Genesis 16

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 16 of 50

1 And Sarai, Abram's wife, did not bear to him; and to her belonged a female slave, an Egyptian, and her name was Hagar.

2 And Sarai said to Abram, See, now, Jehovah has kept me from bearing; go in now to my slave-girl; perhaps I may be built up from her. And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.

3 And Sarai, Abram's wife, took her slave-girl, Hagar, the Egyptian, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife, after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan.

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Chapter Summary

1 Sarai, barren, gives Hagar to Abram. 4 Hagar despises her mistress. 6 Hagar flees. 7 An angel sends her back to submit herself, 11 and tells her of her child. 15 Ishmael is born.

Key Hebrew Words

שִׁפְחָה female slave, maid H8198 · TWOT 2442a
הָרָה conceive H2029 · TWOT 515
מַלְאָךְ angel, messenger H4397 · TWOT 1068a
עֳנִי affliction H6040 · TWOT 1652e
זֶ֫רַע seed, offspring H2233 · TWOT 582a
פֶּ֫רֶא wild ass H6501 · TWOT 1805a

People & Context

Sarai

Abram's barren wife who gives her Egyptian slave to Abram, then deals harshly with the pregnant Hagar

Hagar

Sarai's Egyptian slave-girl who conceives by Abram, flees, and meets the Angel of Jehovah at the well

Angel of Jehovah

The One who finds Hagar in the wilderness, sends her back, and promises her countless seed through Ishmael

Abram

Husband who heeds Sarai's voice, fathers a son by Hagar, and names him Ishmael at age eighty-six

Ishmael

Son born to Abram by Hagar, named 'God hears,' foretold to be a wild ass of a man

Timeline

Sarai Gives Hagar to Abram

Sarai, being barren, gives her Egyptian slave-girl Hagar to Abram to be his wife, after Abram has lived ten years in Canaan.

Genesis 16:1-3
Hagar Conceives and Despises Sarai

Hagar conceives, and upon realizing she is pregnant, she begins to despise her mistress Sarai.

Genesis 16:4
Sarai Afflicts Hagar, Hagar Flees

Sarai complains to Abram, who tells her to do as she sees fit. Sarai deals harshly with Hagar, causing her to flee.

Genesis 16:5-6

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