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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 16:9 So the angel of the LORD told her, "Return to your mistress and submit to her authority."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/16-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/01_Gen_16_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 16:9 - The Birth of Ishmael" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So the angel of the LORD told her, Return to your mistress and submit to her authority." /><script type="application/javascript" 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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/16.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/16.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Then the angel of the LORD told her, &#8220Go back to your mistress and submit to her.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/16.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The angel of the LORD said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit to her authority.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/16.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The angel of the LORD said to her, “Return to your mistress and submit to her.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the angel of the LORD told her, “Return to your mistress and submit to her authority.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/16.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/16.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The Angel of the LORD said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit yourself under her hand.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the angel of the LORD said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit to her authority.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/16.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then the angel of the LORD said to her, &#8220Return to your mistress, and submit yourself to her authority.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then the angel of the LORD said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit yourself to her authority.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then the angel of Yahweh said to her, “Return to your mistress and humble yourself under her hands.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The Angel of the LORD said to her, “Go back to your mistress, and submit humbly to her authority.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The angel of the LORD said to her, “Go back to your mistress and submit to her authority.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the Angel of the LORD said to her, &#8220You must go back to your mistress and submit to her mistreatment.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/16.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the angel of Jehovah said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The angel said, "Go back to Sarai and be her slave. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/16.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The Messenger of the LORD said to her, "Go back to your owner, and place yourself under her authority."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/16.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He said, "Go back to her and be her slave." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/16.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The angel of the LORD told her, "You must go back to your mistress and submit to her authority." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the angel of the LORD told her, ?Return to your mistress and submit to her authority.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/16.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD's angel said to her, "Return to your mistress and submit to her authority.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The angel of the LORD said to her, "Return to your mistress, and submit yourself to her authority."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the angel of the LORD said to her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/16.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Yahweh’s angel said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit yourself under her hands.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the Messenger of YHWH says to her, “Return to your mistress, and humble yourself under her hands”;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the messenger of Jehovah saith to her, 'Turn back unto thy mistress, and humble thyself under her hands;'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the messenger of Jehovah will say to her, Turn back to thy mistress and be humbled under her hands.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the angel of the Lord said to her: Return to thy mistress, and humble thyself under her hand. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And the Angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress, and humble yourself under her hand.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/16.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But the LORD’s angel told her: “Go back to your mistress and submit to her authority.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The angel of the LORD said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit to her.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the angel of the LORD said to her, Return to your mistress, and submit yourself under her hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the Angel of LORD JEHOVAH said to her, “Return to your Mistress and be subject under her hand.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the angel of the LORD said unto her: 'Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the angel of the Lord said to her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/16-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=3371" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/16.htm">The Birth of Ishmael</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>“Hagar, servant of Sarai,” he said, “where have you come from, and where are you going?” “I am running away from my mistress Sarai,” she replied. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4397.htm" title="4397: mal·’aḵ (N-msc) -- A messenger. From an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy; a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. An angel.">So the angel</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.">of the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">told</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāh (Prep:: 3fs) -- ">her,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: šū·ḇî (V-Qal-Imp-fs) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">“Return</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1404.htm" title="1404: gə·ḇir·têḵ (N-fsc:: 2fs) -- Lady, queen, mistress. Feminine of gbiyr; mistress.">your mistress</a> <a href="/hebrew/6031.htm" title="6031: wə·hiṯ·‘an·nî (Conj-w:: V-Hitpael-Imp-fs) -- To be bowed down or afflicted. A primitive root; to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive.">and submit</a> <a href="/hebrew/8478.htm" title="8478: ta·ḥaṯ (Prep) -- Underneath, below, instead of. From the same as Towach; the bottom; only adverbially, below, in lieu of, etc.">to her authority.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yā·ḏe·hā (N-fdc:: 3fs) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)"></a> </span><span class="reftext">10</span>Then the angel added, “I will greatly multiply your offspring so that they will be too numerous to count.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/23-20.htm">Exodus 23:20-21</a></span><br />Behold, I am sending an angel before you to protect you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. / Pay attention to him and listen to his voice; do not defy him, for he will not forgive rebellion, since My Name is in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-18.htm">1 Peter 2:18-20</a></span><br />Servants, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but even to those who are unreasonable. / For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended. / How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5-8</a></span><br />Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. / And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. / Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-22.htm">Colossians 3:22-24</a></span><br />Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. / Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-1.htm">1 Timothy 6:1-2</a></span><br />All who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their masters as fully worthy of honor, so that God’s name and our teaching will not be discredited. / Those who have believing masters should not show disrespect because they are brothers, but should serve them all the more, since those receiving their good service are beloved believers. Teach and encourage these principles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/2-9.htm">Titus 2:9-10</a></span><br />Slaves are to submit to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, / not stealing from them, but showing all good faith, so that in every respect they will adorn the teaching about God our Savior.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philemon/1-15.htm">Philemon 1:15-16</a></span><br />For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back for good— / no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a beloved brother. He is especially beloved to me, but even more so to you, both in person and in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a></span><br />But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-27.htm">Luke 6:27-28</a></span><br />But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, / bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-17.htm">Romans 12:17-21</a></span><br />Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. / If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. / Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-21.htm">1 Corinthians 7:21-24</a></span><br />Were you a slave when you were called? Do not let it concern you—but if you can gain your freedom, take the opportunity. / For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. Conversely, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave. / You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/4-22.htm">Galatians 4:22-31</a></span><br />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. / These things serve as illustrations, for the women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children into slavery: This is Hagar. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-9.htm">Hebrews 12:9</a></span><br />Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spirits and live?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-7.htm">James 4:7</a></span><br />Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-5.htm">1 Peter 5:5-6</a></span><br />Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” / Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the angel of the LORD said to her, Return to your mistress, and submit yourself under her hands.</p><p class="hdg">submit.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:4</a></b></br> If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/5-21.htm">Ephesians 5:21</a></b></br> Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5,6</a></b></br> Servants, be obedient to them that are <i>your</i> masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/16-7.htm">Angel</a> <a href="/revelation/22-14.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/genesis/16-6.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-6.htm">Humble</a> <a href="/genesis/16-7.htm">Messenger</a> <a href="/genesis/16-8.htm">Mistress</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-5.htm">Submit</a> <a href="/genesis/14-21.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/genesis/15-16.htm">Turn</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/16-10.htm">Angel</a> <a href="/genesis/37-8.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/genesis/19-10.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/exodus/10-3.htm">Humble</a> <a href="/genesis/16-10.htm">Messenger</a> <a href="/1_kings/11-19.htm">Mistress</a> <a href="/genesis/41-40.htm">Submit</a> <a href="/genesis/22-2.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/genesis/18-22.htm">Turn</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 16</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/16-1.htm">Sarai, being barren, gives Hagar to Abram.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/16-4.htm">Hagar, being afflicted for despising her mistress, runs away.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/16-7.htm">An angel commands her to return and submit herself, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/16-10.htm">promises her a numerous posterity, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/16-12.htm">and shows their character and condition.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/16-13.htm">Hagar names the place, and returns to Sarai.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/16-15.htm">Ishmael is born.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/16-16.htm">The age of Abram.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>So the angel of the LORD told her</b><br>The "angel of the LORD" is often understood as a theophany, a manifestation of God Himself, rather than a mere angelic being. This is significant because it indicates the importance of the message being delivered. The angel of the LORD appears at critical moments in the Old Testament, such as to Moses in the burning bush (<a href="/exodus/3-2.htm">Exodus 3:2</a>) and to Gideon (<a href="/judges/6-11.htm">Judges 6:11-12</a>). This encounter with Hagar highlights God's personal involvement and care for individuals, even those on the margins of society.<p><b>“Return to your mistress</b><br>Hagar, an Egyptian maidservant, had fled from Sarai due to harsh treatment. The command to return is significant in the cultural context of the time, where social hierarchies and household structures were rigidly maintained. This directive underscores the importance of order and submission within the household, which was a foundational aspect of ancient Near Eastern society. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of reconciliation and restoration of relationships.<p><b>and submit to her authority.”</b><br>Submission here is not merely about obedience but involves a deeper trust in God's plan and provision. This mirrors the New Testament teachings on submission found in passages like <a href="/ephesians/5-21.htm">Ephesians 5:21-24</a>, where believers are called to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. The call to submit is also prophetic, as it foreshadows the ultimate submission of Christ to the Father's will, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross (<a href="/philippians/2-5.htm">Philippians 2:5-8</a>). Hagar's submission is a test of faith, trusting that God will fulfill His promises despite her difficult circumstances.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/h/hagar.htm">Hagar</a></b><br>An Egyptian maidservant of Sarai (later Sarah), who becomes pregnant by Abram (later Abraham) at Sarai's behest. She flees from Sarai due to mistreatment.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_angel_of_the_lord.htm">The Angel of the LORD</a></b><br>A divine messenger who appears to Hagar in the wilderness, providing guidance and promises regarding her future and that of her son, Ishmael.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/sarai.htm">Sarai (Sarah)</a></b><br>Abram's wife, who, in her impatience for God's promise of a child, gives Hagar to Abram as a surrogate.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/abram.htm">Abram (Abraham)</a></b><br>The patriarch chosen by God to father a great nation. He follows Sarai's suggestion to have a child with Hagar.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wilderness.htm">The Wilderness</a></b><br>The setting where Hagar encounters the angel of the LORD, symbolizing a place of trial and divine encounter.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/submission_and_obedience.htm">Submission and Obedience</a></b><br>Hagar is instructed to return and submit, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's direction, even when it is difficult.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_encounters_in_desolation.htm">Divine Encounters in Desolation</a></b><br>God often meets us in our wilderness experiences, providing guidance and hope when we feel lost or mistreated.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_to_his_promises.htm">God's Faithfulness to His Promises</a></b><br>Despite human failings and complex situations, God remains faithful to His promises, as seen in His care for Hagar and Ishmael.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_authority.htm">The Role of Authority</a></b><br>The passage challenges us to consider our response to authority, especially when it is unjust, and to seek God's guidance in such situations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_plan.htm">Trust in God's Plan</a></b><br>Even when circumstances seem dire, trusting in God's plan and timing is crucial, as His ways are higher than ours.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 16</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_an_angel_tell_hagar_to_return.htm">Why would an angel instruct Hagar to return to an abusive situation (Genesis 16:9)? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_angels.htm">What does the Bible say about angels?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/meaning_of_'the_rocks_will_cry_out'.htm">What is the role of angels?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_god's_justice_shown_in_gen_16_6.htm">How can we reconcile God's justice with Sarah's harsh treatment of Hagar (Genesis 16:6)? </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>(9) <span class= "bld">Submit thyself.</span>--Heb., <span class= "ital">humble thyself. </span>It is the verb translated <span class= "ital">dealt hardly </span>in <a href="/genesis/16-6.htm" title="But Abram said to Sarai, Behold, your maid is in your hand; do to her as it pleases you. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.">Genesis 16:6</a>. The angel therefore commands her to take the position which Sarai was forcing upon her; and by so doing proves to us that there had been no personal maltreatment. Commentators have taken this notion, not from the Hebrew, but from the English Version.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And the angel of the Lord said unto her</span> - as Paul afterwards practically said to Onesimus, the runaway slave of Philemon (<span class="accented">vide</span> Philippians 12) - <span class="cmt_word">return to thy mistress, and submit thyself</span> - the verb here employed is the same as that, which the historian uses to describe Sarah s conduct towards her (Ver. 6); its meaning obviously is that she should meekly resign herself to the ungracious and oppressive treatment of her mistress - <span class="cmt_word">under her hands.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/16-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">So the Angel</span><br /><span class="heb">מַלְאַ֣ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(mal·’aḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4397.htm">Strong's 4397: </a> </span><span class="str2">A messenger, of God, an angel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">told</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">her,</span><br /><span class="heb">לָהּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Return</span><br /><span class="heb">שׁ֖וּבִי</span> <span class="translit">(šū·ḇî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your mistress</span><br /><span class="heb">גְּבִרְתֵּ֑ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(gə·ḇir·têḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | second person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1404.htm">Strong's 1404: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lady, queen, mistress</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and submit</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהִתְעַנִּ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hiṯ·‘an·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Imperative - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6031.htm">Strong's 6031: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be bowed down or afflicted</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to her authority.”</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּ֥חַת</span> <span class="translit">(ta·ḥaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8478.htm">Strong's 8478: </a> </span><span class="str2">The bottom, below, in lieu of</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/16-9.htm">Genesis 16:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/16-9.htm">Genesis 16:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/16-9.htm">Genesis 16:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/16-9.htm">Genesis 16:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/16-9.htm">Genesis 16:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/16-9.htm">Genesis 16:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/16-9.htm">Genesis 16:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/16-9.htm">Genesis 16:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/16-9.htm">Genesis 16:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/16-9.htm">Genesis 16:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/16-9.htm">OT Law: Genesis 16:9 The angel of Yahweh said to her (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/16-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 16:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 16:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/16-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 16:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 16:10" /></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>