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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 16:2 So Sarai said to Abram, "Look now, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Please go to my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family by her." And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/16-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/01_Gen_16_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 16:2 - The Birth of Ishmael" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So Sarai said to Abram, Look now, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. 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Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.&#8221 Abram agreed to what Sarai said. <a href="/nlt/genesis/16.htm">New Living Translation</a> So Sarai said to Abram, “The LORD has prevented me from having children. Go and sleep with my servant. Perhaps I can have children through her.” And Abram agreed with Sarai’s proposal. <a href="/esv/genesis/16.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/bsb/genesis/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> So Sarai said to Abram, “Look now, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Please go to my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. <a href="/kjv/genesis/16.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/16.htm">New King James Version</a> So Sarai said to Abram, “See now, the LORD has restrained me from bearing children. Please, go in to my maid; perhaps I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram heeded the voice of Sarai. <a href="/nasb_/genesis/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So Sarai said to Abram, “See now, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Please have relations with my slave woman; perhaps I will obtain children through her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. <a href="/nasb/genesis/16.htm">NASB 1995</a> So Sarai said to Abram, &#8220Now behold, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Please go in to my maid; perhaps I will obtain children through her.&#8221 And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. <a href="/nasb77/genesis/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a> So Sarai said to Abram, “Now behold, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Please go in to my maid; perhaps I shall obtain children through her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. <a href="/lsb/genesis/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So Sarai said to Abram, “Now behold, Yahweh has shut my womb from bearing children. Please go in to my servant-woman; perhaps I will obtain children through her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. <a href="/amp/genesis/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So Sarai said to Abram, “See here, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. I am asking you to go in to [the bed of] my maid [so that she may bear you a child]; perhaps I will obtain children by her.” And Abram listened to Sarai and did as she said. <a href="/csb/genesis/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Sarai said to Abram, “Since the LORD has prevented me from bearing children, go to my slave; perhaps through her I can build a family.” And Abram agreed to what Sarai said. <a href="/hcsb/genesis/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Sarai said to Abram, &#8220Since the LORD has prevented me from bearing children, go to my slave; perhaps through her I can build a family.&#8221 And Abram agreed to what Sarai said. <a href="/asv/genesis/16.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, Jehovah hath restrained me from bearing; go in, I pray thee, unto my handmaid; it may be that I shall obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai. <a href="/cev/genesis/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> and Sarai said to Abram, "The LORD has not given me any children. Sleep with my slave, and if she has a child, it will be mine." Abram agreed, <a href="/erv/genesis/16.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing; go in, I pray thee, unto my handmaid; it may be that I shall obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai. <a href="/gwt/genesis/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> So Sarai said to Abram, "The LORD has kept me from having children. Why don't you sleep with my slave? Maybe I can build a family through her." Abram agreed with Sarai. <a href="/gnt/genesis/16.htm">Good News Translation</a> and so she said to Abram, "The LORD has kept me from having children. Why don't you sleep with my slave? Perhaps she can have a child for me." Abram agreed with what Sarai said. <a href="/isv/genesis/16.htm">International Standard Version</a> So Sarai told Abram, "You are well aware that the LORD has prevented me from giving birth to a child. Go have sex with my servant, so that I may possibly bear a son through her." Abram listened to Sarai's suggestion, <a href="/msb/genesis/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> So Sarai said to Abram, ?Look now, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Please go to my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family by her.? And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. <a href="/net/genesis/16.htm">NET Bible</a> So Sarai said to Abram, "Since the LORD has prevented me from having children, have sexual relations with my servant. Perhaps I can have a family by her." Abram did what Sarai told him. <a href="/nheb/genesis/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Sarai said to Abram, "Look now, God has prevented me from bearing. Please go in to my servant. It may be that I will obtain children by her." Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. <a href="/wbt/genesis/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Sarai said to Abram, Behold, now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee go in to my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai. <a href="/web/genesis/16.htm">World English Bible</a> Sarai said to Abram, “See now, Yahweh has restrained me from bearing. Please go in to my servant. It may be that I will obtain children by her.” Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and Sarai says to Abram, “Now behold, YHWH has restrained me from bearing, please go in to my handmaid; perhaps I am built up from her”; and Abram listens to the voice of Sarai. <a href="/ylt/genesis/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and Sarai saith unto Abram, 'Lo, I pray thee, Jehovah hath restrained me from bearing, go in, I pray thee, unto my handmaid; perhaps I am built up from her;' and Abram hearkeneth to the voice of Sarai. <a href="/slt/genesis/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Sarai will say to Abram, Behold now, Jehovah restrained me from bringing forth; go now to my maid servant; perhaps I shall have children from her. And Abram will listen to the voice of Sarai.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> She said to her husband: Behold, the Lord hath restrained me from bearing: go in unto my handmaid, it may be I may have children of her at least. And when he agreed to her request, <a href="/cpdv/genesis/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> she said to her husband: “Behold, the Lord has closed me, lest I give birth. Enter to my handmaid, so that perhaps I may receive sons of her at least.” And when he agreed to her supplication, <a href="/nabre/genesis/16.htm">New American Bible</a> Sarai said to Abram: “The LORD has kept me from bearing children. Have intercourse with my maid; perhaps I will have sons through her.” Abram obeyed Sarai. <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> and Sarai said to Abram, “You see that the LORD has prevented me from bearing children; go in to my slave-girl; it may be that I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Sarai said to Abram, Behold now, the LORD has restrained me from bearing children; therefore go in unto my maid; it may be that I may be consoled by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Sarai said to Abram, “Behold, LORD JEHOVAH has denied me offspring. Enter into my female Servant; doubtless I shall be comforted from her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Sarai said unto Abram: 'Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing; go in, I pray thee, unto my handmaid; it may be that I shall be builded up through her.' And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai. <a href="/sep/genesis/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Sara said to Abram, Behold, the Lord has restrained me from bearing, go therefore in to my maid, that I may get children for myself through her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sara. <a href="/parallel/genesis/16-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=3291" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/genesis/16.htm">The Birth of Ishmael</a> 1Now Abram’s wife Sarai had borne him no children, but she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar. 2<a href="/hebrew/8297.htm" title="8297: śā·ray (N-proper-fs) -- A wife of Abram. From sar; dominative; Sarai, the wife of Abraham.">So Sarai</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wat·tō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/87.htm" title="87: ’aḇ·rām (N-proper-ms) -- Exalted father, the original name of Abraham. Contracted from 'Abiyram; high father; Abram, the original name of Abraham.">Abram,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh- (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">“Look</a> <a href="/hebrew/4994.htm" title="4994: nā (Interjection) -- I (we) pray, now. ">now,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/6113.htm" title="6113: ‘ă·ṣā·ra·nî (V-Qal-Perf-3ms:: 1cs) -- To restrain, retain. A primitive root; to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble.">has prevented me</a> <a href="/hebrew/3205.htm" title="3205: mil·le·ḏeṯ (Prep-m:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage.">from bearing children.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4994.htm" title="4994: nā (Interjection) -- I (we) pray, now. ">Please</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: bō- (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">go</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/8198.htm" title="8198: šip̄·ḥā·ṯî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Maid, maidservant. Feminine from an unused root meaning to spread out; a female slave.">my maidservant;</a> <a href="/hebrew/194.htm" title="194: ’ū·lay (Adv) -- Perhaps. Or rulay; from 'ow; if not; hence perhaps.">perhaps</a> <a href="/hebrew/1129.htm" title="1129: ’ib·bā·neh (V-Nifal-Imperf-1cs) -- To build. A primitive root; to build.">I can build a family</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: mim·mɛn·nå̄h (Prep:: 3fs) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">by her.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/87.htm" title="87: ’aḇ·rām (N-proper-ms) -- Exalted father, the original name of Abraham. Contracted from 'Abiyram; high father; Abram, the original name of Abraham.">And Abram</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: way·yiš·ma‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">listened</a> <a href="/hebrew/6963.htm" title="6963: lə·qō·wl (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- Sound, voice. Or qol; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound.">to the voice</a> <a href="/hebrew/8297.htm" title="8297: śā·rāy (N-proper-fs) -- A wife of Abram. From sar; dominative; Sarai, the wife of Abraham.">of Sarai.</a> 3So after he had lived in Canaan for ten years, his wife Sarai took her Egyptian maidservant Hagar and gave her to Abram to be his wife.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/30-3.htm">Genesis 30:3</a> Then she said, “Here is my maidservant Bilhah. Sleep with her, that she may bear children for me, so that through her I too can build a family.” <a href="/genesis/15-4.htm">Genesis 15:4</a> Then the word of the LORD came to Abram, saying, “This one will not be your heir, but one who comes from your own body will be your heir.” <a href="/genesis/21-10.htm">Genesis 21:10-12</a> and she said to Abraham, “Expel the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac!” / Now this matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son Ishmael. / But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to everything that Sarah tells you, for through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned. <a href="/genesis/25-21.htm">Genesis 25:21</a> Later, Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. And the LORD heard his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived. <a href="/genesis/30-1.htm">Genesis 30:1-2</a> When Rachel saw that she was not bearing any children for Jacob, she envied her sister. “Give me children, or I will die!” she said to Jacob. / Jacob became angry with Rachel and said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld children from you?” <a href="/genesis/29-31.htm">Genesis 29:31</a> When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren. <a href="/genesis/17-16.htm">Genesis 17:16-19</a> And I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will descend from her.” / Abraham fell facedown. Then he laughed and said to himself, “Can a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Can Sarah give birth at the age of ninety?” / And Abraham said to God, “O that Ishmael might live under Your blessing!” ... <a href="/genesis/18-10.htm">Genesis 18:10-14</a> Then the LORD said, “I will surely return to you at this time next year, and your wife Sarah will have a son!” Now Sarah was behind him, listening at the entrance to the tent. / And Abraham and Sarah were already old and well along in years; Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. / So she laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?” ... <a href="/genesis/21-1.htm">Genesis 21:1-2</a> Now the LORD attended to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised. / So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised. <a href="/1_samuel/1-5.htm">1 Samuel 1:5-6</a> But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved her even though the LORD had closed her womb. / Because the LORD had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival would provoke her viciously to taunt her. <a href="/1_samuel/1-19.htm">1 Samuel 1:19-20</a> The next morning they got up early to bow in worship before the LORD, and then they returned home to Ramah. And Elkanah had relations with his wife Hannah, and the LORD remembered her. / So in the course of time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the LORD.” <a href="/romans/4-19.htm">Romans 4:19-21</a> Without weakening in his faith, he acknowledged the decrepitness of his body (since he was about a hundred years old) and the lifelessness of Sarah’s womb. / Yet he did not waver through disbelief in the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, / being fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised. <a href="/romans/9-7.htm">Romans 9:7-9</a> Nor because they are Abraham’s descendants are they all his children. On the contrary, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.” / So it is not the children of the flesh who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as offspring. / For this is what the promise stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.” <a href="/galatians/4-22.htm">Galatians 4:22-23</a> For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. / His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born through the promise. <a href="/galatians/4-28.htm">Galatians 4:28-31</a> Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. / At that time, however, the son born by the flesh persecuted the son born by the Spirit. It is the same now. / But what does the Scripture say? “Expel the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.” ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Sarai said to Abram, Behold now, the LORD has restrained me from bearing: I pray you, go in to my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.the Lord.<a href="/genesis/17-16.htm">Genesis 17:16</a> And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her.<a href="/genesis/18-10.htm">Genesis 18:10</a> And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him.<a href="/genesis/20-18.htm">Genesis 20:18</a> For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham's wife.obtain children.<a href="/genesis/30-3.htm">Genesis 30:3,6</a> And she said, Behold my maid Bilhah, go in unto her; and she shall bear upon my knees, that I may also have children by her… <a href="/exodus/21-4.htm">Exodus 21:4</a> If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself.<a href="/ruth/4-11.htm">Ruth 4:11</a> And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. The LORD make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem:hearkened.<a href="/genesis/3-1.htm">Genesis 3:1-6,12,17</a> Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/15-18.htm">Abram</a> <a href="/genesis/16-1.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/genesis/1-29.htm">Bearing</a> <a href="/genesis/11-8.htm">Build</a> <a href="/genesis/12-8.htm">Builded</a> <a href="/genesis/16-1.htm">Children</a> <a href="/genesis/16-1.htm">Handmaid</a> <a href="/genesis/3-17.htm">Hearkened</a> <a href="/daniel/1-14.htm">Hearkeneth</a> <a href="/genesis/12-13.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/genesis/16-1.htm">Maid</a> <a href="/genesis/16-1.htm">Maidservant</a> <a href="/1_john/3-22.htm">Obtain</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-1.htm">Perhaps</a> <a href="/genesis/13-9.htm">Please</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-23.htm">Prevented</a> <a href="/genesis/11-6.htm">Restrained</a> <a href="/genesis/16-1.htm">Sarai</a> <a href="/genesis/16-1.htm">Sar'ai</a> <a href="/genesis/16-1.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/genesis/8-2.htm">Shut</a> <a href="/genesis/15-12.htm">Sleep</a> <a href="/genesis/4-23.htm">Voice</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/16-3.htm">Abram</a> <a href="/genesis/16-11.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/genesis/16-16.htm">Bearing</a> <a href="/genesis/30-3.htm">Build</a> <a href="/genesis/26-25.htm">Builded</a> <a href="/genesis/18-19.htm">Children</a> <a href="/genesis/16-3.htm">Handmaid</a> <a href="/genesis/16-11.htm">Hearkened</a> <a href="/genesis/23-16.htm">Hearkeneth</a> <a href="/genesis/19-29.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/genesis/16-3.htm">Maid</a> <a href="/genesis/16-5.htm">Maidservant</a> <a href="/genesis/30-3.htm">Obtain</a> <a href="/genesis/18-28.htm">Perhaps</a> <a href="/genesis/16-6.htm">Please</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-6.htm">Prevented</a> <a href="/genesis/20-18.htm">Restrained</a> <a href="/genesis/16-3.htm">Sarai</a> <a href="/genesis/16-3.htm">Sar'ai</a> <a href="/genesis/16-3.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/genesis/19-6.htm">Shut</a> <a href="/genesis/28-11.htm">Sleep</a> <a href="/genesis/21-12.htm">Voice</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 16</div>1. <a href="/genesis/16-1.htm">Sarai, being barren, gives Hagar to Abram.</a> 4. <a href="/genesis/16-4.htm">Hagar, being afflicted for despising her mistress, runs away.</a> 7. <a href="/genesis/16-7.htm">An angel commands her to return and submit herself, </a> 10. <a href="/genesis/16-10.htm">promises her a numerous posterity, </a> 12. <a href="/genesis/16-12.htm">and shows their character and condition.</a> 13. <a href="/genesis/16-13.htm">Hagar names the place, and returns to Sarai.</a> 15. <a href="/genesis/16-15.htm">Ishmael is born.</a> 16. <a href="/genesis/16-16.htm">The age of Abram.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/16.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>So Sarai said to Abram This phrase introduces Sarai, Abram's wife, as the speaker. Sarai's role is significant in the narrative of Genesis, as she is part of God's covenant promise to Abram. Her dialogue with Abram reflects the cultural norms of the time, where wives could suggest alternative means to secure an heir. This moment also highlights the dynamics within their marriage, where Sarai takes initiative in addressing their childlessness.“Look now, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Sarai acknowledges the sovereignty of the LORD in her situation, attributing her barrenness to divine will. In the ancient Near East, childlessness was often seen as a source of shame and a sign of divine disfavor. Sarai's statement reflects her understanding of God's control over fertility, a theme that recurs throughout the Bible, such as in the stories of Rachel and Hannah.Please go to my maidservant; Sarai proposes a culturally accepted solution to her barrenness by offering her maidservant, Hagar, to Abram. This practice, known as surrogacy, was common in ancient Mesopotamian societies, as evidenced by legal texts like the Code of Hammurabi. It was a way to ensure the continuation of a family line when the wife was unable to conceive.perhaps I can build a family by her.” Sarai's hope is that through Hagar, she might have a child that would be considered her own. This reflects the deep desire for offspring in biblical times, not only for personal fulfillment but also for the continuation of one's lineage and inheritance. The phrase "build a family" indicates the importance of progeny in establishing one's legacy and fulfilling God's promise to Abram of numerous descendants.And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. Abram's decision to heed Sarai's suggestion demonstrates his willingness to follow her plan, despite God's earlier promise of an heir. This action can be compared to Adam listening to Eve in <a href="/genesis/3.htm">Genesis 3</a>, where human initiative leads to unintended consequences. Abram's compliance sets the stage for future conflict and highlights the tension between human plans and divine promises.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/sarai.htm">Sarai</a> The wife of Abram, later known as Sarah. She is struggling with infertility and suggests a culturally acceptable but faith-challenging solution. 2. <a href="/topical/a/abram.htm">Abram</a> The husband of Sarai, later known as Abraham. He is a key patriarch in the Bible, known for his faith, but here he listens to Sarai's plan without seeking God's guidance. 3. <a href="/topical/h/hagar.htm">Hagar</a> Sarai's Egyptian maidservant, who becomes a surrogate mother at Sarai's suggestion. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a> The covenant God of Abram and Sarai, who has promised them descendants. 5. <a href="/topical/c/canaan.htm">Canaan</a> The land where Abram and Sarai are dwelling, a place of promise and testing.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_timing.htm">Trust in God's Timing</a> Sarai's decision reflects a lack of trust in God's timing. Believers are encouraged to wait on the Lord and trust His promises. <a href="/topical/c/cultural_pressures_vs._god's_promises.htm">Cultural Pressures vs. God's Promises</a> Sarai's suggestion was culturally acceptable but not aligned with God's promise. Christians should discern cultural norms through the lens of Scripture. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_impatience.htm">The Consequences of Impatience</a> Abram and Sarai's actions led to long-term family strife. Impatience can lead to decisions that have lasting negative impacts. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_faith_in_relationships.htm">The Role of Faith in Relationships</a> Abram listened to Sarai without seeking God's counsel. Couples should seek God's guidance together in decision-making. <a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_despite_human_failure.htm">God's Faithfulness Despite Human Failure</a> Despite Abram and Sarai's actions, God remained faithful to His promise, reminding believers of His grace and sovereignty.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 16</a> <a href="/q/does_the_bible_support_surrogacy.htm">Is surrogate motherhood supported by the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_ishmael_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Ishmael in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/why_allow_concubines_in_the_bible.htm">Why did God permit concubines in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/what_lessons_from_sarah_and_hagar.htm">What lessons does the Sarah and Hagar story teach?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) That I may obtain children by her.--Heb., that I may be builded by her. The words, ben=a son, bath (originally banth)=a daughter, baith (banith) =a house, and banah=to build, all belong to the same root in Hebrew, the idea being that the children build the house, and give a man the pledge of continuance. Until late times the tent was the habitation, while the house was the family (<a href="/genesis/7-1.htm" title="And the LORD said to Noah, Come you and all your house into the ark; for you have I seen righteous before me in this generation.">Genesis 7:1</a>). Thus the phrase "to build a man a sure house" meant, to give him lasting prosperity (<a href="/1_samuel/2-35.htm" title="And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in my heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before my anointed for ever.">1Samuel 2:35</a>). Hence, too, the close connection between building and the bestowal of children in Psalms 127. As then the children of a woman bestowed by her mistress upon the husband were regarded as belonging to the wife (<a href="/genesis/30-3.htm" title="And she said, Behold my maid Bilhah, go in to her; and she shall bear on my knees, that I may also have children by her.">Genesis 30:3</a>), Sarah, despairing of bearing a son herself, as she was now seventy-five, and had been ten years in Canaan, concluded that her heir was to be born of a substitute.As regards the morality of the act, we find that marriage with one wife was the original law (<a href="/genesis/2-24.htm" title="Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall join to his wife: and they shall be one flesh.">Genesis 2:24</a>), and that when polygamy was introduced it was coupled by the inspired narrator with violence and licence (<a href="/genesis/4-19.htm" title="And Lamech took to him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah.">Genesis 4:19</a>). Monogamy was the rule, as we see in the households of Noah, Terah, Isaac, and others; but many, like Esau and Jacob, allowed themselves a greater latitude. In so doing, their conduct falls below the level of Christian morality, but everyone's actions are strongly influenced by the general views of the people among whom he lives; and in Abram's case it must be said in his defence that, with so much depending on his having offspring, he took no steps to obtain another wife, but remained content with the barren Sarai. When he did take Hagar it was at his wife's request, and for a reason which seemed to them adequate, and even religious. Rachel subsequently did the same for a much lower motive. The consent of the wife was in such cases all-important; and so in India, in ancient times, it was necessary to make a second marriage valid (see Wilson's Hindu Theatre, i. 179). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the Lord hath restrained us from bearing. Literally, hath shut me up (i.e. my womb, <a href="/genesis/20-18.htm">Genesis 20:18</a>; συνέκλεισέ με, LXX.) from bearing. Her advancing age was rendering this every day more and more apparent. I pray thee go in unto my maid (cf. <a href="/genesis/30-3.htm">Genesis 30:3, 9</a>). It is so far satisfactory that the proposal to make a secondary wife of Hagar did not originate with Abram; though, as Sarai's guilt in making it cannot altogether. be excused, so neither can Abram be entirely freed from fault in yielding to her solicitations. It may be that I may obtain children by her. Literally, be built up by her; from banah, to build, whence ben, a son (<a href="/deuteronomy/25-9.htm">Deuteronomy 25:9</a>; <a href="/ruth/4-11.htm">Ruth 4:11</a>). Calvin notes that Sarai s desire of offspring was not prompted by natural impulse, but by the zeal of faith which made her wish to secure the promised benediction. As yet it had not been clearly intimated that Sarai was to be the mother of Abram's child; and hence her recourse to what was a prevalent practice of the times, while unjustifiable in itself, was a signal proof of her humility, of her devotion to her husband, and perhaps also of her faith in God. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai. "The faith of both was defective; not indeed with regard to the substance of the premise, but with regard to the method in which they proceeded" (Calvin). <a href="/commentaries/genesis/16-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>So Sarai שָׂרַ֜י (śā·ray) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8297.htm">Strong's 8297: </a> Sarai -- a wife of Abram said וַתֹּ֨אמֶר (wat·tō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to Abram, אַבְרָ֗ם (’aḇ·rām) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_87.htm">Strong's 87: </a> Abram -- 'exalted father', the original name of Abraham “Look הִנֵּה־ (hin·nêh-) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> Lo! behold! now, נָ֞א (nā) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4994.htm">Strong's 4994: </a> I pray', 'now', 'then' the LORD יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel has prevented me עֲצָרַ֤נִי (‘ă·ṣā·ra·nî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6113.htm">Strong's 6113: </a> To inclose, to hold back, to maintain, rule, assemble from bearing children. מִלֶּ֔דֶת (mil·le·ḏeṯ) Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3205.htm">Strong's 3205: </a> To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage Please נָא֙ (nā) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4994.htm">Strong's 4994: </a> I pray', 'now', 'then' go בֹּא־ (bō-) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to my maidservant; שִׁפְחָתִ֔י (šip̄·ḥā·ṯî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8198.htm">Strong's 8198: </a> Maid, maidservant perhaps אוּלַ֥י (’ū·lay) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_194.htm">Strong's 194: </a> Perhaps I can build a family אִבָּנֶ֖ה (’ib·bā·neh) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1129.htm">Strong's 1129: </a> To build by her.” מִמֶּ֑נָּה‪‬ (mim·mên·nāh) Preposition | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> A part of, from, out of Abram אַבְרָ֖ם (’aḇ·rām) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_87.htm">Strong's 87: </a> Abram -- 'exalted father', the original name of Abraham listened וַיִּשְׁמַ֥ע (way·yiš·ma‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> To hear intelligently to the voice לְק֥וֹל (lə·qō·wl) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6963.htm">Strong's 6963: </a> A voice, sound of Sarai. שָׂרָֽי׃ (śā·rāy) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8297.htm">Strong's 8297: </a> Sarai -- a wife of Abram <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/16-2.htm">Genesis 16:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/16-2.htm">Genesis 16:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/16-2.htm">Genesis 16:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/16-2.htm">Genesis 16:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/16-2.htm">Genesis 16:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/16-2.htm">Genesis 16:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/16-2.htm">Genesis 16:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/16-2.htm">Genesis 16:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/16-2.htm">Genesis 16:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/16-2.htm">Genesis 16:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/16-2.htm">OT Law: Genesis 16:2 Sarai said to Abram See now Yahweh (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/16-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 16:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 16:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/16-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 16:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 16:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>