Genesis 16:13

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

And she called {H7121} the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068} that spake {H1696} unto her, Thou God {H410} seest me {H7210}: for she said {H559}, Have I also here {H1988} looked {H7200} after him {H310} that seeth me {H7210}?

Complete Jewish Bible

So she named ADONAI who had spoken with her El Ro'i [God of seeing], because she said, "Have I really seen the One who sees me [and stayed alive]?"

Berean Standard Bible

So Hagar gave this name to the LORD who had spoken to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “Here I have seen the One who sees me!”

American Standard Version

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?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 16:13 profoundly records Hagar's naming of God as "Thou God seest me" (El Roi) following her divine encounter with the Angel of the LORD in the desolate wilderness. This pivotal moment reveals God's intimate omniscience, His personal and compassionate gaze upon the distressed and overlooked, and His active presence and provision even in the most desperate and isolated circumstances, affirming His unwavering care for all creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 16:13 is the climax of Hagar's dramatic flight from Sarai, her mistress. The preceding verses detail the escalating tension in Abraham's household: Sarai, barren, gives Hagar to Abraham to bear children on her behalf, a common practice for securing an heir. However, Hagar's subsequent contempt for Sarai, coupled with Sarai's harsh treatment of Hagar, leads the pregnant maidservant to flee into the wilderness. It is there, by a spring on the way to Shur, that the Angel of the LORD intercepts her, as recounted in [Genesis 16:7](/genesis/16-7 "The Angel of the LORD Encounters Hagar"). The Angel commands Hagar to return and submit to Sarai, but also delivers a remarkable, unconditional promise of countless descendants and the naming of her son, Ishmael, meaning "God hears," as detailed in [Genesis 16:10-12](/genesis/16-10-12 "The Angel's Promise and Prophecy for Ishmael"). Hagar's response in verse 13 is a direct, theological articulation of her profound understanding of the God who not only heard her cry but actively saw her in her despair.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of a barren wife providing a maidservant (concubine) to her husband to bear children was a recognized custom in the ancient Near East, often stipulated in legal codes like those of Hammurabi. This was intended to secure an heir and maintain the family line. However, such arrangements frequently led to social complexities and power imbalances, as seen in the strained relationship between Sarai and Hagar. Hagar, an Egyptian slave, held a precarious position, and her flight into the wilderness was an act of desperation, a common, albeit dangerous, recourse for those without status or protection. The wilderness itself was not merely a geographical location but often a place of vulnerability, testing, and profound spiritual encounter, where individuals were stripped bare and confronted with their dependence on divine provision, as seen in the experiences of figures like [Moses](/exodus/3 "Moses' Encounter at the Burning Bush") and [Elijah](/1_kings/19 "Elijah's Flight to Horeb"). Hagar's ability to name God after this encounter signifies a unique, personal revelation, particularly remarkable for a foreign slave woman.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 16:13 encapsulates several significant theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it highlights **God's sovereignty and active involvement** in human affairs, even in the midst of domestic strife and human folly. The Angel of the LORD's intervention demonstrates that God is not a distant deity but one who directly engages with His creation. Secondly, the passage underscores **God's profound compassion for the marginalized and vulnerable**. Hagar, an outcast and a slave, is not overlooked but becomes the recipient of divine revelation and promise, demonstrating God's care extending beyond the immediate covenant family. Thirdly, the act of **naming God** as "El Roi" (the God who sees) is a crucial theme, signifying a unique revelation of God's character derived from a personal experience of His omniscience and intimate presence. This naming affirms that God truly sees and knows the deepest sufferings and hidden circumstances of individuals. Finally, the narrative subtly reinforces the theme of **God's covenant faithfulness**, even as His plan unfolds through unexpected channels, demonstrating His broader redemptive purposes beyond the immediate lineage of Abraham and Sarai, as the promise to Ishmael foreshadows a distinct, though secondary, line of blessing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Hagar's declaration in Genesis 16:13 is a profound theological statement, born from a moment of deep desperation and divine intervention. Having fled into the desolate wilderness, she encounters the Angel of the LORD, who provides both direction and a remarkable promise. Her response is not merely an acknowledgment but a naming of God, revealing a unique aspect of His character.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, meaning "(the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God." This is the covenant name of God, YHWH. Hagar's use of this name, rather than a generic term for deity, signifies a profound recognition of the personal, covenant-keeping God of Abraham, who has now revealed Himself to her, an outsider. It underscores that her encounter was not with a mere angel but with the very presence of God.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼêl'_):** From H410, shortened from אַיִל, meaning "strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity); God (god), goodly, great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong." When combined with YHWH (LORD), as implied in the full name "El Roi," it emphasizes God's inherent power, majesty, and divine authority. Hagar acknowledges Him as the mighty, powerful God who is capable of seeing and intervening in her life.
* **seest me (Hebrew, _rŏʼîy'_):** From H7210, meaning "sight, whether abstractly (vision) or concretely (a spectacle)." This word is derived from the primitive root H7200 (_râʼâh_), "to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)." This phrase is the core of Hagar's naming of God as "El Roi" (אַתָּה אֵל רֳאִי, _'Atta El Ro'i_), meaning "You are the God who sees me." It encapsulates God's active, personal, and comprehensive perception of Hagar's distress, even in her hidden, vulnerable state in the wilderness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her":** This clause highlights Hagar's profound response to the divine encounter. It is a significant act of worship and theological insight for a non-Israelite woman. By "calling the name" of the LORD, she is not merely labeling Him but acknowledging His revealed character and authority, giving Him a title based on her personal experience of His intervention and communication. The fact that the LORD "spake unto her" underscores the personal and direct nature of this divine revelation.
* **"Thou God seest me":** This is Hagar's direct address to God, forming the basis for the divine epithet "El Roi." It is a powerful affirmation of God's omniscience, not in an abstract sense, but as a deeply personal and compassionate gaze. Hagar recognizes that despite her low status, her flight, and her isolation, she was not hidden from God's watchful eye. This statement brings immense comfort, signifying that God is intimately aware of the individual, their suffering, and their circumstances, even when they feel utterly alone.
* **"for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?":** This concluding rhetorical question expresses Hagar's astonishment and awe. The phrase "here" (H1988, _hălôm_) emphasizes the unexpected and desolate location of this divine encounter. The phrase "looked after him that seeth me" (H7200, _râʼâh_ + H310, _ʼachar_) can be interpreted in several ways: "Have I truly seen the One who sees me and survived?" or "Have I, in this place, been able to perceive the One who sees me?" It reflects the ancient belief that seeing God could be fatal, and Hagar's wonder at having survived such a direct encounter. It also suggests a reciprocal awareness: she was seen, and she, in turn, was granted the ability to perceive or acknowledge the reality of the One who saw her, confirming the authenticity and profound nature of her experience.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Theophany** is central, as the "Angel of the LORD" is understood as a manifestation of God Himself, directly intervening in Hagar's life. This direct divine appearance underscores the significance of the event. **Naming** is another crucial device; Hagar's act of naming God "El Roi" is not just descriptive but performative, establishing a unique theological understanding of God's character for all time. This act of naming reflects a deep, personal revelation. There is also a subtle **Irony** at play: Hagar, the unseen, forgotten, and fleeing servant, is precisely the one singled out and deeply "seen" by the Almighty God. Her marginalization is met with divine attention. Finally, the **Symbolism** of the wilderness as a place of both despair and divine encounter is powerful, illustrating that God meets individuals in their most vulnerable and isolated moments, transforming a place of desolation into a site of profound spiritual revelation and hope.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 16:13 establishes a foundational truth about God's character: He is not a distant, impersonal deity, but "El Roi," the God who intimately sees and acknowledges every individual, particularly those in distress and on the margins. Hagar's encounter demonstrates God's active involvement in human affairs, intervening with compassion and purpose even for those outside the immediate covenant line. This revelation highlights that God's omniscience is deeply personal and compassionate, turning a moment of desperate flight into an opportunity for profound spiritual insight and divine promise. It underscores that God often reveals deeper aspects of His nature during times of great hardship, providing solace and direction where human help is absent.

* [Psalm 139:7-12](/psalm/139-7-12 "God's Omnipresence and Omniscience")
* [Isaiah 41:17-18](/isaiah/41-17-18 "God's Provision in the Wilderness")
* [Matthew 10:29-31](/matthew/10-29-31 "God's Personal Care for Individuals")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hagar's testimony in Genesis 16:13 offers profound comfort and enduring reassurance for believers across all generations. In a world where it is easy to feel overlooked, forgotten, or insignificant, Hagar's naming of God as "El Roi" reminds us that no circumstance, no hidden struggle, and no personal despair escapes the watchful eye of our compassionate God. Whether we are navigating a literal wilderness of physical hardship or a metaphorical wilderness of emotional pain, spiritual dryness, or social isolation, the truth remains: God sees us. He is intimately aware of our tears, our fears, and our deepest longings. This truth transforms our understanding of suffering, reminding us that even in our most vulnerable moments, we are not alone. Just as God met Hagar with direction and promise, He is present in our "wilderness experiences," offering guidance, comfort, and hope. This profound awareness of being seen by God fosters a deeper sense of security, trust, and intimacy in our relationship with Him, knowing that His gaze is always upon us, full of love and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "wilderness" areas of your life do you currently feel unseen or forgotten?**
* **How does the truth of "El Roi," the God who sees you, bring comfort or challenge to your current circumstances?**
* **What specific steps can you take to acknowledge God's watchful presence in your daily life and respond to it, as Hagar did?**
* **How might recognizing God as "El Roi" change your perspective on difficult situations or feelings of isolation?**

### FAQ
**What does "Thou God seest me" mean in Hebrew?**

Answer: The Hebrew phrase Hagar utters is _'Atta El Ro'i_ (אַתָּה אֵל רֳאִי), which literally translates to "You are the God who sees me." This profound declaration is the origin of the unique name for God, "El Roi," found only here in the Old Testament, signifying God's personal and active perception.

**Why is Hagar's encounter with God significant?**

Answer: Hagar's encounter is profoundly significant for several reasons. It reveals God's personal attention and boundless compassion for the marginalized and distressed, even those outside the direct covenant line of Abraham. It establishes God as "El Roi," emphasizing His omniscience and active presence in human suffering, demonstrating that no one is beyond His sight or care. Furthermore, it highlights God's sovereign involvement in human history, even using unexpected individuals and circumstances to advance His broader purposes, as seen in the promises given to Hagar concerning her son, Ishmael, as detailed in [Genesis 16:10-12](/genesis/16-10-12 "The Angel's Prophecy for Ishmael").

**Did Hagar "see" God in this encounter?**

Answer: Hagar's question, "Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?" (KJV), or more precisely, "Have I even here seen the One who sees me?" (NIV/ESV), suggests a profound perception rather than a literal, physical sight of God's full essence, which was often believed to be fatal (e.g., [Exodus 33:20](/exodus/33-20 "No one can see God and live")). Her astonishment likely stems from the fact that she, a mere servant, had not only been seen by God in her hidden despair but had also survived this divine encounter. It implies that she had perceived His presence and His watchful eye upon her, acknowledging the reality of His being and His gaze, transforming her flight into a sacred, revelatory experience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The revelation of God as "El Roi," the God who sees, in Genesis 16:13 finds its most profound and tangible fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. While Hagar experienced God's watchful eye from a distance through His Angel, Christ is God incarnate, who perfectly embodies the "God who sees" by entering directly into human suffering and experience. He is not merely a God who observes from afar, but one who actively sees our pain, our brokenness, and our deepest needs, and then responds with redemptive love. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who sees the lost sheep wandering and goes out to find it, bringing it home with joy, as beautifully illustrated in [Luke 15:4-7](/luke/15-4-7 "The Parable of the Lost Sheep"). He is the one who saw the Samaritan woman at the well in her complex brokenness and offered her living water, bringing healing and transformation, as recounted in [John 4:1-42](/john/4-1-42 "Jesus and the Samaritan Woman"). He saw Nathanael under the fig tree even before their physical meeting, demonstrating His divine omniscience and intimate knowledge of individuals, as recorded in [John 1:48](/john/1-48 "Jesus Sees Nathanael Under the Fig Tree"). In Christ, the abstract concept of God seeing us becomes a tangible, personal, and redemptive reality, demonstrating God's compassionate gaze that leads not only to awareness but to salvation, restoration, and intimate relationship.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 139:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known [me].

Psalms 139:12

Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light [are] both alike [to thee].

Genesis 32:30

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

Proverbs 5:21

For the ways of man [are] before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.

Proverbs 15:3

¶ The eyes of the LORD [are] in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

Genesis 31:42

Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked [thee] yesternight.

Genesis 16:7

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