Devine Scripture

Genesis 16:7

What does Genesis 16:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 16:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 16:7 means

In her desperation and isolation, Hagar encounters the Angel of Jehovah, a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. This divine encounter in the stark wilderness signifies God's loving attention even to those in lowly or difficult circumstances. The Angel finds her at a specific location, indicating God's precise knowledge and compassionate pursuit of Hagar, who is alone and pregnant.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And an angel of the Lord came to her by a fountain of water in the waste land, by the fountain on the way to Shur.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And a messenger of Jehovah findeth her by the fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way <FI>to<Fi> Shur,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the angel of the Lord having found her, by a fountain of water in the wilderness, which is in the way to Sur in the desert,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the Angel of Jehovah found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, by the spring on the way to Shur.

Context

This verse marks a significant turning point in the narrative, as Hagar, having fled from Sarai's cruelty, encounters the Angel of Jehovah. This divine intervention follows directly from Hagar's fleeing in the previous verse, shifting the focus from the domestic strife to God's direct engagement with the afflicted. This encounter sets the stage for a series of divine instructions and promises to Hagar.

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.

v.7This passage

v.8And he said, Hagar, Sarai’s handmaid, whence camest thou? and whither goest thou? And she said, I am fleeing from the face of my mistress Sarai.

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 25:18

    And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur that is before Egypt, as thou goest toward Assyria: he abode over against all his brethren.

  • Genesis 22:15

    And the angel of Jehovah called unto Abraham a second time out of heaven,

  • Genesis 21:17

    And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is.

  • Genesis 20:1

    And Abraham journeyed from thence toward the land of the South, and dwelt between Kadesh and Shur; and he sojourned in Gerar.

  • Genesis 31:11

    And the angel of God said unto me in the dream, Jacob: and I said, Here am I.

  • Proverbs 15:3

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

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