Genesis 16:3
Genesis 16:3 in Multiple Translations
So 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.
And Sarai Abram’s wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife.
And Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her handmaid, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to Abram her husband to be his wife.
So after Abram had been living for ten years in the land of Canaan, Sarai took Hagar, her Egyptian servant, and gave her to Abram for his wife.
So Sarai, Abram's wife took her Egyptian slave Hagar and gave her to her husband as his wife. Abram had been living in the land of Canaan for ten years when this happened.
Then Sarai Abrams wife tooke Hagar her maide the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelled ten yeere in the land of Canaan, and gaue her to her husband Abram for his wife.
And Sarai, Abram's wife, taketh Hagar the Egyptian, her handmaid, at the end of the tenth year of Abram's dwelling in the land of Canaan, and giveth her to Abram her husband, to him for a wife,
Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her servant, after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to Abram her husband to be his wife.
And Sarai, Abram's wife, took Hagar her maid, the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife.
She took Agar the Egyptian her handmaid, ten years after they first dwelt in the land of Chanaan, and gave her to her husband to wife.
So Abram ◄slept with/had sex with► Hagar, his wife Sarai’s slave from Egypt. This happened ten years after they went to live in Canaan land. Sarai gave Hagar to her husband to be his secondary wife.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 16:3
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 16:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תִּקַּ֞ח
שָׂרַ֣י
אֵֽשֶׁת
אַבְרָ֗ם
אֶת
הָגָ֤ר
הַ/מִּצְרִית֙
שִׁפְחָתָ֔/הּ
מִ/קֵּץ֙
עֶ֣שֶׂר
שָׁנִ֔ים
לְ/שֶׁ֥בֶת
אַבְרָ֖ם
בְּ/אֶ֣רֶץ
כְּנָ֑עַן
וַ/תִּתֵּ֥ן
אֹתָ֛/הּ
לְ/אַבְרָ֥ם
אִישָׁ֖/הּ
ל֥/וֹ
לְ/אִשָּֽׁה
וַ/תִּקַּ֞ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
שָׂרַ֣י
Sâray
H8297
Sarai
N-proper
אֵֽשֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
אַבְרָ֗ם
ʼAbrâm
H87
Abram
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָגָ֤ר
Hâgâr
H1904
Hagar
N-proper
הַ/מִּצְרִית֙
Mitsrîy
H4713
Egyptian
Art | Ngfsa
שִׁפְחָתָ֔/הּ
shiphchâh
H8198
maidservant
N-fs | Suff
מִ/קֵּץ֙
qêts
H7093
end
Prep | N-ms
עֶ֣שֶׂר
ʻeser
H6235
ten
Adj
שָׁנִ֔ים
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fp
לְ/שֶׁ֥בֶת
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אַבְרָ֖ם
ʼAbrâm
H87
Abram
N-proper
בְּ/אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
כְּנָ֑עַן
Kᵉnaʻan
H3667
Canaan
N-proper
וַ/תִּתֵּ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אֹתָ֛/הּ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
לְ/אַבְרָ֥ם
ʼAbrâm
H87
Abram
Prep | N-proper
אִישָׁ֖/הּ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms | Suff
ל֥/וֹ
Prep | Suff
לְ/אִשָּֽׁה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
Prep | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 16:3
וַ/תִּקַּ֞ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
שָׂרַ֣י
Sâray
H8297
"Sarai"
N-proper
Sarai was Abraham's wife, first mentioned in Genesis 11:29, and her name means princess, later changed to Sarah.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.29; daughter of: Terah (H8646); sister of: Abraham (H0085), Nahor (H5152H) and Haran (H2039); married to Abraham (H0085); mother of: Isaac (H3327); also called Sarai at Gen.11.29,30,31; 12.5,11,17; 16.1,2,3,5,6,8; 17.15; Another name of sa.rah (שָׂרָה "Sarah" H8283) § Sarai = "princess" original name of Sarah the wife of Abram or Abraham
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Sarai. See also: Genesis 11:29; Genesis 16:1; Genesis 17:15.
אֵֽשֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
אַבְרָ֗ם
ʼAbrâm
H87
"Abram"
N-proper
Abram was the original name of Abraham, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Terah, brother of Nahor and Haran, and husband of Sarah, Hagar, and Keturah, as told in Genesis 11:26--17:5.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.26; son of: Terah (H8646); brother of: Nahor (H5152H), Haran (H2039) and Sarah (H8283); married to Sarah (H8283), Hagar (H1904) and Keturah (H6989); father of: Ishmael (H3458), Isaac (H3327), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); also called Abram at Gen.11.26--17.5; 2x Another name of av.ra.ham (אַבְרָהָם "Abraham" H0085) § Abram = "exalted father" original name of Abraham
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: Abram. See also: Genesis 11:26; Genesis 14:13; Nehemiah 9:7.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָגָ֤ר
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.
הַ/מִּצְרִית֙
Mitsrîy
H4713
"Egyptian"
Art | Ngfsa
In the Bible, this word refers to an Egyptian, someone from the country of Egypt. It appears in the Old Testament, describing people from this northeastern African nation. Egyptians are mentioned in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: Group of mits.ra.yim (מִצְרַ֫יִם "Egypt" H4714G) § Egyptian, of Egypt "double straits" Egyptian-an inhabitant or citizen of Egypt an Egyptian
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: Egyptian, of Egypt. See also: Genesis 12:12; Exodus 8:17; Ezra 9:1.
שִׁפְחָתָ֔/הּ
shiphchâh
H8198
"maidservant"
N-fs | Suff
A shiphchah was a female slave or servant in a household, often belonging to a mistress. This term is used to describe a lowly position, and is sometimes used as a term of humility or respect.
Definition: 1) maid, maid-servant, slavegirl 1a) maid, maid-servant (as belonging to a mistress) 1b) of address, speaker, humility (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: (bond-, hand-) maid(-en, -servant), wench, bondwoman, womanservant. See also: Genesis 12:16; Ruth 2:13; Psalms 123:2.
מִ/קֵּץ֙
qêts
H7093
"end"
Prep | N-ms
The end refers to the extremity or conclusion of something, whether in time or space. It can also mean after or at the border of something, as in the utmost end of a process.
Definition: 1) end 1a) end, at the end of (of time) 1b) end (of space)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (utmost) border, end, (in-) finite, [idiom] process. See also: Genesis 4:3; Isaiah 23:15; Psalms 39:5.
עֶ֣שֶׂר
ʻeser
H6235
"ten"
Adj
This Hebrew word means the number ten, often used in combination with other numbers to describe larger quantities, such as in the story of the ten commandments in Exodus 20. It is commonly translated as 'ten' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) ten 1a) ten 1b) with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: a.sar (עֲשַׂר "ten" H6236)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ten, (fif-, seven-) teen. See also: Genesis 5:14; 1 Kings 6:3; Isaiah 5:10.
שָׁנִ֔ים
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fp
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
לְ/שֶׁ֥בֶת
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
אַבְרָ֖ם
ʼAbrâm
H87
"Abram"
N-proper
Abram was the original name of Abraham, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Terah, brother of Nahor and Haran, and husband of Sarah, Hagar, and Keturah, as told in Genesis 11:26--17:5.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.26; son of: Terah (H8646); brother of: Nahor (H5152H), Haran (H2039) and Sarah (H8283); married to Sarah (H8283), Hagar (H1904) and Keturah (H6989); father of: Ishmael (H3458), Isaac (H3327), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); also called Abram at Gen.11.26--17.5; 2x Another name of av.ra.ham (אַבְרָהָם "Abraham" H0085) § Abram = "exalted father" original name of Abraham
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: Abram. See also: Genesis 11:26; Genesis 14:13; Nehemiah 9:7.
בְּ/אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
כְּנָ֑עַן
Kᵉnaʻan
H3667
"Canaan"
N-proper
Canaan was a son of Ham and the name of the country where he lived, which is now modern-day Israel. The Canaanites were known for being merchants and traders, as seen in Genesis and other books.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.9.18; son of: Ham (H2526); brother of: Cush (H3568), Egypt (H4714) and Put (H6316); father of: Sidon (H6721), Heth (H2845), Jebusite (H2983), Amorite (H0567), Girgashite (H1622), Hivite (H2340), Arkite (H6208), Sinite (H5513), Arvadite (H0721), Zemarite (H6786) and Hamathite (H2577) § merchant, trader
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: Canaan, merchant, traffick. See also: Genesis 9:18; Exodus 6:4; Psalms 105:11.
וַ/תִּתֵּ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
אֹתָ֛/הּ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
לְ/אַבְרָ֥ם
ʼAbrâm
H87
"Abram"
Prep | N-proper
Abram was the original name of Abraham, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Terah, brother of Nahor and Haran, and husband of Sarah, Hagar, and Keturah, as told in Genesis 11:26--17:5.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.26; son of: Terah (H8646); brother of: Nahor (H5152H), Haran (H2039) and Sarah (H8283); married to Sarah (H8283), Hagar (H1904) and Keturah (H6989); father of: Ishmael (H3458), Isaac (H3327), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); also called Abram at Gen.11.26--17.5; 2x Another name of av.ra.ham (אַבְרָהָם "Abraham" H0085) § Abram = "exalted father" original name of Abraham
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: Abram. See also: Genesis 11:26; Genesis 14:13; Nehemiah 9:7.
אִישָׁ֖/הּ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
ל֥/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
לְ/אִשָּֽׁה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
Prep | N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
Study Notes — Genesis 16:3
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- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 16:3
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- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 16:3
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- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 16:3
- Sermons on Genesis 16:3
Context — Hagar and Ishmael
1Now Abram’s wife Sarai had borne him no children, but she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar.
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.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 16:5 | Then 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.” |
| 2 | Genesis 12:4–5 | So Abram departed, as the LORD had directed him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. And Abram took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all the possessions and people they had acquired in Haran, and set out for the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan, |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 5:13 | After he had arrived from Hebron, David took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem, and more sons and daughters were born to him. |
| 4 | Genesis 35:22 | While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard about it. Jacob had twelve sons: |
| 5 | Galatians 4:25 | Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present-day Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children. |
| 6 | Judges 19:1–4 | Now in those days, when there was no king in Israel, a Levite who lived in the remote hill country of Ephraim took for himself a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah. But she was unfaithful to him and left him to return to her father’s house in Bethlehem in Judah. After she had been there four months, her husband got up and went after her to speak kindly to her and bring her back, taking his servant and a pair of donkeys. So the girl brought him into her father’s house, and when her father saw him, he gladly welcomed him. His father-in-law, the girl’s father, persuaded him to stay, so he remained with him three days, eating, drinking, and lodging there. |
| 7 | Genesis 32:22 | During the night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two maidservants, and his eleven sons, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. |
| 8 | Genesis 25:6 | But while he was still alive, Abraham gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them away from his son Isaac to the land of the east. |
| 9 | 1 Kings 11:3 | He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines—and his wives turned his heart away. |
| 10 | Genesis 30:4 | So Rachel gave Jacob her servant Bilhah as a wife, and he slept with her, |
Genesis 16:3 Summary
In this verse, we see Sarai giving her maidservant Hagar to Abram as a wife, because she was unable to have children. This was a decision made out of impatience and a desire to fulfill God's promise of an heir. However, this decision led to trouble and conflict, as seen in the next verses (Genesis 16:4-5). We can learn from this that trusting in God's plan and timing is important, and that taking matters into our own hands can lead to unintended consequences, as warned in Proverbs 3:5-6 and encouraged in Psalm 37:7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Sarai give Hagar to Abram as a wife?
Sarai gave Hagar to Abram as a wife because she was unable to bear children and wanted to build a family through her maidservant, as seen in Genesis 16:2. This was a common practice in ancient times, but it was not God's plan for Abram's family.
What is the significance of Abram living in Canaan for ten years before taking Hagar as a wife?
The ten years Abram lived in Canaan before taking Hagar as a wife highlights the waiting period and the fact that God's promise of an heir had not yet been fulfilled, as mentioned in Genesis 12:7. This situation led to Sarai's impatience and the decision to give Hagar to Abram.
How does this verse relate to God's original promise to Abram?
This verse shows how Abram and Sarai tried to fulfill God's promise of an heir through their own efforts, rather than waiting on God's timing, as stated in Genesis 12:2-3. However, God's plan was to give Abram a son through Sarai, as later revealed in Genesis 17:15-16 and Genesis 18:10.
What can we learn from Sarai's actions in this verse?
We can learn that taking matters into our own hands and trying to fulfill God's promises through our own strength and wisdom can lead to trouble and unintended consequences, as seen in the subsequent verses, Genesis 16:4-5. Instead, we should trust in God's sovereignty and timing, as encouraged in Psalm 37:7 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am trying to fulfill God's promises through my own efforts, rather than waiting on His timing?
- How can I apply the lesson of trusting in God's sovereignty and timing to my current circumstances?
- What are some potential consequences of taking matters into my own hands, rather than waiting on God's plan?
- In what ways can I demonstrate patience and trust in God's promises, even when the outcome is uncertain or delayed?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 16:3
And Sarai, Abram's wife, took Hagar her maid, the Egyptian,.... Took her by the hand, it is probable, and led her into the apartment where Abram was, and presented her to him; their characters are
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 16:3
And Sarai Abram's wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 16:3
1911 i.e. His concubine, or secondary wife. Polygamy, though it was forbidden by God’ s first institution, , compared with , and brought into the world by wicked Lamech, yet it was sometimes practised by the patriarchs, either by God’ s permission, who could rightly dispense with his own laws when and where he pleased; or by their mistake about the lawfulness of it. As for the present case, it is most evident this action was not the effect of an inordinate lust, but of an earnest desire of having children, and especially of obtaining the blessed and promised Seed.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 16:3
Genesis 16:3 And Sarai Abram’ s wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife.Ver. 3. After Abram had dwelt ten years.] The Rabbis tell us of a tradition that the Hebrews grounded from hence, that if a woman had no child in the first ten years, she might be held barren, and another wife taken. But this is like one of their ill glosses that marred so many good texts, and refuted by our Saviour the Lawgiver, who best understood his own meaning.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 16:3
(3) Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan.—He was now, therefore, eighty-five years of age (see Genesis 16:16 and Genesis 12:4), and this long delay had not only tried his faith, but brought him and Sarai to the conclusion that the promised seed was to be obtained by other means.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 16:3
Verse 3. And Sarai, Abram's wife, took Hagar - and gave her to her husband - to be his wife.] There are instances of Hindoo women, when barren, consenting to their husbands marrying a second wife for the sake of children; and second marriages on this account, without consent, are very common. - Ward
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 16:3
3. And Sarai Abram’s wife] This verse is P’s duplicate version of Gen 16:1-2, adding the number of years that Abram had dwelt in Canaan.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 16:3
3. Ten years in… Canaan — Abram was now eighty-five years old, (compare Genesis 16:16; Genesis 12:4,) and Sarai seventy-five. Genesis 17:17.
Sermons on Genesis 16:3
| Sermon | Description | |
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Another Proper Response to God's Promises by Bob Hoekstra | Bob Hoekstra delves into the story of Abraham and Isaac, highlighting Abraham's unwavering faith and obedience in offering up his only son, Isaac, as a sacrifice, trusting in God's |
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Servants of All by Elisabeth Elliot | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of serving others and getting rid of self-pity. He references Isaiah 58:10, which states that if one pours themselves out for |
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(Genesis) Genesis 12:4-9 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of obedience to God in order to receive blessings. The preacher uses the example of Abram, who only saw God appear to him aft |
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(Genesis) 24 - the First Great Pilgrim Father by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the life of Abram and highlights three key aspects. Firstly, the promises of God played a significant role in Abram's life, as he believed a |
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Man's Cause and It's Effect gen.11:1-9 by J. Henry Brown | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the Tower of Babel from the book of Genesis. He highlights how the people of that time decided to build a city and a tower that |
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Abraham, My Friend: 07 Back on the Flight Path by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the "Gospel of the Second Chance" using the story of Jonah and Abraham from the Bible. He emphasizes that God is a God of grace |
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The Journey by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that Abraham did not have a Bible, but God still spoke to him and guided him. The preacher encourages the audience to be open to God's appro |