Devine Scripture

Genesis 16:9

What does Genesis 16:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 16:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 16:9 means

The Angel of Jehovah instructs Hagar to return to Sarai and submit to her authority. This command emphasizes the importance of submission to proper household authority, even when that authority has been exercised harshly. While difficult, this instruction was for Hagar's good, maintaining the established order and preparing the way for future blessings, despite the preceding conflict between her and Sarai.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And the angel of Jehovah said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the angel of the Lord said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And the angel of Jehovah said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the angel said to her, Go back, and put yourself under her authority.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the messenger of Jehovah saith to her, `Turn back unto thy mistress, and humble thyself under her hands;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the angel of the Lord said to her: Return to thy mistress, and humble thyself under her hand.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the Angel of Jehovah said to her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.

Context

This verse presents the Angel's first imperative to Hagar, directly counseling her after she explained her flight. This command to return and submit is crucial for understanding the subsequent narrative, as it directs Hagar back into the difficult situation she fled. It directly precedes the promise of numerous descendants, showing that obedience often precedes blessing, even amidst hardship.

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.

v.9This passage

v.10And the angel of Jehovah said unto her, I will greatly multiply thy seed, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.

Cross references

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

  • Titus 2:9

    Exhort servants to be in subjection to their own masters, and to be well-pleasing to them in all things; not gainsaying;

  • 1 Peter 5:5

    Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.

  • Ephesians 5:21

    subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ.

  • Ephesians 6:5

    Servants, be obedient unto them that according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;

  • Ecclesiastes 10:4

    If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for gentleness allayeth great offences.

  • 1 Peter 2:18

    Servants, bein subjection to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

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