Genesis 16

W88

‹ Chapter 15 Genesis — All Chapters Chapter 17 ›

1 Therfor Sarai, wijf of Abram, hadde not gendrid fre children; but sche hadde a seruauntesse of Egipt, Agar bi name, and seide to hir hosebonde, Lo! 2 the Lord hath closid me, that Y schulde not bere child; entre thou to my seruauntesse, if in hap Y schal take children, nameli of hir. And whanne he assentide to hir preiynge, sche took Agar Egipcian, 3 hir seruauntesse, after ten yeer aftir that thei begunne to enhabite in the lond of Chanaan, and sche yaf Agar wiif to hir hosebonde. 4 And Abram entride to Agar; and Agar seiy that sche hadde conseyued, and sche dispiside hir ladi. 5 And Saray seide to Abram, Thou doist wickidli ayens me; I yaf my seruauntesse in to thi bosum, which seeth, that sche conseyuede, and dispisith me; the Lord deme betwixe me and thee. 6 And Abram answerde and seide to hir, Lo! thi seruauntesse is in thin hond; vse thou hir as it likith. Therfor for Sarai turmentide hir, sche fledde awei. 7 And whanne the aungel of the Lord hadde founde hir bisidis a welle of watir in wildernesse, which welle is in the weie of Sur in deseert, 8 he seide to hir, Fro whennus comest thou Agar, the seruauntesse of Sarai, and whidur goist thou? Which answerde, Y fle fro the face of Sarai my ladi. 9 And the aungel of the Lord seide to hir, Turne thou ayen to thi ladi, and be thou mekid vndur hir hondis. 10 And eft he seide, Y multipliynge schal multiplie thi seed, and it schal not be noumbrid for multitude. 11 And aftirward he seide, Lo! thou hast conseyued, and thou schalt bere a sone, and thou schalt clepe his name Ismael, for the Lord hath herd thi turment; 12 this schal be a wielde man; his hond schal be ayens alle men, and the hondis of alle men schulen be ayens him; and he schal sette tabernaclis euene ayens alle his britheren. 13 Forsothe Agar clepide the name of the Lord that spak to hir, Thou God that seiyest me; for sche seide, Forsothe here Y seiy the hynderere thingis of him that siy me. 14 Therfor sche clepide thilke pit, the pit of hym that lyueth and seeth me; thilk pit is bitwixe Cades and Barad. 15 And Agar childide a sone to Abram, which clepide his name Ismael. 16 Abram was of eiyti yeere and sixe, whanne Agar childide Ysmael to hym.

What Is This Chapter About?

Theme: God's Providence in Human Affairs

Genesis 16 explores the story of Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian servant, and her encounter with the Angel of the Lord. This chapter reveals God's providential care for those who are often overlooked and His ability to work through human mistakes. It also highlights the importance of faith and trust in God's sovereignty.

Enable Study Highlights

Key Verse

Christ in This Chapter

Holy Spirit

Key Words / Phrases

Names of God

Key Verse

Genesis 16:13 "So she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, 'You are a God of seeing,' for she said, 'Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.'"

This verse is central to the chapter as it highlights Hagar's realization of God's personal interest in her life. Despite being a servant and an outcast, Hagar experiences God's care and provision, leading her to worship and acknowledge Him as the 'God of seeing'. This demonstrates God's character as a God who sees and cares for all people, regardless of their social status or circumstances.

Key Words in Genesis 16

"Angel of the Lord"

This phrase refers to a divine being who represents God and often is understood as a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, emphasizing God's direct and personal involvement in human affairs.

"God of seeing"

Hagar's description of God as the 'God of seeing' signifies her recognition of God's omniscience and personal care for her life, even in her lowest and most desperate moments.

"Ishmael"

Ishmael, the son of Abram and Hagar, becomes a significant figure in the biblical narrative, representing the fleshly or worldly attempt to fulfill God's promises, as opposed to the spiritual or faith-based approach.

"descendants"

The promise of descendants to Hagar and Abram underscores God's covenant faithfulness and His plan to establish a multitude of nations through them, reflecting His gracious and redemptive character.

Christ in This Chapter

The story of Hagar and Ishmael serves as a type or shadow of the relationship between the church and Israel, with the church representing the 'children of promise' (Galatians 4:28). Moreover, the Angel of the Lord who appears to Hagar is often seen as a Christophany, a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, emphasizing God's direct involvement in human affairs. The promise made to Hagar (Genesis 16:10) also points to the greater promise of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, highlighting God's redemptive plan. (Galatians 4:22-31 · Hebrews 11:11)

Names of Deity

Names and pronouns referring to God are marked throughout the text.

Highlight names of God

‹ Chapter 15 Genesis — All Chapters Chapter 17 ›

Genesis 16

Cite / Share This Page