Genesis 16:1-2
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The most striking detail here is Hagar's name itself, which scholars suggest is linked to the Hebrew word for "to flee." This hints at her future, a subtle foreshadowing woven into her very identity before the dramatic events even unfold.
Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. She had a female Egyptian servant whose name was Hagar. And Sarai said to Abram, “Behold now, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Go in to my servant; it may be that I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The promise of a great nation stemming from Abram has yet to materialize, as his wife Sarai remains childless despite years of waiting and a previous sojourn in Egypt. Faced with this ongoing struggle and advanced in years, Sarai takes a drastic step by offering her Egyptian servant, Hagar, to Abram in hopes of fulfilling God's promise through her. This decision marks the beginning of a complex and emotionally charged chapter, setting the stage for conflict within Abram's household and impacting the future lineage.
Generations before Jesus, God made incredible promises to Abram. But years passed, and the most significant promise – a lineage – remained unfulfilled. What does this teach us about waiting on God?
Genesis 16:1 sets the stage by highlighting Sarai's childlessness after years of marriage. This wasn't just a personal disappointment; it was a profound crisis concerning God's promises. God had promised Abram a seed, a nation, and through him, blessing for all peoples. Yet, after ten years in Canaan (Genesis 16:7), and with Abram and Sarai advanced in years (Genesis 16:16 mentions Abram's age later), this promise seemed impossible through natural means.
This situation wasn't accidental. It was a divine test of Abram and Sarai's faith. Their inability to have children challenged their trust in God's power and timing. While Sarai's barrenness tested her faith, it also revealed a temptation: to take matters into her own hands rather than wait for God's perfect plan.
The name 'Hagar' itself hints at a story of desperation and escape. Who was this woman, and why might her name be so significant?
The identity and name of Hagar are fascinating. Most scholars agree her name likely derives from an Arabic root meaning 'to flee' or 'wander.' This isn't necessarily the name she was given at birth but could have been an appellation earned through her life's circumstances.
Several possibilities exist for her origin: she might have been one of the servants Pharaoh gave Abram after his sojourn in Egypt (Genesis 12:16), or perhaps a runaway servant who found refuge with Abram. The name 'Hagar' immediately casts her in a role of movement and displacement, foreshadowing her later flight into the wilderness. This detail adds a layer of poignant irony, as she becomes central to a story of divine intervention and a promised lineage, yet her name speaks of evasion.
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Understand the original words
Sarai · Hebrew Proper Noun
In the Old Testament, 'Sarai' (later Sarah) is the wife of Abram/Abraham. She is a foundational figure in the history of Israel, chosen by God to be the mother of the promised line through whom the nations would be blessed.
ishshah · Hebrew Noun
The Hebrew word 'ishshah' refers to a female human, a wife, or a woman. In the context of marriage, it denotes the covenantal partner bonded to a husband.
shiphchah · Hebrew Noun
'Shiphchah' refers to a female slave or handmaid. Within the ancient Near Eastern context, such servants were the property of their mistress and were subject to the authority of the household head.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal name of the covenant-keeping God of Israel. It denotes His self-existence, eternal nature, and faithful presence with His people.
bo' · Hebrew Verb
A common euphemism in Hebrew for sexual intercourse. When used in a marital or concubinal context, it implies the consummation of a relationship intended to produce offspring.
c. 2090 BC
Abram and Sarai leave Ur
Abram and his family depart from Ur of the Chaldeans, embarking on a journey guided by God's call. This marks the beginning of their nomadic life and the unfolding of God's promises to Abram.
c. 2080 BC
Abram in Egypt
During a famine, Abram and Sarai sojourn in Egypt, where Abram falsely claims Sarai as his sister. Pharaoh gifts Abram with numerous possessions, including livestock and male and female servants, likely including Hagar.
c. 2070 BC
Abram settles in Canaan
Abram returns to Canaan and eventually settles in the land. God reaffirms His promise of land and numerous descendants to Abram.
c. 2069 BC— this verse
Sarai gives Hagar to Abram
Ten years after arriving in Canaan, Sarai, still childless, gives her Egyptian servant Hagar to Abram as a secondary wife, following a common practice of the time to secure an heir.
c. 2068 BC
Birth of Ishmael
Hagar conceives and bears Abram a son, Ishmael. This event, while fulfilling Sarai's immediate desire for an heir, introduces significant conflict within the household and sets the stage for future tensions.
This passage directly references Hagar and Sarah, explaining their story allegorically as representing the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, which adds a theological layer to Hagar's story.
Genesis 17:15This verse shows God's continued attention to His covenant promises, even as He establishes the lineage through Sarah, highlighting the distinction between the covenant line and Ishmael's lineage that begins here.
Genesis 21:14-21This passage describes Hagar's eventual departure and God's provision for her and Ishmael in the wilderness, showing God's care extends even to those outside the primary covenant line established through Sarah.
Romans 9:7-13Paul uses the contrasting births of Isaac and Ishmael to explain God's sovereign choice in salvation, illustrating that God's promises are not based on physical lineage but on His specific election.
gillGenesis 16:1: "Now Sarai Abram's wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar."
Now Sarai, Abram's wife, bare him no children,.... She is before said to be barren, and he to be childless, Genesis 11:30 ; God had promised him a seed, but as yet he had none, which was a trial of his faith; he had been married many years to Sarai his wife, she was his wife when they came out of Ur of the Chaldees, and how long before cannot be said; they stayed and dwelt so…
pooleGenesis 16:1: "Now Sarai Abram's wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar."
Sarai is barren, Genesis 16:1 . She gives Hagar, her servant, to Abram to be his wife, Genesis 16:2,3 . Hagar conceives and despises her mistress, Genesis 16:4 . Sarai complains of it, Genesis 16:5 . Abram leaves her to Sarai’s disposal, who deals hardly with her: Hagar runs from her, Genesis 16:6 . The angel of the Lord meets her, commands her to return and submit, Genesis 1…
The most striking detail here is Hagar's name itself, which scholars suggest is linked to the Hebrew word for "to flee." This hints at her future, a subtle foreshadowing woven into her very identity before the dramatic events even unfold.
The promise of a great nation stemming from Abram has yet to materialize, as his wife Sarai remains childless despite years of waiting and a previous sojourn in Egypt. Faced with this ongoing struggle and advanced in years, Sarai takes a drastic step by offering her Egyptian servant, Hagar, to Abram in hopes of fulfilling God's promise through her. This decision marks the beginning of a complex and emotionally charged chapter, setting the stage for conflict within Abram's household and impacting the future lineage.
The promise of a great nation stemming from Abram has yet to materialize, as his wife Sarai remains childless despite years of waiting and a previous sojourn in Egypt. Faced with this ongoing struggle and advanced in years, Sarai takes a drastic step by offering her Egyptian servant, Hagar, to Abram in hopes of fulfilling God's promise through her. This decision marks the beginning of a complex and emotionally charged chapter, setting the stage for conflict within Abram's household and impacting the future lineage.
"Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. She had a female Egyptian servant whose name was Hagar. And Sarai said to Abram, “Behold now, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Go in to my servant; it may be that I shall…" — The most striking detail here is Hagar's name itself, which scholars suggest is linked to the Hebrew word for "to flee." This hints at her future, a subtle foreshadowing woven into her very identity…
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Last reviewed October 2026
