Devine Scripture

Genesis 16:1

What does Genesis 16:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 16:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 16:1 means

This verse establishes the central problem: Sarai's barrenness, which was a significant issue in ancient culture, especially given God's promise of descendants to Abram. Hagar, an Egyptian servant, is introduced, foreshadowing her crucial role in the unfolding narrative. The lack of children creates a void that Sarai will attempt to fill through her own efforts, rather than waiting on God's timing and method.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, bare him no children: and she had a handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now Sarai Abram’s wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, bare him no children: and she had a handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now Sarai, Abram's wife, had given him no children; and she had a servant, a woman of Egypt whose name was Hagar.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Sarai, Abram's wife, hath not borne to him, and she hath an handmaid, an Egyptian, and her name <FI>is<Fi> Hagar;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now Sarai, the wife of Abram, had brought forth no children: but having a handmaid, an Egyptian, named Agar,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Sarai Abram's wife did not bear him [children]. And she had an Egyptian maidservant; and her name was Hagar.

Context

This opening verse immediately sets the stage for the entire chapter, highlighting Sarai's inability to bear children. It follows years of waiting since God first promised Abram a multitude of descendants, a promise that remains unfulfilled. This introduces the tension and the perceived need that will drive Sarai's subsequent actions, leading to the introduction of Hagar and the flawed plan to secure an heir.

v.1This passage

v.2And 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.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Genesis 21:12

    And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy handmaid; in all that Sarah saith unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.

  • Genesis 11:30

    And Sarai was barren; she had no child.

  • Genesis 15:2

    And Abram said, O Lord Jehovah, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and he that shall be possessor of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?

  • Galatians 4:24

    Which things contain an allegory: for these women are two covenants; one from mount Sinai, bearing children unto bondage, which is Hagar.

  • Genesis 12:16

    And he dealt well with Abram for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he-asses, and men-servants, and maid-servants, and she-asses, and camels.

  • Luke 1:7

    And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.

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