Genesis 16:7
Genesis 16:7 in Multiple Translations
Now the angel of the LORD found Hagar by a spring of water in the desert—the spring along the road to Shur.
¶ And the angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur.
And the angel of Jehovah found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur.
And an angel of the Lord came to her by a fountain of water in the waste land, by the fountain on the way to Shur.
The angel of the Lord met Hagar at a spring in the desert—the spring on the road to Shur.
But the Angel of the Lord founde her beside a fountaine of water in the wildernesse by the fountaine in the way to Shur,
And a messenger of Jehovah findeth her by the fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way [to] Shur,
The LORD’s angel found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain on the way to Shur.
And the angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur.
And the angel of the Lord having found her, by a fountain of water in the wilderness, which is in the way to Sur in the desert,
An angel of Yahweh found her as she was near a spring of water in the desert. It was the spring that was alongside the road to Shur.
Hagar started walking through the desert, along the road that went to a town called Shur, near Egypt. She sat down next to a water-hole there in the desert. God’s angel messenger went to her there.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 16:7
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 16:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַֽ/יִּמְצָאָ֞/הּ
מַלְאַ֧ךְ
יְהוָ֛ה
עַל
עֵ֥ין
הַ/מַּ֖יִם
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֑ר
עַל
הָ/עַ֖יִן
בְּ/דֶ֥רֶךְ
שֽׁוּר
וַֽ/יִּמְצָאָ֞/הּ
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
מַלְאַ֧ךְ
mălʼâk
H4397
messenger
N-ms
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
עֵ֥ין
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cs
הַ/מַּ֖יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Art | N-mp
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֑ר
midbâr
H4057
mouth
Prep | N-ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הָ/עַ֖יִן
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Art | N-cs
בְּ/דֶ֥רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
Prep | N-cs
שֽׁוּר
Shûwr
H7793
Shur
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 16:7
וַֽ/יִּמְצָאָ֞/הּ
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
מַלְאַ֧ךְ
mălʼâk
H4397
"messenger"
N-ms
A messenger or representative, often of God, like an angel, prophet, or priest, as seen in Isaiah 42:19 and Haggai 1:13, carrying out God's will.
Definition: : messenger 1) messenger, representative 1a) messenger 1b) angel 1c) the theophanic angel
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, angel, king, messenger. See also: Genesis 16:7; 2 Samuel 24:16; Psalms 34:8.
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
עֵ֥ין
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cs
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.
הַ/מַּ֖יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Art | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֑ר
midbâr
H4057
"mouth"
Prep | N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הָ/עַ֖יִן
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Art | N-cs
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.
בְּ/דֶ֥רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
Prep | N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
שֽׁוּר
Shûwr
H7793
"Shur"
N-proper
Shur is a desert region near Egypt, where the Israelites traveled after crossing the Red Sea, as told in Exodus and Numbers.
Definition: § Shur = "wall" a place southwest of Palestine on the eastern border or within the border of Egypt; the Israelites passed through the wilderness of Shur after crossing the Red Sea also 'wilderness of Etham'
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Shur. See also: Genesis 16:7; Exodus 15:22; 1 Samuel 27:8.
Study Notes — Genesis 16:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 16:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 16:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 16:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 16:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 16:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 16:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 16:7
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 16:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 16:7
- Sermons on Genesis 16:7
Context — Hagar and Ishmael
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.
7Now the angel of the LORD found Hagar by a spring of water in the desert—the spring along the road to Shur.
8“Hagar, servant of Sarai,” he said, “where have you come from, and where are you going?” “I am running away from my mistress Sarai,” she replied. 9So the angel of the LORD told her, “Return to your mistress and submit to her authority.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | Exodus 15:22 | Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went out into the Desert of Shur. For three days they walked in the desert without finding water. |
| 3 | Genesis 21:17 | Then God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, “What is wrong, Hagar? Do not be afraid, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he lies. |
| 4 | Proverbs 15:3 | The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the evil and the good. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 15:7 | Then Saul struck down the Amalekites all the way from Havilah to Shur, which is east of Egypt. |
| 6 | Genesis 20:1 | Now Abraham journeyed from there to the region of the Negev and settled between Kadesh and Shur. While he was staying in Gerar, |
| 7 | Genesis 22:15 | And the angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time, |
| 8 | Genesis 31:11 | In that dream the angel of God said to me, ‘Jacob!’ And I replied, ‘Here I am.’ |
| 9 | Genesis 22:11 | Just then the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, “Abraham, Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. |
Genesis 16:7 Summary
This verse shows us that God is always aware of our situation, no matter where we are or what we're going through, and He is willing to meet us in our times of need, just like He did with Hagar. The fact that the angel of the LORD found Hagar by a spring of water in the desert suggests that God can provide for us even in the most desolate places, as promised in Isaiah 43:19-20. As we reflect on this verse, we can be encouraged by the truth that God sees us and cares for us, just as He saw and cared for Hagar, and we can trust in His goodness and love for us, as stated in Psalm 136:1-26. By remembering that God is our loving Father, who wants to provide for us and guide us, we can find comfort and peace in the midst of challenging circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the angel of the LORD in Genesis 16:7?
The angel of the LORD is a divine being who represents God Himself, as seen in other passages such as Exodus 3:2-4:17, where He appears to Moses in the burning bush and identifies Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Why did the angel of the LORD find Hagar by a spring of water in the desert?
The angel of the LORD found Hagar by a spring of water in the desert because God is a compassionate and merciful God who sees the plight of the afflicted, as stated in Psalm 138:8, and He often meets people in their times of need, as seen in the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19:1-18.
What is the significance of the spring along the road to Shur?
The spring along the road to Shur may have been a known landmark or a place of refreshment for travelers, and the fact that the angel of the LORD found Hagar there suggests that God is aware of our circumstances and can provide for us even in the most desolate places, as promised in Isaiah 43:19-20.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of Genesis 16?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Genesis 16, as it marks the beginning of God's direct intervention in Hagar's life and sets the stage for the angel's message to her in the following verses, which will ultimately lead to her return to Sarai and the fulfillment of God's promises to Abram, as stated in Genesis 15:1-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in your life when you have felt like Hagar, alone and abandoned in the desert, and how did God meet you in those moments?
- How does the appearance of the angel of the LORD to Hagar challenge or comfort you in your own experiences of hardship or struggle?
- What does this verse reveal about God's character, particularly in relation to those who are marginalized or oppressed, and how can you apply this understanding to your relationships with others?
- In what ways can you, like Hagar, trust in God's providence and care for you, even when your circumstances seem bleak or uncertain, and what Bible verses can you turn to for encouragement and strength?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 16:7
And the angel of the Lord found her,.... This is the first time that mention is made of an angel in Scripture, but is not to be understood of a created angel, but of a divine Person, as appears from
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 16:7
And the angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur. And the angel ... found her by a fountain.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 16:7
The Son of God, who oft appeared in man’ s shape, before he took man’ s nature, is called an Angel or Messenger, because he was the Angel of the covenant, , and was sent upon divers messages to men in the Old Testament, and at last was to be sent in the flesh as God’ s great Ambassador, or Messenger of peace and reconciliation. Shur, a place near Egypt, , being her native country.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 16:7
Genesis 16:7 And the angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur.Ver. 7. In the way to Shur.] Which lay between Canaan and Egypt. So she was fleeing homewards to her own country. Oh that our afflictions might drive us heavenward!
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 16:7
(7) The angel of the Lord.—Heb., of Jehovah. (See Excursus at end of Book.) In the way to Shur.—Hagar evidently fled by the usual route leading from Hebron past Beer-sheba to Egypt. The wilderness was that of Paran, in which Kadesh was situated. The fountain by which Hagar was sitting was on the road to Shur, which is a desert on the eastern side of Egypt, forming the boundary of the territory of the Ishmaelites (Genesis 25:18) and of the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:7; 1 Samuel 27:8), and reached by the Israelites soon after crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 15:22; Numbers 33:8). It is now called J’afar.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 16:7
Verse 7. The angel of the Lord] That Jesus Christ, in a body suited to the dignity of his nature, frequently appeared to the patriarchs, has been already intimated. That the person mentioned here was greater than any created being is sufficiently evident from the following particulars: - 1. From his promising to perform what God alone could do, and foretelling what God alone could know; "I will multiply thy seed exceedingly," c., Genesis 16:10 "Thou art with child, and shalt bear a son," c., Genesis 16:11 "He will be a wild man," c., Genesis 16:12. All this shows a prescience which is proper to God alone. 2. Hagar considers the person who spoke to her as God, calls him אל El, and addresses him in the way of worship, which, had he been a created angel, he would have refused. See Genesis 19:10; Genesis 22:9. 3. Moses, who relates the transaction, calls this angel expressly JEHOVAH; for, says he, she called שם יהוה shem Yehovah, the NAME of the LORD that spake to her, Genesis 16:13. Now this is a name never given to any created being. 4. This person, who is here called מלאך היוה malach Yehovah, the Angel of the Lord, is the same who is called המלאך הגאל hammalach haggoel, the redeeming Angel or the Angel the Redeemer, Genesis 48:16; מלאך פניו malach panaiv, the Angel of God's presence, Isaiah 63:9; and מלאך הברית malach habberith, the Angel of the Covenant, Malachi 3:1; and is the same person which the Septuagint, Isaiah 9:6, term μεγαληςβουληςαγγελος, the Angel of the Great Counsel or Design, viz., of redeeming man, and filling the earth with righteousness. 5.
These things cannot be spoken of any human or created being, for the knowledge, works, c., attributed to this person are such as belong to God and as in all these cases there is a most evident personal appearance, Jesus Christ alone can be meant; for of God the Father it has been ever true that no man hath at any time seen his shape, nor has he ever limited himself to any definable personal appearance. In the way to Shur.] As this was the road from Hebron to Egypt, it is probable she was now returning to her own country.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 16:7
7–14. Hagar and the Angel at the Well 7. the angel of the Lord] The Angel, i.e. messenger, of Jehovah is the personification of Jehovah. Observe that in Genesis 16:10 He identifies Himself with Jehovah, expressing in the first person sing. what He will do (cf. Genesis 21:18, Genesis 22:15-18). In all probability, in the development of religious thought, the Angel of Jehovah marks an intermediate stage between the simple anthropomorphisms of Genesis 3, 11, 18, and the later, more spiritual and abstract, conception of the Divine Being. a fountain of water] i.e. a spring of water, which in the desert would mean an oasis towards which tracks would converge. See Genesis 24:13. in the way to Shur] Probably, on the main trade route leading to her own country of Egypt. “Shur,” mentioned also in Genesis 20:1 and Genesis 25:18, has not been identified. It seems to mean “a wall”; and very probably was the name given to some spot on the line of the Egyptian frontier fortifications on the north-east, not far from the present Suez Canal. Possibly=the modern Tell abû-Sêpheh, 20 miles S. of Port Said.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 16:7
7. The angel of the Lord — Here we meet, for the first time, with this much-debated expression — ξμΰκְ ιδεδ, angel of Jehovah; but we are not to assume that this was the first appearance of this angel. Comp. Genesis 12:7, note.
Sermons on Genesis 16:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The True and False Seed by Bill Randles | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the relevance of the book of Genesis to the present day. They compare Genesis to the book of Revelation, stating that both are about the end |
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Don't Flee From Difficulties by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Hagar from the book of Genesis. He emphasizes the importance of letting go of the past and surrendering to God's will. The preac |
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(Angel of the Lord) 01 - Hagar by Ed Miller | Ed Miller emphasizes the significance of the Angel of the Lord's first appearance to Hagar, a Gentile slave in distress, highlighting God's compassion and care for the marginalized |
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The Incarnation of Christ by John Wright | John Wright emphasizes the significance of the Incarnation of Christ, explaining how it is foundational to the Christian faith. He reflects on the pre-incarnate manifestations of C |
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Christ Made Perfect by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of being reconciled to God at a young age. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the purpose of Jesus' death on t |
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(Exodus) Exodus 15:22 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the experience of the Israelites after they crossed the Red Sea. Despite being redeemed and delivered from Egypt, they found themselves in th |
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A New Principle by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker talks about the burden and weariness that many people feel in their hearts, despite their efforts and devotion. He shares a story from the Bible where t |