King James Version

What Does Genesis 16:1 Mean?

Genesis 16:1 in the King James Version says “Now Sarai Abram's wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now Sarai Abram's wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar.”

Genesis 16:1 · KJV

Context

1

Now Sarai Abram's wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar.

2

And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai. obtain: Heb. be built by her

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.

Read Genesis 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now Sarai Abram's wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Ha... This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.

Central themes include God's unconditional covenant promises (land, descendants, blessing to nations), the call to faith and obedience, the testing of faith through delays and impossibilities, the contrast between divine promises and human schemes, and God's gracious persistence despite human failures. Abraham emerges as the father of faith whose trust in God's promises becomes the model for all believers (Romans 4, Galatians 3, Hebrews 11).

Theologically, these narratives establish: (1) salvation by grace through faith rather than works; (2) covenant as God's gracious initiative binding Himself to His people; (3) the necessity of patient trust when promises seem impossible; (4) the consequences of attempting to fulfill God's promises through human effort; (5) the pattern of divine testing producing mature faith. The Abraham cycle foreshadows Christ as the ultimate seed through whom blessing extends to all nations (Galatians 3:16).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְשָׂרַי֙1 of 11

“Now Sarai”

H8297

sarai, the wife of abraham

אֵ֣שֶׁת2 of 11

“wife”

H802

a woman

אַבְרָ֔ם3 of 11

“Abram's”

H87

abram, the original name of abraham

לֹ֥א4 of 11

“him no”

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָֽלְדָ֖ה5 of 11

“bare”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

ל֑וֹ6 of 11
H0
וְלָ֛הּ7 of 11
H0
שִׁפְחָ֥ה8 of 11

“and she had an handmaid”

H8198

a female slave (as a member of the household)

מִצְרִ֖ית9 of 11

“an Egyptian”

H4713

a mitsrite, or inhabitant of mitsrajim

וּשְׁמָ֥הּ10 of 11

“whose name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

הָגָֽר׃11 of 11

“was Hagar”

H1904

hagar, the mother of ishmael

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 16:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 16:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 4:24Genesis 12:16Genesis 15:2-3Genesis 21:9-10Genesis 11:30Luke 1:36

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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