Genesis 16:5
What does Genesis 16:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Genesis 16:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Genesis 16:5 means
Sarai expresses her distress to Abram, blaming him for the difficult situation. She feels that Hagar's disrespect is a direct result of Abram taking her as a wife, making him complicit in her perceived "wrong." Sarai appeals to Jehovah to judge between them, highlighting her sincere belief that she has been wronged and that divine intervention is needed to resolve the escalating family conflict.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I gave my handmaid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: Jehovah judge between me and thee.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the Lord judge between me and thee.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I gave my handmaid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: Jehovah judge between me and thee.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And Sarai said to Abram, May my wrong be on you: I gave you my servant for your wife and when she saw that she was with child, she no longer had any respect for me: may the Lord be judge between you and me.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And Sarai saith unto Abram, `My violence <FI>is<Fi> for thee; I--I have given mine handmaid into thy bosom, and she seeth that she hath conceived, and I am lightly esteemed in her eyes; Jehovah doth judge between me and thee.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Sarai said to Abram: Thou dost unjustly with me: I gave my handmaid into thy bosom, and she perceiving herself to be with child, despiseth me. The Lord judge between me and thee.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Sarai said to Abram, My wrong be on thee! I have given my maidservant into thy bosom; and now she sees that she has conceived, I am lightly esteemed in her eyes. Jehovah judge between me and thee!
Context
Following Hagar's change in attitude, this verse details Sarai's anguished reaction and her direct confrontation with Abram. Her complaint to Abram is a pivotal moment, shifting the blame and demanding action. This accusation sets the stage for Abram's immediate response and, consequently, Sarai's harsh treatment of Hagar as she is given authority once more.
v.4And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.
v.5This passage
v.6But 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.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Samuel 24:12
Jehovah judge between me and thee, and Jehovah avenge me of thee; but my hand shall not be upon thee.
- Genesis 31:53
The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge betwixt us. And Jacob sware by the Fear of his father Isaac.
- Psalms 7:8
Jehovah ministereth judgment to the peoples: Judge me, O Jehovah, according to my righteousness, and to mine integrity that is in me.
- Exodus 5:21
and they said unto them, Jehovah look upon you, and judge: because ye have made our savor to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us.
- 2 Chronicles 24:22
Thus Joash the king remembered not the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but slew his son. And when he died, he said, Jehovah look upon it, and require it.
- Psalms 35:23
Stir up thyself, and awake to the justice due unto me, Even unto my cause, my God and my Lord.
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