The report of Ishmael’s birth concludes by giving the age of Abram at the birth of his first son.

Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram: it may be more natural in many languages to say “When Ishmael was born to Hagar, Abram was eighty-six years old” or “When Hagar gave birth to Ishmael, Abram was eighty-six years old.” Note that Good News Translation does not repeat the reference to giving birth but simply says “at that time.” Translators may find this a suitable model.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .