King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
Wherefore the well was called Beerlahairoi; behold, [it is] between Kadesh and Bered.
Complete Jewish Bible:
This is why the well has been called Be'er-Lachai-Ro'i [well of the one who lives and sees]; it lies between Kadesh and Bered.
Berean Standard Bible:
Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi. It is located between Kadesh and Bered.
American Standard Version:
Wherefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi; behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Wherefore the well{H875} was called{H7121} Beerlahairoi{H883}{H2416}; behold, it is between Kadesh{H6946} and Bered{H1260}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Genesis 25:11
- ¶ And it came to pass after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac; and Isaac dwelt by the well Lahairoi.
Numbers 13:26
- ¶ And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and shewed them the fruit of the land.
Genesis 24:62
- ¶ And Isaac came from the way of the well Lahairoi; for he dwelt in the south country.
Genesis 21:31
- Wherefore he called that place Beersheba; because there they sware both of them.
Genesis 14:7
- And they returned, and came to Enmishpat, which [is] Kadesh, and smote all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelt in Hazezontamar.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Genesis 16:14
Genesis 16:14 is a verse that falls within the narrative of Hagar, the Egyptian maidservant of Sarai (later known as Sarah), who becomes a surrogate mother for Abram (later known as Abraham) after Sarai is unable to conceive. The broader context of this verse is the account of Hagar's flight into the wilderness after she conceives Ishmael and is mistreated by Sarai.
**Themes:**
1. **Divine Encounter:** The verse follows Hagar's encounter with the angel of the Lord near a spring of water in the desert. The angel comforts Hagar and instructs her to return to Sarai, promising that her descendants will be numerous.
2. **Naming and Memorial:** The naming of the well, "Beerlahairoi," which means "the well of the Living One who sees me," signifies a place of divine revelation and provision. It serves as a memorial to Hagar's encounter with God.
3. **God's Protection and Promises:** Despite her servile status and the harsh treatment she receives, Hagar experiences God's protection and hears a promise regarding her son, Ishmael. This reflects the theme of God's concern for the marginalized and His faithfulness to His promises.
**Historical Context:**
- **Time Period:** The events of Genesis 16 likely occur during the early 2nd millennium BCE, though precise dating is difficult.
- **Geographical Location:** The well of Beerlahairoi is said to be between Kadesh (possibly Kadesh-barnea in the Negev desert) and Bered, which is less certain in its identification. This area is part of the ancient trade routes connecting Egypt with Mesopotamia and is significant in the patriarchal narratives.
- **Cultural Context:** The practice of a barren wife providing a servant as a surrogate to bear children was not uncommon in the ancient Near East. This cultural custom sets the stage for the complex relationships and divine interventions in the lives of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar.
In summary, Genesis 16:14 reflects themes of divine encounter, naming as a form of memorializing significant events, and God's protection and promises to those outside the primary covenant line. The historical context involves the lives of the patriarchs and matriarchs in the early days of the establishment of God's covenant with Abraham, with geographical references that anchor the narrative in a specific region of the ancient Near East.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H875
There are 255 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בְּאֵר
Transliteration: bᵉʼêr
Pronunciation: be-ayr'
Description: from בָּאַר; a pit; especially a well; pit, well. - Strong's Number: H7121
There are 689 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: קָרָא
Transliteration: qârâʼ
Pronunciation: kaw-raw'
Description: a primitive root (rather identical with קָרָא through the idea of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications); bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. - Strong's Number: H883
There are 3 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בְּאֵר לַחַי רֹאִי
Transliteration: Bᵉʼêr la-Chay Rôʼîy
Pronunciation: be-ayr' lakh-ah'ee ro-ee'
Description: from בְּאֵר and חַי (with prefix) and רֹאֶה; well of a living (One) my Seer; Beer-Lachai-Roi, a place in the Desert; Beer-lahai-roi. - Strong's Number: H2416
There are 452 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חַי
Transliteration: chay
Pronunciation: khah'-ee
Description: from חָיָה; alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing), whether literally or figuratively; [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. - Strong's Number: H6946
There are 18 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: קָדֵשׁ
Transliteration: Qâdêsh
Pronunciation: kaw-dashe'
Description: the same as קָדֵשׁ; sanctuary; Kadesh, a place in the Desert; Kadesh. Compare קָדֵשׁ בַּרְנֵעַ. - Strong's Number: H1260
There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בֶּרֶד
Transliteration: Bered
Pronunciation: beh'red
Description: from בָּרַד; hail; Bered, the name of a place south of Palestine, also of an Israelite; Bered.