Genesis 16:1 Meaning and Explanation
“Now Sarai Abram's wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Sarai was childless and had a servant named Hagar.
The Context of Genesis 16:1
Introduction to the circumstances and characters in this chapter.
What Does Genesis 16:1 Mean?
Sarai, Abram's wife, had not borne children despite God's promise to Abram that he would become the father of many nations. To remedy this situation, Sarai possessed an Egyptian handmaid named Hagar, likely acquired during their time in Egypt.
The introduction of Hagar sets the stage for an attempt to fulfill God's promise through human means rather than trusting God's timing. This highlights the tension between faith and impatience in the narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 16:1
What does Genesis 16:1 mean?
Sarai was childless and had a servant named Hagar.
What is the context of Genesis 16:1?
Introduction to the circumstances and characters in this chapter.