Genesis 16:6
Genesis 16:6 in Multiple Translations
“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.
But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.
But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her that which is good in thine eyes. And Sarai dealt hardly with her, and she fled from her face.
And Abram said, The woman is in your power; do with her whatever seems good to you. And Sarai was cruel to her, so that she went running away from her.
“Listen, she's your slave!” Abram replied. “You can do whatever you want to her.” Sarai treated Hagar so badly that she ran away.
Then Abram saide to Sarai, Beholde, thy maide is in thine hand: doe with her as it pleaseth thee. Then Sarai dealt roughly with her: wherefore she fled from her.
And Abram saith unto Sarai, 'Lo, thine handmaid [is] in thine hand, do to her that which is good in thine eyes;' and Sarai afflicted her, and she fleeth from her presence.
But Abram said to Sarai, “Behold, your maid is in your hand. Do to her whatever is good in your eyes.” Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she fled from her face.
But Abram said to Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.
And Abram made answer, and said to her: Behold thy handmaid is in thy own hand, use her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai afflicted her, she ran away.
So Abram said to Sarai, “You listen to me! She is your servant, so act towards her in the way you consider best.” Then Sarai started to mistreat her, so she ran away from Sarai.
But Abram said to Sarai, “Hagar belongs to you. You are her boss, so do whatever you want with her.” Then Sarai started to treat Hagar in a really bad way. So Hagar left Abram and Sarai’s camp and ran away.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 16:6
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 16:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
אַבְרָ֜ם
אֶל
שָׂרַ֗י
הִנֵּ֤ה
שִׁפְחָתֵ/ךְ֙
בְּ/יָדֵ֔/ךְ
עֲשִׂי
לָ֖/הּ
הַ/טּ֣וֹב
בְּ/עֵינָ֑יִ/ךְ
וַ/תְּעַנֶּ֣/הָ
שָׂרַ֔י
וַ/תִּבְרַ֖ח
מִ/פָּנֶֽי/הָ
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַבְרָ֜ם
ʼAbrâm
H87
Abram
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
שָׂרַ֗י
Sâray
H8297
Sarai
N-proper
הִנֵּ֤ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
שִׁפְחָתֵ/ךְ֙
shiphchâh
H8198
maidservant
N-fs | Suff
בְּ/יָדֵ֔/ךְ
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
עֲשִׂי
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
לָ֖/הּ
Prep | Suff
הַ/טּ֣וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Art | Adj
בְּ/עֵינָ֑יִ/ךְ
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd | Suff
וַ/תְּעַנֶּ֣/הָ
ʻânâh
H6031
be occupied
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
שָׂרַ֔י
Sâray
H8297
Sarai
N-proper
וַ/תִּבְרַ֖ח
bârach
H1272
to flee
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
מִ/פָּנֶֽי/הָ
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | 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 16:6
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
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.
אַבְרָ֜ם
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.
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.
שָׂרַ֗י
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.
הִנֵּ֤ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
שִׁפְחָתֵ/ךְ֙
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.
בְּ/יָדֵ֔/ךְ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs | 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.
עֲשִׂי
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
לָ֖/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
הַ/טּ֣וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
בְּ/עֵינָ֑יִ/ךְ
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.
וַ/תְּעַנֶּ֣/הָ
ʻânâh
H6031
"be occupied"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
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.
שָׂרַ֔י
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.
וַ/תִּבְרַ֖ח
bârach
H1272
"to flee"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To flee means to run away quickly, as seen in the Bible when people escaped from danger or pursued others, like in the story of David and Absalom.
Definition: 1) to go through, flee, run away, chase, drive away, put to flight, reach, shoot (extend), hurry away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, pass through 1a2) to flee 1a3) to hasten, come quickly 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to pass through 1b2) to cause to flee, put to flight 1b3) to drive away
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: chase (away); drive away, fain, flee (away), put to flight, make haste, reach, run away, shoot. See also: Genesis 16:6; 1 Kings 11:17; Psalms 3:1.
מִ/פָּנֶֽי/הָ
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
Study Notes — Genesis 16:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 16:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 16:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 16:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 16:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 16:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 16:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 16:6
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 16:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 16:6
- Sermons on Genesis 16:6
Context — Hagar and Ishmael
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.
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 38:5 | “Here he is,” replied King Zedekiah. “He is in your hands, since the king can do nothing to stop you.” |
| 2 | Proverbs 14:29 | A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly. |
| 3 | 1 Peter 3:7 | Husbands, in the same way, treat your wives with consideration as a delicate vessel, and with honor as fellow heirs of the gracious gift of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered. |
| 4 | Proverbs 27:8 | Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who wanders from his home. |
| 5 | Genesis 13:8–9 | So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no contention between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen. After all, we are brothers. Is not the whole land before you? Now separate yourself from me. If you go to the left, I will go to the right; if you go to the right, I will go to the left.” |
| 6 | Genesis 24:10 | Then the servant took ten of his master’s camels and departed with all manner of good things from his master in hand. And he set out for Nahor’s hometown in Aram-naharaim. |
| 7 | Proverbs 15:1 | A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. |
| 8 | Exodus 2:15 | When Pharaoh heard about this matter, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian, where he sat down beside a well. |
| 9 | Job 2:6 | “Very well,” said the LORD to Satan. “He is in your hands, but you must spare his life.” |
| 10 | Psalms 106:41–42 | He delivered them into the hand of the nations, and those who hated them ruled over them. Their enemies oppressed them, and subdued them under their hand. |
Genesis 16:6 Summary
In Genesis 16:6, we see Abram giving Sarai permission to treat Hagar as she wants, which leads to Hagar being treated harshly and fleeing. This verse teaches us that our actions can have unintended consequences and that we should strive to trust in God's plan and timing, rather than taking matters into our own hands, as also seen in Psalm 37:7. We can learn from this story by recognizing the importance of demonstrating love and kindness to those around us, even in difficult situations, and by prioritizing our relationship with God above all else, as encouraged in Galatians 1:10. By doing so, we can avoid the kinds of conflicts and hurtful actions that we see in this verse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abram give Sarai permission to treat Hagar as she wanted?
Abram gave Sarai permission to treat Hagar as she wanted because he was trying to appease Sarai and avoid conflict, as seen in Genesis 16:6, but this decision led to Hagar being treated harshly and fleeing, which is a reminder that our actions can have unintended consequences, as warned in Galatians 6:7-8.
What can we learn from Sarai's behavior towards Hagar in this verse?
Sarai's behavior towards Hagar in Genesis 16:6 teaches us that when we allow jealousy and bitterness to take root in our hearts, it can lead to hurtful actions towards others, as also seen in Proverbs 14:1, and that we should strive to demonstrate love and kindness, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:32.
How does this verse relate to the theme of faith and trust in God?
This verse, Genesis 16:6, highlights the importance of trusting in God's plan and timing, rather than taking matters into our own hands, as Abram and Sarai did, which is a lesson also taught in Psalm 37:7 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
What can we learn from Abram's response to Sarai in this verse?
Abram's response to Sarai in Genesis 16:6 shows that even spiritual leaders can make mistakes and prioritize pleasing others over following God's will, as also seen in Genesis 12:10-20, and that we should seek to please God above all else, as taught in Galatians 1:10.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when I feel threatened or replaced, and what can I learn from Sarai's example in Genesis 16:6?
- In what ways do I prioritize pleasing others over following God's will, and how can I change this pattern in my life?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's plan and timing, rather than taking matters into my own hands, as seen in Genesis 16:6?
- How can I demonstrate love and kindness to those around me, even when they may be difficult to get along with, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:32 and seen in the story of Hagar?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 16:6
But Abram said unto Sarai,.... In a meek, mild and gentle manner: behold, thy maid [is] in thine hand; though Hagar was Abram's secondary wife he still considers her as Sarai's maid, and as subject
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 16:6
But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face. Abram said ... Behold, thy maid is in thy hand.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 16:6
Thy maid is in thine hand, i.e. subject to thy power and authority, as the phrase is taken, 39:4,6,8 Numbers 31:49. For though she be my concubine, yet she is thy inferior; and therefore if she exalt herself above her measure, I give thee power to exercise thy authority over her. But whether this was not one of Abram’ s infirmities, to give up his second wife into the hands of the first, may well be questioned. Use whatsoever power God hath given thee over her; for we must not think that Abram gave her power of life and death over her, especially now when she was with child. Therefore here, as often elsewhere, the general words must be limited from the nature of the thing, and from other texts of Scripture, which forbid cruelty even to our servants. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, either by imposing labours upon her above her strength, or by grievous stripes which she could not bear, she fled from her face, contrary to God’ s command, , and to the laws of justice, because both her person and the fruit of her body were not her own, but Abram’ s right in possession.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 16:6
Genesis 16:6 But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid [is] in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.Ver. 6. But Abram said to Sarai, Behold, &c.] Here that of Solomon is verified, "A soft answer pacifieth wrath". Hard to soft cloth no hurt, as a bullet against a woolsack. Uxoris vitium aut tollendum, aut tollerandum , said Varro, πασαγυνηχολοςεστι The woman is the weaker, and hath many provocations among children and servants that the man meets not with. This must be considered, and all bitterness abandoned. The heathens, when they sacrificed at their marriage feasts, used to cast the gall of the beast sacrificed out of doors. Vipera virus, ob venerationem nuptiarum, evomit , saith St Basil, et tu duritiem animi, tu feritatem, tu crudelitatem ob unionis reverentiam non deponis ? What kin art thou to him, whose name is Wormwood? And when Sarai dealt hardly with her.] Beat her, belike; for "a servant will not be corrected by words," and then he must have blows, and be "buffeted".
Not so a wife. M. Aurelius, the emperor, though a heathen, could say to the shame of many bedlams among us: Uxor admonenda persaepe, reprehendenda raro, violentis manibus tractanda nunquam. She fled.] This was her fault. But our natures are refractory, and will sooner break than bend, till God subdue them. Gellius. Plutarch. Proecep. Conjug., Basil. Hexemer., hom. vii.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 16:6
(6) Sarai dealt hardly with her.—The verb is translated afflicted in Exodus 1:11 and Isaiah 60:14; its more exact meaning is, Sarai humbled her, that is, reduced her to her original condition. It was quite right that as Hagar had abused her elevation, Abram should make her yield to Sarai all due respect and submission; but in making her resume her old position as a slave, Sarai was possibly dealing unkindly with her (but see on Genesis 16:9). In running away Hagar not only showed the untamable love of freedom which Ishmael inherited from her, but apparently was repeating the act from which she had her name.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 16:6
Verse 6. Sarah dealt hardly with her] תאנה teanneha, she afflicted her; the term implying stripes and hard usage, to bring down the body and humble the mind. If the slave was to blame in this business the mistress is not less liable to censure. She alone had brought her into those circumstances, in which it was natural for her to value herself beyond her mistress.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 16:6
6. in thy hand] Abram replies, with forbearance, that Hagar is under Sarai’s authority. Whether this is a formal transference of Hagar back into the power of Sarai, after she had become, as a concubine, the property of Abram, is not explained. dealt hardly] The same word as that rendered “afflict” (Genesis 15:13). Here it evidently means “persecute,” “ill-treat.” fled] The character of Hagar is depicted as high-spirited and courageous, as well as independent. There is no evidence that her conduct was insolent.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 16:6
6. Thy maid is in thy hand — By this he repudiates the implication of having wronged his wife by exalting another to her place in his affections, or in his household. Sarai’s maid is still her own.
Sermons on Genesis 16:6
| Sermon | Description | |
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(Genesis) Genesis 16:6-10 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Hagar and Sarah from the Bible. Hagar, who was Sarah's maid, fled from her mistress and encountered the angel of the Lord by a f |
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(Basics) 67. Anger by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the destructive nature of anger and how it gives the devil an opportunity in our lives. He refers to the Bible verse in Ephesians 4:26-27, w |
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Outline of Job: Wrong Questions, Wrong Assumptions by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the speaker discusses three debates that occur in the book of Job. The first debate, chapters four to 14, is described as "hot" with strong words being spoken. The |
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Foundations for Marriage by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of communication and learning in marriage. They emphasize that many of the principles for a successful marriage can also be app |
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Chosen Vessel - Surviving Opposition From Within by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not acting out of anger. He shares a story about Plato and his servant to illustrate the need for self-reflection and wise |
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How to Be Good and Mad by Richard Sipley | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of being both good and mad. He shares a personal story about a man he knew who had a terrible temper and was always angry. Despite t |
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The Tongue! by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's grace to keep silent in the face of opposition, especially within the home, to avoid losing relationships due to impulsive re |