Genesis 16:4
Genesis 16:4 in Multiple Translations
And he slept with Hagar, and she conceived. But when Hagar realized that she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress.
¶ And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.
And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.
And he went in to Hagar and she became with child, and when she saw that she was with child, she no longer had any respect for her master's wife.
Abram slept with Hagar and she became pregnant. When she realized she was pregnant, she treated her mistress with contempt.
And he went in vnto Hagar, and she conceiued. and when she sawe that she had conceiued, her dame was despised in her eyes.
and he goeth in unto Hagar, and she conceiveth, and she seeth that she hath conceived, and her mistress is lightly esteemed in her eyes.
He went in to Hagar, and she conceived. When she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.
And he went in to Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.
And he went in to her. But she, perceiving that she was with child, despised her mistress.
He ◄slept with/had sex with► [EUP] Hagar and she became pregnant. When she realized that she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress Sarai.
He slept with Hagar like she was his wife. Then Hagar found out that she was going to have a baby, so she started rubbishing Sarai all the time, because Sarai didn’t have any kids.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 16:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 16:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּבֹ֥א
אֶל
הָגָ֖ר
וַ/תַּ֑הַר
וַ/תֵּ֨רֶא֙
כִּ֣י
הָרָ֔תָה
וַ/תֵּקַ֥ל
גְּבִרְתָּ֖/הּ
בְּ/עֵינֶֽי/הָ
וַ/יָּבֹ֥א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הָגָ֖ר
Hâgâr
H1904
Hagar
N-proper
וַ/תַּ֑הַר
hârâh
H2029
to conceive
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
וַ/תֵּ֨רֶא֙
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הָרָ֔תָה
hârâh
H2029
to conceive
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
וַ/תֵּקַ֥ל
qâlal
H7043
to lighten
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
גְּבִרְתָּ֖/הּ
gᵉbereth
H1404
lady
N-fs | Suff
בְּ/עֵינֶֽי/הָ
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 16:4
וַ/יָּבֹ֥א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הָגָ֖ר
Hâgâr
H1904
"Hagar"
N-proper
Hagar was a slave girl from Egypt who became Abraham's concubine and the mother of Ishmael. Her name means 'flight' and she is an important figure in the book of Genesis, where her story is told in chapters 16 and 21.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.16.1; married to Abraham (H0085); mother of: Ishmael (H3458) Also named: Agar (Ἄγαρ "Hagar" G0028) § Hagar = "flight" Sarah's Egyptian slave girl, Abraham's concubine, Ishmael's mother
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Hagar. See also: Genesis 16:1; Genesis 16:16; Genesis 25:12.
וַ/תַּ֑הַר
hârâh
H2029
"to conceive"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To conceive or become pregnant, as seen in the story of Sarah and Abraham in Genesis 17, where Sarah conceives Isaac in her old age. This word is used to describe the miracle of birth and new life.
Definition: 1) to conceive, become pregnant, bear, be with child, be conceived, progenitor 1a)(Qal) to conceive, become pregnant 1b) (Pual) to be conceived 1c) (Poel) to conceive, contrive, devise
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: been, be with child, conceive, progenitor. See also: Genesis 4:1; Numbers 11:12; Psalms 7:15.
וַ/תֵּ֨רֶא֙
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הָרָ֔תָה
hârâh
H2029
"to conceive"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
To conceive or become pregnant, as seen in the story of Sarah and Abraham in Genesis 17, where Sarah conceives Isaac in her old age. This word is used to describe the miracle of birth and new life.
Definition: 1) to conceive, become pregnant, bear, be with child, be conceived, progenitor 1a)(Qal) to conceive, become pregnant 1b) (Pual) to be conceived 1c) (Poel) to conceive, contrive, devise
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: been, be with child, conceive, progenitor. See also: Genesis 4:1; Numbers 11:12; Psalms 7:15.
וַ/תֵּקַ֥ל
qâlal
H7043
"to lighten"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
The Hebrew word qalal means to make something light or easy, but it can also mean to curse or bring into contempt. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to be slight, be swift, be trifling, be of little account, be light 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be slight, be abated (of water) 1a2) to be swift 1a3) to be trifling, be of little account 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be swift, show oneself swift 1b2) to appear trifling, be too trifling, be insignificant 1b3) to be lightly esteemed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make despicable 1c2) to curse 1d) (Pual) to be cursed 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make light, lighten 1e2) to treat with contempt, bring contempt or dishonour 1f) (Pilpel) 1f1) to shake 1f2) to whet 1g) (Hithpalpel) to shake oneself, be moved to and fro
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abate, make bright, bring into contempt, (ac-) curse, despise, (be) ease(-y, -ier), (be a, make, make somewhat, move, seem a, set) light(-en, -er, -ly, -ly afflict, -ly esteem, thing), [idiom] slight(-ly), be swift(-er), (be, be more, make, re-) vile, whet. See also: Genesis 8:8; 2 Kings 3:18; Psalms 37:22.
גְּבִרְתָּ֖/הּ
gᵉbereth
H1404
"lady"
N-fs | Suff
This word means 'lady' or 'mistress', referring to a woman of high social status, such as a queen or the mistress of a household. It is used to describe women like the Queen of Sheba or the mistress of a large estate.
Definition: 1) lady, queen 2) mistress (of servants)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: lady, mistress. See also: Genesis 16:4; Psalms 123:2; Proverbs 30:23.
בְּ/עֵינֶֽי/הָ
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
Study Notes — Genesis 16:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 16:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 16:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 16:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 16:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 16:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 16:4
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 16:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 16:4
- Sermons on Genesis 16:4
Context — Hagar and Ishmael
2So Sarai said to Abram, “Look now, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Please go to my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.
3So after he had lived in Canaan for ten years, his wife Sarai took her Egyptian maidservant Hagar and gave her to Abram to be his wife.
4And he slept with Hagar, and she conceived. But when Hagar realized that she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress.
5Then Sarai said to Abram, “May the wrong done to me be upon you! I delivered my servant into your arms, and ever since she saw that she was pregnant, she has treated me with contempt. May the LORD judge between you and me.” 6“Here,” said Abram, “your servant is in your hands. Do whatever you want with her.” Then Sarai treated Hagar so harshly that she fled from her.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 30:23 | an unloved woman who marries, and a maidservant who supplants her mistress. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 6:16 | As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Saul’s daughter Michal looked down from a window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, and she despised him in her heart. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 13:4–5 | Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. |
| 4 | Proverbs 30:20–21 | This is the way of an adulteress: She eats and wipes her mouth and says, ‘I have done nothing wrong.’ Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up: |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 1:6–8 | Because the LORD had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival would provoke her and taunt her viciously. And this went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the LORD, her rival taunted her until she wept and would not eat. “Hannah, why are you crying?” her husband Elkanah asked. “Why won’t you eat? Why is your heart so grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?” |
| 6 | 1 Corinthians 4:6 | Brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written. Then you will not take pride in one man over another. |
Genesis 16:4 Summary
This verse tells us that Abram slept with Hagar, his wife Sarai's servant, and she became pregnant. When Hagar realized she was pregnant, she started to look down on Sarai, which caused tension between them. This story teaches us about the importance of respecting others, even when we feel superior, and trusting in God's plan, rather than trying to take control of our lives, as seen in (Genesis 16:3) and (Proverbs 3:5-6). By looking at this story, we can learn to cultivate humility and trust in God's sovereignty, even in difficult situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abram sleep with Hagar, wasn't he already married to Sarai?
Abram slept with Hagar because Sarai, his wife, gave Hagar to him as a wife, as seen in Genesis 16:3, in an attempt to build a family through her since Sarai was unable to conceive, as mentioned in Genesis 16:2.
What does it mean that Hagar began to despise her mistress?
When Hagar became pregnant, she started to look down on Sarai, her mistress, likely because she felt superior now that she was carrying a child, as stated in Genesis 16:4, which led to tension between the two women.
Is this story about Hagar and Sarai relevant to us today?
Yes, the story of Hagar and Sarai teaches us about the consequences of our actions, the importance of respecting authority, and the need to trust in God's plan, as emphasized in Proverbs 3:5-6, which reminds us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Genesis?
This verse fits into the larger narrative of Genesis, which explores the theme of God's covenant with His people, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3, and the challenges that arise when humans try to take matters into their own hands, rather than trusting in God's sovereignty, as mentioned in Romans 9:8-9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I try to take control of my life, rather than trusting in God's plan, and how can I learn to surrender to His will?
- How do I respond when I feel superior to others, and what can I do to cultivate humility in my relationships?
- In what ways can I show respect and kindness to those in authority over me, even when I disagree with them, as seen in the example of Hagar and Sarai?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to trust in God's sovereignty, rather than trying to manipulate circumstances to get what I want, as seen in Genesis 16:4?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 16:4
And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived,.... The formality of the marriage being over, he enjoyed her as his wife, and she immediately conceived by him: and when she saw that she had conceived;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 16:4
And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes. Her mistress was despised in her eyes. Sarai was the first to reap the bitter fruits of her device.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 16:4
For barrenness in itself was a reproach, and especially to Sarai, who seemed to be a person rejected by God, as one whom he would not honour with being the mother of that Seed; and Hagar being suddenly made Sarai’ s partner in the privilege of Abram’ s bed, and superior to her in respect of that great blessing of child-bearing, it is no wonder if she grew insolent upon it, especially being advanced so highly from so low a condition.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 16:4
Genesis 16:4 And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.Ver. 4. Her mistress was despised in her eyes.] Heb., Allevata est, sive elevata est :and so she was beaten with her own rod, and yet complains. Neither is it any wonder; for, "for three things the earth is disquieted," saith Agur, and two of them are, "for an odious woman when she is married, and a handmaid that is heir to her mistress". Asperius nihil est humili dum surgit in altum . Set a beggar on horseback, and there’ s no hoe with him.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 16:4
(4) Her mistress was despised.—Hagar, we are told in Genesis 16:3, was to be, not Abram’s concubine, but his wife. She was to be Sarai’s representative, and though now she would hold the highest place in the household next to Sarai, because of this relation to Abram, yet she would continue to be Sarai’s maid. But no sooner had she conceived, than, proud of her superiority over her mistress, she wished to overthrow this arrangement, and, at all events, acted as if she was Abram’s wife absolutely, and thrust Sarai aside.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 16:4
4. was despised in her eyes] Compare the story in 1 Samuel 1, where the two wives are both “free,” and one is childless. Here the “free” wife, the mistress (gebéreth), gives her own maidservant (âmâh) to her husband; and is then jealous for her own dignity.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 16:4
4. Her mistress was despised — Sarai is thus the first to feel the natural curse of the adulterous union.
Sermons on Genesis 16:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Fear and Joy in the Presence of God by Erlo Stegen | Erlo Stegen emphasizes the duality of fear and joy in the presence of God, using the story of David and Michal to illustrate the importance of God's presence in our lives. He highl |
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1 Cor 13 (Version 2) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about an old couple who were brutally attacked by a man they had shown love to. The preacher emphasizes the importance of love and how i |
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Do These Things Move You? by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having unwavering faith in God, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. He uses the example of a man who remained c |
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Four Loves by C.S. Lewis | C.S. Lewis explores the concept of love through the lens of the four Greek words: Storge, which represents familial affection; Philia, the bond of friendship; Eros, the romantic lo |
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(John) 08 - What He Takes He Breaks by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying on God's power rather than human programs or gimmicks. He uses the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand as an |
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Husbands Love Your Wifes! by Keith Daniel | Keith Daniel emphasizes the biblical command for husbands to love their wives, drawing from Matthew 19:5 and Ephesians 5:25. He highlights the importance of 'cleaving' to one's spo |
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Meet Your Psychiatrist: He Overcomes Your Fears by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the topic of fear and its consequences. He emphasizes that fear can tear people apart emotionally and spiritually, and that Satan uses fear t |