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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 16:6 "Here," said Abram, "your servant is in your hands. Do whatever you want with her." Then Sarai treated Hagar so harshly that she fled from her.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/16-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/01_Gen_16_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 16:6 - The Birth of Ishmael" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Here, said Abram, your servant is in your hands. Do whatever you want with her. 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Do whatever you want with her.” Then Sarai treated Hagar so harshly that she fled from her. <a href="/kjv/genesis/16.htm">King James Bible</a> But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/16.htm">New King James Version</a> So Abram said to Sarai, “Indeed your maid is in your hand; do to her as you please.” And when Sarai dealt harshly with her, she fled from her presence. <a href="/nasb_/genesis/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But Abram said to Sarai, “Look, your slave woman is in your power; do to her what is good in your sight.” So Sarai treated her harshly, and she fled from her presence. <a href="/nasb/genesis/16.htm">NASB 1995</a> But Abram said to Sarai, &#8220Behold, your maid is in your power; do to her what is good in your sight.&#8221 So Sarai treated her harshly, and she fled from her presence. <a href="/nasb77/genesis/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But Abram said to Sarai, “Behold, your maid is in your power; do to her what is good in your sight.” So Sarai treated her harshly, and she fled from her presence. <a href="/lsb/genesis/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But Abram said to Sarai, “Behold, your servant-woman is in your hand; do to her what is good in your sight.” So Sarai afflicted her, and she fled from her presence. <a href="/amp/genesis/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But Abram said to Sarai, “Look, your maid is entirely in your hands and subject to your authority; do as you please with her.” So Sarai treated her harshly and humiliated her, and Hagar fled from her. <a href="/csb/genesis/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Abram replied to Sarai, “Here, your slave is in your power; do whatever you want with her.” Then Sarai mistreated her so much that she ran away from her. <a href="/hcsb/genesis/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Abram replied to Sarai, &#8220Here, your slave is in your hands; do whatever you want with her.&#8221 Then Sarai mistreated her so much that she ran away from her. <a href="/asv/genesis/16.htm">American Standard Version</a> But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her that which is good in thine eyes. And Sarai dealt hardly with her, and she fled from her face. <a href="/cev/genesis/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Abram said, "All right! She's your slave--do whatever you want with her." Then Sarai began treating Hagar so harshly that she finally ran away. <a href="/erv/genesis/16.htm">English Revised Version</a> But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her that which is good in thine eyes. And Sarai dealt hardly with her, and she fled from her face. <a href="/gwt/genesis/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Abram answered Sarai, "Here, she's your slave. Do what you like with her." Then Sarai mistreated Hagar so much that she ran away. <a href="/gnt/genesis/16.htm">Good News Translation</a> Abram answered, "Very well, she is your slave and under your control; do whatever you want with her." Then Sarai treated Hagar so cruelly that she ran away. <a href="/isv/genesis/16.htm">International Standard Version</a> Abram answered Sarai, "Look, your servant is under your control, so do to her as you wish." So Sarai dealt so harshly with Hagar that she ran away from Sarai. <a href="/msb/genesis/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?Here,? said Abram, ?your servant is in your hands. Do whatever you want with her.? Then Sarai treated Hagar so harshly that she fled from her. <a href="/net/genesis/16.htm">NET Bible</a> Abram said to Sarai, "Since your servant is under your authority, do to her whatever you think best." Then Sarai treated Hagar harshly, so she ran away from Sarai. <a href="/nheb/genesis/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But Abram said to Sarai, "Look, your servant is in your hand. Do to her whatever is good in your sight." Sarai dealt harshly with her, so she fled from her presence. <a href="/wbt/genesis/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But Abram said to Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face. <a href="/web/genesis/16.htm">World English Bible</a> But Abram said to Sarai, “Behold, your maid is in your hand. Do to her whatever is good in your eyes.” Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she fled from her face. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Abram says to Sarai, “Behold, your handmaid [is] in your hand, do to her that which is good in your eyes”; and Sarai afflicted her, and she flees from her presence. <a href="/ylt/genesis/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Abram saith unto Sarai, 'Lo, thine handmaid is in thine hand, do to her that which is good in thine eyes;' and Sarai afflicted her, and she fleeth from her presence. <a href="/slt/genesis/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Abram will say to Sarai, Behold thy maid servant in thy hand; do to her the good in thine eyes. And Sarai shall afflict her, and she will flee from her face.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Abram made answer, and said to her: Behold thy handmaid is in thy own hand, use her its it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai afflicted her, she ran away. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Abram responded to her by saying, “Behold, your handmaid is in your hand to treat as it pleases you.” And so, when Sarai afflicted her, she took flight. <a href="/nabre/genesis/16.htm">New American Bible</a> Abram told Sarai: “Your maid is in your power. Do to her what you regard as right.” Sarai then mistreated her so much that Hagar ran away from her. <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But Abram said to Sarai, “Your slave-girl is in your power; do to her as you please.” Then Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she ran away from her.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But Abram said to Sarai his wife, Behold your maid is at your disposal; do to her as it pleases you. And when Sarai dealt harshly with her, she fled from her. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Abram said to Sarai his wife, “Behold, your maid is delivered into your hands; do to her whatever is good in your eyes.” and Sarai her mistress treated her shamefully and she fled from before her.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> But Abram said unto Sarai: 'Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her that which is good in thine eyes.' And Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she fled from her face. <a href="/sep/genesis/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Abram said to Sara, Behold thy handmaid is in thy hands, use her as it may seem good to thee. And Sara afflicted her, and she fled from her face. <a href="/parallel/genesis/16-6.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=3340" 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> …5Then Sarai said to Abram, “May the wrong done to me be upon you! I delivered my servant into your arms, and ever since she saw that she was pregnant, she has treated me with contempt. May the LORD judge between you and me.” 6<a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">“Here,”</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.">said</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/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/8297.htm" title="8297: śā·ray (N-proper-fs) -- A wife of Abram. From sar; dominative; Sarai, the wife of Abraham."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8198.htm" title="8198: šip̄·ḥā·ṯêḵ (N-fsc:: 2fs) -- Maid, maidservant. Feminine from an unused root meaning to spread out; a female slave.">“your servant</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: bə·yā·ḏêḵ (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 2fs) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">is in your hands.</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ă·śî- (V-Qal-Imp-fs) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">Do</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: haṭ·ṭō·wḇ (Art:: Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">whatever you want</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: bə·‘ê·nā·yiḵ (Prep-b:: N-cdc:: 2fs) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain."></a> <a href="/hebrew/lāh (Prep:: 3fs) -- ">with her.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/8297.htm" title="8297: śā·ray (N-proper-fs) -- A wife of Abram. From sar; dominative; Sarai, the wife of Abraham.">Then Sarai</a> <a href="/hebrew/6031.htm" title="6031: wat·tə·‘an·ne·hā (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs:: 3fs) -- To be bowed down or afflicted. A primitive root; to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive.">treated</a> <a href="/hebrew/1272.htm" title="1272: wat·tiḇ·raḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To go through, flee. A primitive root; to bolt, i.e. Figuratively, to flee suddenly.">Hagar so harshly that she fled</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: mip·pā·ne·hā (Prep-m:: N-mpc:: 3fs) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">from her.</a> 7Now the angel of the LORD found Hagar by a spring of water in the desert—the spring along the road to Shur.…<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="/galatians/4-22.htm">Galatians 4:22-31</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. / 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. ... <a href="/genesis/21-9.htm">Genesis 21:9-14</a> But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking her son, / 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. ... <a href="/genesis/13-8.htm">Genesis 13:8-9</a> So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no contention between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen. After all, we are kinsmen. / Is not the whole land before you? Now separate yourself from me. If you go to the left, I will go to the right; if you go to the right, I will go to the left.” <a href="/genesis/25-6.htm">Genesis 25:6</a> But while he was still alive, Abraham gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them away from his son Isaac to the land of the east. <a href="/exodus/1-11.htm">Exodus 1:11-14</a> So the Egyptians appointed taskmasters over the Israelites to oppress them with forced labor. As a result, they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh. / But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and flourished; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites. / They worked the Israelites ruthlessly ... <a href="/exodus/2-23.htm">Exodus 2:23-25</a> After a long time, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned and cried out under their burden of slavery, and their cry for deliverance from bondage ascended to God. / So God heard their groaning, and He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. / God saw the Israelites and took notice. <a href="/exodus/5-15.htm">Exodus 5:15-21</a> So the Israelite foremen went and appealed to Pharaoh: “Why are you treating your servants this way? / No straw has been given to your servants, yet we are told, ‘Make bricks!’ Look, your servants are being beaten, but the fault is with your own people.” / “You are slackers!” Pharaoh replied. “Slackers! That is why you keep saying, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to the LORD.’ ... <a href="/1_samuel/1-6.htm">1 Samuel 1:6-7</a> Because the LORD had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival would provoke her viciously to taunt her. / And this went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the LORD, her rival taunted her until she wept and would not eat. <a href="/1_samuel/25-10.htm">1 Samuel 25:10-11</a> But Nabal asked them, “Who is David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants these days are breaking away from their masters. / Why should I take my bread and water and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give them to these men whose origin I do not know?” <a href="/2_samuel/16-5.htm">2 Samuel 16:5-8</a> As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the family of the house of Saul was just coming out. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and as he approached, he kept yelling out curses. / He threw stones at David and at all the servants of the king, though the troops and all the mighty men were on David’s right and left. / And as he yelled curses, Shimei said, “Get out, get out, you worthless man of bloodshed! ... <a href="/job/19-13.htm">Job 19:13-19</a> He has removed my brothers from me; my acquaintances have abandoned me. / My kinsmen have failed me, and my friends have forgotten me. / My guests and maidservants count me as a stranger; I am a foreigner in their sight. ... <a href="/psalms/123-3.htm">Psalm 123:3-4</a> Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy, for we have endured much contempt. / We have endured much scorn from the arrogant, much contempt from the proud. <a href="/proverbs/30-21.htm">Proverbs 30:21-23</a> Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up: / a servant who becomes king, a fool who is filled with food, / an unloved woman who marries, and a maidservant who supplants her mistress. <a href="/isaiah/54-1.htm">Isaiah 54:1</a> “Shout for joy, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth in song and cry aloud, you who have never travailed; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,” says the LORD. <a href="/jeremiah/22-3.htm">Jeremiah 22:3</a> This is what the LORD says: Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. Do not shed innocent blood in this place.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.Abram.<a href="/genesis/13-8.htm">Genesis 13:8,9</a> And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren… <a href="/proverbs/14-29.htm">Proverbs 14:29</a> He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.<a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">Proverbs 15:1,17,18</a> A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger… in.<a href="/genesis/24-10.htm">Genesis 24:10</a> And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master were in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor.<a href="/job/2-6.htm">Job 2:6</a> And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.<a href="/psalms/106-41.htm">Psalm 106:41,42</a> And he gave them into the hand of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them… as it pleaseth thee.<a href="/proverbs/29-19.htm">Proverbs 29:19</a> A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.fled.<a href="/exodus/2-15.htm">Exodus 2:15</a> Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well.<a href="/proverbs/27-8.htm">Proverbs 27:8</a> As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.<a href="/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:4</a> If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/16-5.htm">Abram</a> <a href="/genesis/15-13.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/genesis/15-13.htm">Cruel</a> <a href="/genesis/12-16.htm">Dealt</a> <a href="/genesis/16-5.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/genesis/11-28.htm">Face</a> <a href="/genesis/14-10.htm">Fled</a> <a href="/genesis/15-15.htm">Good</a> <a href="/genesis/16-4.htm">Hagar</a> <a href="/genesis/14-22.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/genesis/16-5.htm">Handmaid</a> <a href="/genesis/14-20.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/james/3-1.htm">Hardly</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-20.htm">Harshly</a> <a href="/genesis/16-5.htm">Maid</a> <a href="/genesis/16-5.htm">Maidservant</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-3.htm">Mistreated</a> <a href="/genesis/15-13.htm">Oppressed</a> <a href="/genesis/16-2.htm">Please</a> <a href="/amos/4-5.htm">Pleaseth</a> <a href="/revelation/20-6.htm">Power</a> <a href="/genesis/11-28.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/revelation/9-9.htm">Running</a> <a href="/genesis/16-5.htm">Sarai</a> <a href="/genesis/16-5.htm">Sar'ai</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-9.htm">Seems</a> <a href="/genesis/16-5.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/genesis/16-5.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-13.htm">Think</a> <a href="/genesis/12-16.htm">Treated</a> <a href="/genesis/8-19.htm">Whatever</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/16-15.htm">Abram</a> <a href="/exodus/1-12.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/genesis/31-50.htm">Cruel</a> <a href="/genesis/21-23.htm">Dealt</a> <a href="/genesis/18-2.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/genesis/16-8.htm">Face</a> <a href="/genesis/31-20.htm">Fled</a> <a href="/genesis/18-7.htm">Good</a> <a href="/genesis/16-7.htm">Hagar</a> <a href="/genesis/16-12.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/genesis/16-8.htm">Handmaid</a> <a href="/genesis/16-9.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/genesis/27-30.htm">Hardly</a> <a href="/genesis/42-7.htm">Harshly</a> <a href="/genesis/16-8.htm">Maid</a> <a href="/genesis/16-8.htm">Maidservant</a> <a href="/numbers/20-15.htm">Mistreated</a> <a href="/exodus/1-12.htm">Oppressed</a> <a href="/genesis/18-3.htm">Please</a> <a href="/genesis/20-15.htm">Pleaseth</a> <a href="/genesis/19-15.htm">Power</a> <a href="/genesis/16-8.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/genesis/16-8.htm">Running</a> <a href="/genesis/16-8.htm">Sarai</a> <a href="/genesis/16-8.htm">Sar'ai</a> <a href="/genesis/19-8.htm">Seems</a> <a href="/genesis/16-8.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/genesis/17-18.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/genesis/40-14.htm">Think</a> <a href="/genesis/18-25.htm">Treated</a> <a href="/genesis/19-8.htm">Whatever</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>“Here,” said Abram, “your servant is in your hands.” Abram's response to Sarai reflects the cultural norms of the time, where a wife had authority over her maidservant. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a servant or slave was considered the property of their master or mistress, and decisions regarding them were often made by the head of the household. Abram's statement also indicates a relinquishing of responsibility, which can be seen as a lack of leadership in addressing the conflict between Sarai and Hagar. This moment foreshadows the later struggles within Abram's family, highlighting the consequences of human decisions outside of God's direct guidance.Do whatever you want with her.” This phrase underscores the power dynamics and social hierarchy of the time. Sarai, as the mistress, had the authority to decide Hagar's fate. The lack of intervention by Abram suggests a passive approach to resolving family disputes, which can be contrasted with later biblical figures who actively seek God's guidance in difficult situations. This moment also reflects the broader biblical theme of human free will and its potential for both good and harm.Then Sarai treated Hagar so harshly that she fled from her. Sarai's harsh treatment of Hagar is indicative of the tension and jealousy that arose from Hagar's pregnancy. This act of mistreatment is a turning point in the narrative, leading to Hagar's flight into the wilderness. The harshness can be seen as a reflection of Sarai's own insecurities and frustrations, as well as the broader theme of suffering and oppression found throughout Scripture. Hagar's flight is significant as it sets the stage for her encounter with the angel of the Lord, a moment of divine intervention and promise. This event also prefigures the Exodus narrative, where God's people flee from oppression and are guided by divine presence.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/abram.htm">Abram</a> The patriarch of the Hebrew people, later named Abraham. He is a central figure in Genesis, known for his faith and covenant with God. 2. <a href="/topical/s/sarai.htm">Sarai</a> Abram's wife, later named Sarah. She is a key figure in the account, struggling with infertility and taking matters into her own hands by giving her maidservant Hagar to Abram. 3. <a href="/topical/h/hagar.htm">Hagar</a> An Egyptian maidservant of Sarai, who becomes pregnant by Abram. Her account highlights themes of suffering and divine intervention. 4. <a href="/topical/m/mistreatment_of_hagar.htm">Mistreatment of Hagar</a> Sarai's harsh treatment of Hagar, which leads to Hagar fleeing into the wilderness. This event sets the stage for God's intervention and promises to Hagar. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_wilderness.htm">The Wilderness</a> Represents a place of trial and encounter with God. Hagar's flight into the wilderness is a pivotal moment in her account.<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 to give Hagar to Abram reflects a lack of trust in God's promise. Believers are encouraged to wait on God's timing rather than taking matters into their own hands. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_impatience.htm">The Consequences of Impatience</a> The mistreatment of Hagar and the resulting family strife illustrate the negative consequences of acting outside of God's will. <a href="/topical/g/god's_care_for_the_marginalized.htm">God's Care for the Marginalized</a> Hagar's account reminds us that God sees and cares for those who are mistreated and marginalized, offering hope and provision. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_compassion.htm">The Importance of Compassion</a> Sarai's treatment of Hagar serves as a warning against harshness and a call to treat others with kindness and compassion. <a href="/topical/s/seeking_reconciliation.htm">Seeking Reconciliation</a> The conflict between Sarai and Hagar encourages believers to seek reconciliation and peace in their relationships, reflecting God's love and grace.<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/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 href="/q/who_was_hagar_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Hagar in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_ishmael_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Ishmael in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/was_hagar_abraham's_wife_or_concubine.htm">Was Hagar a wife or concubine of Abraham?</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>(6) Sarai dealt hardly with her.--The verb is translated afflicted in <a href="/exodus/1-11.htm" title="Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.">Exodus 1:11</a> and <a href="/isaiah/60-14.htm" title="The sons also of them that afflicted you shall come bending to you; and all they that despised you shall bow themselves down at the soles of your feet; and they shall call you; The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.">Isaiah 60:14</a>; its more exact meaning is, Sarai humbled her, that is, reduced her to her original condition. It was quite right that as Hagar had abused her elevation, Abram should make her yield to Sarai all due respect and submission; but in making her resume her old position as a slave, Sarai was possibly dealing unkindly with her (but see on <a href="/genesis/16-9.htm" title="And the angel of the LORD said to her, Return to your mistress, and submit yourself under her hands.">Genesis 16:9</a>). In running away Hagar not only showed the untamable love of freedom which Ishmael inherited from her, but apparently was repeating the act from which she had her name.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 6. - But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand (regarding her still as one of Sarai's servants, though elevated to the rank of secondary wife to himself); do to her as it pleaseth thee. Literally, the good in thine eyes; in which conduct of the patriarch may be seen perhaps (1) an evidence of his peaceful disposition in doing violence to his feelings as a husband in order to restore harmony to his disquieted household (Calvin), and (2) a proof that he had already found out his mistake in expecting the promised seed through Hagar (Calvin); but also (3) an indication of weakness in yielding to Sarai's passionate invective (Willet, Bush), and . . . <a href="/commentaries/genesis/16-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>“Here,” הִנֵּ֤ה (hin·nêh) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> Lo! behold! said וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say Abram, אַבְרָ֜ם (’aḇ·rām) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_87.htm">Strong's 87: </a> Abram -- 'exalted father', the original name of Abraham “your servant שִׁפְחָתֵךְ֙ (šip̄·ḥā·ṯêḵ) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8198.htm">Strong's 8198: </a> Maid, maidservant is in your hands. בְּיָדֵ֔ךְ (bə·yā·ḏêḵ) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand Do עֲשִׂי־ (‘ă·śî-) Verb - Qal - Imperative - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make whatever you want הַטּ֣וֹב (haṭ·ṭō·wḇ) Article | Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> Pleasant, agreeable, good with her.” בְּעֵינָ֑יִךְ (bə·‘ê·nā·yiḵ) Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | second person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> An eye, a fountain Then Sarai שָׂרַ֔י (śā·ray) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8297.htm">Strong's 8297: </a> Sarai -- a wife of Abram treated וַתְּעַנֶּ֣הָ (wat·tə·‘an·ne·hā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6031.htm">Strong's 6031: </a> To be bowed down or afflicted [Hagar] so harshly that she fled וַתִּבְרַ֖ח (wat·tiḇ·raḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1272.htm">Strong's 1272: </a> To bolt, to flee suddenly from her. מִפָּנֶֽיהָ׃ (mip·pā·ne·hā) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/16-6.htm">Genesis 16:6 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/16-6.htm">Genesis 16:6 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/16-6.htm">Genesis 16:6 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/16-6.htm">Genesis 16:6 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/16-6.htm">Genesis 16:6 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/16-6.htm">Genesis 16:6 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/16-6.htm">Genesis 16:6 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/16-6.htm">Genesis 16:6 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/16-6.htm">Genesis 16:6 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/16-6.htm">Genesis 16:6 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/16-6.htm">OT Law: Genesis 16:6 But Abram said to Sarai Behold your (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/16-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 16:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 16:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/16-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 16:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 16:7" /></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>