Devine Scripture

Genesis 16:13

What does Genesis 16:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 16:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 16:13 means

Hagar profoundly responds to her encounter with the Angel of Jehovah by calling Him "Thou art a God that seeth," acknowledging His omnipresence and personal care. Her rhetorical question, "Have I even here looked after him that seeth me?" expresses awe and wonder that God saw her in her desolate state and revealed Himself to her. This verse captures Hagar's realization of God's active, seeing presence in her life, bringing comfort and assurance.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And she called the name of Jehovah that spake unto her, Thou art a God that seeth: for she said, Have I even here looked after him that seeth me?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And she called the name of the Lord that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And she called the name of Jehovah that spake unto her, Thou art a God that seeth: for she said, Have I even here looked after him that seeth me?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And to the Lord who was talking with her she gave this name, You are a God who is seen; for she said, Have I not even here in the waste land had a vision of God and am still living?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And she calleth the name of Jehovah who is speaking unto her, `Thou <FI>art<Fi> , O God, my beholder;' for she said, `Even here have I looked behind my beholder?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And she called the name of the Lord that spoke unto her: Thou the God who hast seen me. For she said: Verily, here have I seen the hinder parts of him that seeth me.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And she called the name of Jehovah who spoke to her, Thou art theGod who reveals himself, for she said, Also here have I seen after he has revealed himself.

Context

This verse immediately follows the Angel of Jehovah's comprehensive message to Hagar, detailing her powerful response to the divine encounter. Her naming God reflects her deep personal experience of being seen and known by Him. This personal testimony directly leads to the naming of the well, serving as a lasting memorial to this significant moment of divine revelation and comfort.

v.12And he shall be as a wild ass among men; his hand shall be against every man, and every man’s hand against him; and he shall dwell over against all his brethren.

v.13This passage

v.14Wherefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi; behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered.

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 22:14

    And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of Jehovah it shall be provided.

  • Proverbs 5:21

    For the ways of man are before the eyes of Jehovah; And he maketh level all his paths.

  • Genesis 16:7

    And the angel of Jehovah found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur.

  • Genesis 32:30

    And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for, said he, I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

  • Exodus 34:5

    And Jehovah descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of Jehovah.

  • Proverbs 15:3

    The eyes of Jehovah are in every place, Keeping watch upon the evil and the good.

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