Genesis 16:9
Genesis 16:9 in Multiple Translations
So the angel of the LORD told her, “Return to your mistress and submit to her authority.”
And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.
And the angel of Jehovah said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.
And the angel said to her, Go back, and put yourself under her authority.
“Go back to your mistress and do what she tells you,” the angel of the Lord told her.
Then the Angel of the Lord saide to her, Returne to thy dame, and humble thy selfe vnder her hands.
And the messenger of Jehovah saith to her, 'Turn back unto thy mistress, and humble thyself under her hands;'
The LORD’s angel said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit yourself under her hands.”
And the angel of the LORD said to her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.
And the angel of the Lord said to her: Return to thy mistress, and humble thyself under her hand.
The angel said, “Go back to your mistress and be under her authority [MTY]”.
God’s angel messenger said to her, “Don’t do that. Go back to your boss, and do what she says.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 16:9
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 16:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
לָ/הּ֙
מַלְאַ֣ךְ
יְהוָ֔ה
שׁ֖וּבִי
אֶל
גְּבִרְתֵּ֑/ךְ
וְ/הִתְעַנִּ֖י
תַּ֥חַת
יָדֶֽי/הָ
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָ/הּ֙
Prep | Suff
מַלְאַ֣ךְ
mălʼâk
H4397
messenger
N-ms
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
שׁ֖וּבִי
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
גְּבִרְתֵּ֑/ךְ
gᵉbereth
H1404
lady
N-fs | Suff
וְ/הִתְעַנִּ֖י
ʻânâh
H6031
be occupied
Conj | V-Hithpael-Impv-2fs
תַּ֥חַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep
יָדֶֽי/הָ
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cd | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 16:9
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לָ/הּ֙
""
Prep | Suff
מַלְאַ֣ךְ
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.
יְהוָ֔ה
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.
שׁ֖וּבִי
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
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.
גְּבִרְתֵּ֑/ךְ
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.
וְ/הִתְעַנִּ֖י
ʻânâh
H6031
"be occupied"
Conj | V-Hithpael-Impv-2fs
To afflict or oppress someone, making them feel low or depressed. In the Bible, it can also mean to humble oneself, as seen in Psalm 35:13. It involves being put down or becoming weak.
Definition: (Qal) to be occupied, be busied with
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abase self, afflict(-ion, self), answer (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), chasten self, deal hardly with, defile, exercise, force, gentleness, humble (self), hurt, ravish, sing (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), speak (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), submit self, weaken, [idiom] in any wise. See also: Genesis 15:13; 2 Kings 17:20; Psalms 35:13.
תַּ֥חַת
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
יָדֶֽי/הָ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cd | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
Study Notes — Genesis 16:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 16:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 16:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 16:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 16:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 16:9
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 16:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 16:9
- Sermons on Genesis 16:9
Context — Hagar and Ishmael
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.”
10Then the angel added, “I will greatly multiply your offspring so that they will be too numerous to count.” 11The angel of the LORD proceeded: “Behold, you have conceived and will bear a son. And you shall name him Ishmael, for the LORD has heard your cry of affliction.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Peter 5:5–6 | Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you. |
| 2 | Ecclesiastes 10:4 | If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest. |
| 3 | Titus 2:9 | Slaves are to submit to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, |
| 4 | 1 Peter 2:18–25 | Servants, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but even to those who are unreasonable. For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended. How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps: “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.” When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. “By His stripes you are healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. |
| 5 | Ephesians 5:21 | Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. |
| 6 | Ephesians 6:5–6 | Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. |
Genesis 16:9 Summary
In this verse, the angel of the LORD tells Hagar to return to her mistress Sarai and submit to her authority. This might seem strange to us, but it's an important part of God's plan for Hagar's life, as we see in Genesis 16:10-11. It also teaches us about the importance of submitting to authority, as we're taught in Ephesians 6:5-8. By submitting to Sarai's authority, Hagar is ultimately submitting to God's plan for her life, and this is a lesson we can apply to our own lives, trusting that God is sovereign over all things, as we're reminded in Psalm 103:19.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the angel of the LORD tell Hagar to return to her mistress Sarai?
The angel told Hagar to return to her mistress Sarai because God's plan for Hagar's life, including the promise of a son, was tied to her relationship with Sarai, as seen in Genesis 16:10-11, and submission to authority is a biblical principle, as taught in Ephesians 6:5-8 and Colossians 3:22-25.
Is submission to authority always the right thing to do?
While submission to authority is a biblical principle, it is not absolute, and there may be situations where obeying God's commands takes precedence over submitting to human authority, as seen in Acts 5:29, where the apostles chose to obey God rather than human authorities.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?
This verse demonstrates God's sovereignty over all aspects of life, including the lives of those who are not yet believers, as the angel of the LORD is actively involved in Hagar's life, guiding and directing her, as seen in Genesis 16:7-12, and this is consistent with Psalm 103:19, which states that God's sovereignty extends over all creation.
What can we learn from Hagar's experience about God's character?
Hagar's experience shows that God is a God of compassion and concern, who sees and hears the cries of the afflicted, as seen in Genesis 16:11, and this is consistent with other biblical teachings about God's character, such as Exodus 2:25 and Psalm 138:8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to submit to God's authority, even if it's difficult?
- How can I trust God's sovereignty in my life, even when circumstances seem uncertain or difficult?
- What are some ways I can demonstrate compassion and concern for those around me, as God did for Hagar?
- How can I apply the principle of submission to authority in my own relationships, whether at home, work, or church?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 16:9
And the angel of the Lord said unto her,.... The same angel; though Jarchi thinks that one angel after another was sent, and that at every speech there was a fresh angel; and because this phrase is
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 16:9
And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands. Return to thy mistress, and, submit thyself under her hands.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 16:9
Genesis 16:9 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.Ver. 9. Return to thy mistress.] When now she had smarted, she is in case to be counselled. There is great skill in the choice of a fit time for admonition. It is not to give a man a purge in a fever-fit. Submit thyself.] Heb., Afflict thyself, or suffer thyself to be afflicted or humbled under her hands. The like counsel is given us all by St James, "Be afflicted, and weep, and mourn," &c, "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, and he will lift you up"
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 16:9
(9) Submit thyself.—Heb., humble thyself. It is the verb translated dealt hardly in Genesis 16:6. The angel therefore commands her to take the position which Sarai was forcing upon her; and by so doing proves to us that there had been no personal maltreatment. Commentators have taken this notion, not from the Hebrew, but from the English Version.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 16:9
9. And the angel of the Lord said] Notice the triple repetition of these sayings of the Angel in Genesis 16:9-11, containing in Genesis 16:9 the injunction to return and submit, in Genesis 16:10 the promise of a multitude of descendants, and in Genesis 16:11-12 the name and character of her future son. Genesis 16:9-10 both begin with the same words as Genesis 16:11, and probably are editorial additions from different versions of the story.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 16:9
9. Return… submit — The only way to attain the true freedom and independence. The word rendered submit thyself is the Hithpael form of the verb rendered dealt hardly in Genesis 16:6.
Sermons on Genesis 16:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(1 Peter - Part 32): On God's Sheep and Their Needs by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of humility and having a charitable attitude towards others. He encourages listeners to humble themselves under the mighty ha |
|
Brokenness Study #3 - the Process by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding God's targeting of our areas of brokenness. Brokenness, according to the speaker, is God's way of dealing wit |
|
What Is Worldliness? by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, Dr. J. Vernon McGee explores the question of what worldliness is according to the book of James. He compares the epistle to God's University, with James as the Dean |
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Submission and Authority (Luke 7:8) by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of the Centurion servant and highlights the devastating effects of sin in the life of a believer. The preacher emphasizes the impo |
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(2006 Conference) 6.the Need in Our Midst Today by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of raising up godly leaders in churches, highlighting the joy of seeing humble brothers whom God has blessed without becoming proud. It warns |
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The Perils of Pride by C.J. Mahaney | This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and highlights the struggle with pride as a hindrance to humility. The speaker shares personal experiences and practica |
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God's Recipe for Revival by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of humility and submission to God. He highlights that humility is a beautiful quality in a child of God and brings about a sw |