King James Version

What Does Genesis 16:14 Mean?

Genesis 16:14 in the King James Version says “Wherefore the well was called Beerlahairoi ; behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered. Beerlahairoi: that is, The well of ...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Wherefore the well was called Beerlahairoi ; behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered. Beerlahairoi: that is, The well of him that liveth and seeth me”

Genesis 16:14 · KJV

Context

12

And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.

13

And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?

14

Wherefore the well was called Beerlahairoi ; behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered. Beerlahairoi: that is, The well of him that liveth and seeth me

15

And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son's name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael.

16

And Abram was fourscore and six years old, when Hagar bare Ishmael to Abram.

Read Genesis 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Wherefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi; behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered.... 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 theological truths about Hagar and Ishmael emerge from this passage?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
עַל1 of 12
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּן֙2 of 12
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

קָרָ֣א3 of 12

“was called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לַבְּאֵ֔ר4 of 12

“Wherefore the well”

H875

a pit; especially a well

בְּאֵ֥ר5 of 12
H0
לַחַ֖י6 of 12
H0
רֹאִ֑י7 of 12

“Beerlahairoi”

H883

beer-lachai-roi, a place in the desert

הִנֵּ֥ה8 of 12
H2009

lo!

בֵין9 of 12
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

קָדֵ֖שׁ10 of 12

“behold it is between Kadesh”

H6946

kadesh, a place in the desert

וּבֵ֥ין11 of 12
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

בָּֽרֶד׃12 of 12

“and Bered”

H1260

bered, the name of a place south of palestine, also of an israelite

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 16:14 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 16:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 24:62Genesis 25:11Numbers 13:26Genesis 21:31Genesis 14:7

Places in This Verse

Beer-lahai-roiWell · Modern: Ain Muweileh · 30.69°N, 34.33°E3 verses across 1 book
BeredSettlement · Modern: Haluza · 31.10°N, 34.65°E1 verse across 1 book
Kadesh-barneaSettlement · Modern: Ain el Qudeirat · 30.65°N, 34.42°E24 verses across 5 books
View all places in Genesis 16 →

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