed as a wild donkey! He will raise his fist against everyone, and everyone will be against him. Yes, he will live in open hostility against all his relatives.”

English Standard Version
He shall be a wild donkey of a man, his hand against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he shall dwell over against all his kinsmen.”

Berean Standard Bible
He will be a wild donkey of a man, and his hand will be against everyone, and everyone’s hand against him; he will live in hostility toward all his brothers.”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
He shall be a wild man; His hand shall be against every man, And every man’s hand against him. And he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.”

New American Standard Bible
“But he will be a wild donkey of a man; His hand will be against everyone, And everyone’s hand will be against him; And he will live in defiance of all his brothers.”

NASB 1995
“He will be a wild donkey of a man, His hand will be against everyone, And everyone’s hand will be against him; And he will live to the east of all his brothers.”

NASB 1977
“And he will be a wild donkey of a man, His hand will be against everyone, And everyone’s hand will be against him; And he will live to the east of all his brothers.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And he will be a wild donkey of a man, His hand will be against everyone, And everyone’s hand will be against him; And he will dwell in the face of all his brothers.”

Amplified Bible
“He (Ishmael) will be a wild donkey of a man; His hand will be against every man [continually fighting] And every man’s hand against him; And he will dwell in defiance of all his brothers.”

Christian Standard Bible
This man will be like a wild donkey. His hand will be against everyone, and everyone’s hand will be against him; he will settle near all his relatives.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
This man will be like a wild donkey. His hand will be against everyone, and everyone’s hand will be against him; he will live at odds with all his brothers.

American Standard Version
And he shall be as a wild ass among men; his hand shall be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell over against all his brethren.

Contemporary English Version
But your son will live far from his relatives; he will be like a wild donkey, fighting everyone, and everyone fighting him."

English Revised Version
And he shall be as a wild-ass among men; his hand shall be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He will be as free and wild as an untamed donkey. He will fight with everyone, and everyone will fight with him. He will have conflicts with all his relatives."

Good News Translation
But your son will live like a wild donkey; he will be against everyone, and everyone will be against him. He will live apart from all his relatives."

International Standard Version
He'll be a wild donkey of a man. He'll be against everyone, and everyone will be against him. He will live in conflict with all of his relatives."

Majority Standard Bible
He will be a wild donkey of a man, and his hand will be against everyone, and everyone’s hand against him; he will live in hostility toward all his brothers.”

NET Bible
He will be a wild donkey of a man. He will be hostile to everyone, and everyone will be hostile to him. He will live away from his brothers."

New Heart English Bible
He will be like a wild donkey among men. His hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him. And he will live away from all of his brothers."

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
He will be like a wild donkey among men. His hand will be against every man, and every man’s hand against him. He will live opposed to all of his brothers.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and he is a wild-donkey man, his hand against everyone, and everyone’s hand against him—and before the face of all his brothers he dwells.”

Young's Literal Translation
and he is a wild-ass man, his hand against every one, and every one's hand against him -- and before the face of all his brethren he dwelleth.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And he shall be an unrestrained man; his hand against every one, and every one's hand against him; and before the face of all his brethren shall he dwell.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He shall be a wild man: his hand will be against all men, and all men's hands against him: and he shall pitch his tents over against all his brethren.

Catholic Public Domain Version
He will be a wild man. His hand will be against all, and all hands will be against him. And he will pitch his tents away from the region of all his brothers.”

New American Bible
He shall be a wild ass of a man, his hand against everyone, and everyone’s hand against him; Alongside all his kindred shall he encamp.”

New Revised Standard Version
He shall be a wild ass of a man, with his hand against everyone, and everyone’s hand against him; and he shall live at odds with all his kin.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he will be like a wild ass among men; with his hand against every man, and every man's hand against him, and he shall dwell on the borders of all his brethren.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he shall be a savage of the children of men; his hand is against everyone and the hand of everyone against him, and he shall dwell upon the borders of all his brothers.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And he shall be a wild ass of a man: his hand shall be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the face of all his brethren.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
He shall be a wild man, his hands against all, and the hands of all against him, and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Birth of Ishmael
11The angel of the LORD proceeded: “Behold, you have conceived and will bear a son. And you shall name him Ishmael, for the LORD has heard your cry of affliction. 12He will be a wild donkey of a man, and his hand will be against everyone, and everyone’s hand against him; he will live in hostility toward all his brothers.” 13So Hagar gave this name to the LORD who had spoken to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “Here I have seen the One who sees me!”…

Cross References
Genesis 21:20
And God was with the boy, and he grew up and settled in the wilderness and became a great archer.

Genesis 25:18
Ishmael’s descendants settled from Havilah to Shur, which is near the border of Egypt as you go toward Asshur. And they lived in hostility toward all their brothers.

Judges 8:24
Then he added, “Let me make a request of you, that each of you give me an earring from his plunder.” (For the enemies had gold earrings because they were Ishmaelites.)

1 Samuel 25:10
But Nabal asked them, “Who is David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants these days are breaking away from their masters.

Job 24:5
Indeed, like wild donkeys in the desert, the poor go to work foraging for food; the wasteland is food for their children.

Psalm 83:6
the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites,

Isaiah 21:13-17
This is the burden against Arabia: In the thickets of Arabia you must lodge, O caravans of Dedanites. / Bring water for the thirsty, O dwellers of Tema; meet the refugees with food. / For they flee from the sword—the sword that is drawn—from the bow that is bent, and from the stress of battle. ...

Jeremiah 3:2
“Lift up your eyes to the barren heights and see. Is there any place where you have not been violated? You sat beside the highways waiting for your lovers, like a nomad in the desert. You have defiled the land with your prostitution and wickedness.

Jeremiah 49:28-33
Concerning Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon defeated, this is what the LORD says: “Rise up, advance against Kedar, and destroy the people of the east! / They will take their tents and flocks, their tent curtains and all their goods. They will take their camels for themselves. They will shout to them: ‘Terror is on every side!’ / Run! Escape quickly! Lie low, O residents of Hazor,” declares the LORD, “for Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has drawn up a plan against you; he has devised a strategy against you. ...

Ezekiel 25:4
therefore I will indeed give you as a possession to the people of the East. They will set up their camps and pitch their tents among you. They will eat your fruit and drink your milk.

Ezekiel 27:21
Arabia and all the princes of Kedar were your customers, trading in lambs, rams, and goats.

Hosea 12:7
A merchant loves to defraud with dishonest scales in his hands.

Acts 7:6
God told him that his descendants would be foreigners in a strange land, and that they would be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years.

Romans 9:7-9
Nor because they are Abraham’s descendants are they all his children. On the contrary, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.” / So it is not the children of the flesh who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as offspring. / For this is what the promise stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.”

Galatians 4:22-31
For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. / His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born through the promise. / These things serve as illustrations, for the women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children into slavery: This is Hagar. ...


Treasury of Scripture

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 brothers.

be a.

Genesis 21:20
And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer.

Job 11:12
For vain man would be wise, though man be born like a wild ass's colt.

Job 39:5-8
Who hath sent out the wild ass free? or who hath loosed the bands of the wild ass? …

wild.

Job 39:5-8
Who hath sent out the wild ass free? or who hath loosed the bands of the wild ass? …

his hand.

Genesis 27:40
And by thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt serve thy brother; and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck.

he shall.

Genesis 25:18
And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur, that is before Egypt, as thou goest toward Assyria: and he died in the presence of all his brethren.

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Ass Donkey Dwell Dwelleth East Everyone's Face Hand Hostility Live Mountain One's Opposite Presence Wild
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Ass Donkey Dwell Dwelleth East Everyone's Face Hand Hostility Live Mountain One's Opposite Presence Wild
Genesis 16
1. Sarai, being barren, gives Hagar to Abram.
4. Hagar, being afflicted for despising her mistress, runs away.
7. An angel commands her to return and submit herself,
10. promises her a numerous posterity,
12. and shows their character and condition.
13. Hagar names the place, and returns to Sarai.
15. Ishmael is born.
16. The age of Abram.














He will be a wild donkey of a man
The phrase "wild donkey" in Hebrew is "pere adam," which conveys the image of a creature that is untamed and free-spirited. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the wild donkey was known for its independence and resilience, thriving in the harsh desert environment. This description of Ishmael, the son of Hagar and Abram, suggests a life characterized by freedom and a refusal to be subdued by societal norms. It reflects a prophetic insight into Ishmael's descendants, who would live as nomadic tribes, often in conflict with settled communities. The wild donkey metaphor emphasizes a life of self-reliance and defiance, traits that would define Ishmael's lineage.

his hand will be against everyone
This phrase indicates a life of conflict and struggle. The Hebrew word for "hand" (yad) often symbolizes power and action. Ishmael's descendants would be known for their warrior-like nature, frequently engaging in battles and disputes with neighboring tribes. This prophecy foreshadows the historical tensions between Ishmael's lineage and other nations, highlighting a legacy of confrontation and resistance. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of human actions and decisions, as Abram and Sarai's choice to have a child through Hagar led to enduring strife.

and everyone's hand against him
The reciprocal nature of this phrase suggests that Ishmael and his descendants would not only initiate conflict but also be the recipients of hostility. This mutual antagonism underscores the challenges of living in a world where relationships are marked by suspicion and enmity. Historically, the descendants of Ishmael, often identified with various Arab tribes, have experienced both internal and external conflicts. This part of the prophecy highlights the reality of living in a fallen world, where sin leads to division and discord among peoples.

and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers
The Hebrew word for "hostility" (paneh) can also mean "in the presence of" or "to the east of," suggesting both geographical and relational aspects. Ishmael's descendants would dwell in proximity to their kin, the Israelites, yet remain in a state of tension and rivalry. This prophecy has been fulfilled throughout history, as the descendants of Ishmael and Isaac have often found themselves in conflict. The phrase serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring consequences of human choices and the need for reconciliation and peace. It calls believers to seek harmony and understanding, recognizing the shared humanity that transcends historical grievances.

(12) He will be a wild man.--Heb., he will be a wild-ass man. The wild ass of the Arabian deserts is a very noble creature, and is one of the animals selected in the Book of Job as especially exemplifying the greatness of God (Job 39:5-8). Its characteristics are great speed, love of solitude, and an untamable fondness of liberty. It is thus the very type of the Bedaween Arabs, whose delight is to rove at will over the desert, and who despise the ease and luxury of a settled life.

His hand will be against every man . .�.--The Bedaween can be bound by no treaties, submit to no law, and count plunder as legitimate gain. Nevertheless--

He shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.--That is, he shall maintain his independence, and his descendants shall continue to exist as a free race in the presence of the other Abrahamic nations. Many commentators, however, consider that the more exact rendering is, he shall dwell to the east of all his brethren. This is certainly the meaning of the word in Genesis 25:6, but does not suit equally well there in Genesis 25:18.

Verse 12. - And he will be a wild man. Literally, a wild ass (of a) man; the פֶּרֶא, snarler, being so called from its swiftness of foot (cf. Job 39:5-8), and aptly depicting "the Bedouin s boundless love of freedom as he rides about in the desert, spear in hand, upon his camel or his horse, hardy, frugal, reveling in the varied beauty of nature, and despising town life in every form" (Keil). As Ishmael and his offspring are here called "wild ass men," so Israel is designated by the prophet "sheep men" (Ezekiel 36:37, 38). His hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him. Exemplified in the turbulent and lawless character of the Bedouin Arabs and Saracens for upwards of thirty centuries. "The Bedouins are the outlaws among the nations. Plunder is legitimate gain, and daring robbery is praised as valor (Kalisch). And he shall dwell in the presence of - literally, before the face of, L e. to the east of (Rosenmüller, Gesenius, Tuch, Knobel, Delitzsch); or, "everywhere before the eyes of" (Kalisch, Wordsworth); or, independently of (Calvin, Keil, Lunge, Murphy) - all his brethren. The Arabs of today are "just as they were described by the spirit of prophecy nearly 4000 years ago" (Porter's 'Giant Cities of Bashan,' pp. 28, 31, 324).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
He
וְה֤וּא (wə·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

will be
יִהְיֶה֙ (yih·yeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

a wild donkey
פֶּ֣רֶא (pe·re)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6501: A wild donkey

[of a] man,
אָדָ֔ם (’ā·ḏām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being

and his hand
יָד֣וֹ (yā·ḏōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3027: A hand

will be against everyone,
בַכֹּ֔ל (ḇak·kōl)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

and everyone’s
כֹּ֖ל (kōl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

hand against him;
וְיַ֥ד (wə·yaḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027: A hand

he will live
יִשְׁכֹּֽן׃ (yiš·kōn)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7931: To settle down, abide, dwell

in hostility
וְעַל־ (wə·‘al-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

toward
פְּנֵ֥י (pə·nê)
Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

all
כָל־ (ḵāl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

his brothers.”
אֶחָ֖יו (’e·ḥāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )


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OT Law: Genesis 16:12 He will be like a wild donkey (Gen. Ge Gn)
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