Genesis 16:2

KJV

And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Sarai {H8297} said {H559} unto Abram {H87}, Behold now, the LORD {H3068} hath restrained me {H6113} from bearing {H3205}: I pray thee, go in {H935} unto my maid {H8198}; it may {H194} be that I may obtain children {H1129} by her. And Abram {H87} hearkened {H8085} to the voice {H6963} of Sarai {H8297}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so Sarai said to Avram, "Here now, ADONAI has kept me from having children; so go in and sleep with my slave-girl. Maybe I'll be able to have children through her."Avram listened to what Sarai said.

Berean Standard Bible

So Sarai said to Abram, “Look now, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Please go to my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.

American Standard Version

And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, Jehovah hath restrained me from bearing; go in, I pray thee, unto my handmaid; it may be that I shall obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 16:2 vividly portrays Sarai's desperate attempt to secure an heir for Abram, driven by the cultural imperative of childbearing and her own barrenness, which she attributes to the LORD's restraint. Her proposal to Abram to "go in" to her maidservant, Hagar, as a surrogate mother, was a culturally accepted practice, yet it represented a profound lapse in faith in God's unique and miraculous promise. Abram's subsequent agreement to Sarai's voice, rather than seeking divine counsel or patiently waiting, initiated a chain of events that would lead to significant domestic strife and long-lasting consequences for their descendants, underscoring the perils of human ingenuity attempting to fulfill divine promises outside of God's perfect timing and method.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 16:2 is strategically placed following God's repeated and emphatic promises to Abram regarding his numerous descendants. In [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's initial promise to Abram"), God first promised to make Abram into a great nation. This promise was reiterated and expanded in [Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "God's promise of countless descendants to Abram"), where God took Abram outside and told him his offspring would be as numerous as the stars. Despite these clear divine assurances, a decade had passed since Abram's arrival in Canaan ([Genesis 16:3](/genesis/16-3 "Read about the ten years Abram had lived in Canaan")), and Sarai remained barren. This chronological tension between God's promise and the present reality of childlessness sets the stage for Sarai's human-devised solution, highlighting the narrative's focus on the unfolding of God's covenant through both human faithfulness and human failure.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, barrenness was not merely a personal sorrow but a profound social disgrace and a potential threat to a family's legacy and survival. Lineage was paramount, and the absence of an heir meant the extinction of the family name and the loss of inheritance. Legal codes from the period, such as the Code of Hammurabi (c. 1754 BC) and the Nuzi tablets (c. 15th-14th century BC), provide ample evidence for the practice of a barren wife providing a handmaid (often a slave) to her husband to bear children on her behalf. These children would then be legally considered the children of the primary wife, ensuring the continuation of the family line. Sarai's proposal to Abram was thus culturally permissible and a common societal solution to childlessness, reflecting the immense pressure she felt to produce an heir.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **Divine Promise and Human Impatience**, demonstrating the human tendency to take matters into their own hands when God's timing seems delayed, contrasting with the patient faith required for God's miraculous intervention ([Hebrews 11:11](/hebrews/11-11 "Read about Sarah's faith in Hebrews 11:11")). It also highlights the theme of **Consequences of Human Disobedience/Lack of Faith**, as Abram's acquiescence to Sarai's voice, rather than God's, directly leads to familial strife and long-term ethnic conflict ([Genesis 21:9-10](/genesis/21-9-10 "Read about the conflict between Ishmael and Isaac in Genesis 21:9-10")). Furthermore, it reinforces the theme of **God's Sovereignty**, showing that even amidst human error and sin, God remains faithful to His ultimate plan, eventually bringing forth the promised heir, Isaac, through His own miraculous power ([Genesis 21:2](/genesis/21-2 "Read about the miraculous birth of Isaac in Genesis 21:2")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The verse unfolds a pivotal moment in the Abrahamic narrative: "And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai."

#### Key Word Analysis
* **restrained (Hebrew, _ʻâtsâr'_):** This word (H6113) means "to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble." Sarai's use of this term signifies her belief that her barrenness is not merely a natural condition but a divinely ordained cessation of her ability to conceive. She perceives God as actively "holding back" or "shutting up" her womb, acknowledging His ultimate sovereignty over fertility, yet this recognition leads her to a human solution rather than patient trust.
* **obtain children (Hebrew, _bânâh'_):** The Hebrew word (H1129) literally means "to build." While translated as "obtain children," its root meaning carries the nuance of "to build a house" or "to establish a family." Sarai's hope is not merely to have a child, but to "build" her household and lineage through Hagar, emphasizing the profound cultural importance of progeny for establishing and perpetuating a family's name and legacy. This choice of word highlights the foundational role of children in ancient society.
* **hearkened (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** This verb (H8085) means "to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.)." Abram's "hearkening" to Sarai's voice suggests not merely hearing, but listening attentively and acting in accordance with what he heard. In contrast to his previous "hearkening" to the voice of the LORD in [Genesis 12:4](/genesis/12-4 "Read about Abram obeying the LORD's call in Genesis 12:4"), here his obedience is directed toward his wife's counsel, a deviation that carries significant consequences.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing":** Sarai initiates the conversation, expressing her deep distress and acknowledging what she believes is God's direct intervention in her barrenness. Her statement, "the LORD hath restrained me," reveals her theological understanding that God is sovereign over life and fertility, yet this understanding leads her to despair and a human solution rather than continued faith in God's ability to fulfill His promise miraculously.
* **"I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her.":** This is Sarai's desperate proposal. "Go in unto my maid" is a common biblical euphemism for sexual intercourse, indicating her intention for Hagar to serve as a surrogate. Her hope, "it may be that I may obtain children by her," reflects both her desire to "build a family" (as indicated by the Hebrew word *bânâh*) and her uncertainty, highlighting the precariousness of human plans even when culturally sanctioned.
* **"And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.":** This concluding phrase is pivotal. Abram's passive acceptance of Sarai's plan, rather than seeking God's counsel or exercising the faith he previously demonstrated, marks a critical turning point. His "hearkening" implies not just hearing, but compliance and agreement, setting the stage for the unfolding conflict and complications that arise from attempting to fulfill God's promise through human means rather than divine intervention.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Euphemism** is evident in the phrase "go in unto my maid," which delicately refers to sexual intercourse, a common practice in biblical narratives to avoid explicit language. The narrative also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as Sarai's desperate, human-driven solution immediately hints at the future familial strife and long-term conflict between the descendants of Ishmael and Isaac. There is a strong sense of **Irony** in Sarai's belief that she is "helping" God fulfill His promise, when in fact her actions introduce significant complications and delay the miraculous birth of the true heir. Finally, the passage presents a stark **Contrast** between God's clear, unconditional promise to Abram in [Genesis 12](/genesis/12 "Read about God's call to Abram in Genesis 12") and [Genesis 15](/genesis/15 "Read about God's covenant with Abram in Genesis 15"), and the human impatience and lack of faith displayed by Sarai and Abram, highlighting the tension between divine sovereignty and human agency.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 16:2 serves as a profound theological lesson on the dangers of human impatience and the critical importance of trusting God's perfect timing and methods. Despite God's clear and repeated promises to Abram regarding his numerous descendants, Sarai and Abram's decade-long wait led them to resort to a humanly conceived solution, reflecting a lapse in faith. This narrative powerfully illustrates that God's promises are not merely fulfilled *by* Him, but *in His way* and *in His time*. The consequences of their decision—familial strife, Hagar's mistreatment, and the eventual expulsion of Ishmael—underscore that even seemingly practical or culturally acceptable shortcuts can lead to unforeseen and painful repercussions, impacting generations. Ultimately, this passage highlights God's unwavering sovereignty and faithfulness, as He eventually fulfills His promise miraculously through Sarai, demonstrating that His plan does not depend on human ingenuity but on His divine power.

* [Psalm 27:14](/psalm/27-14 "Psalm 27:14 - Waiting for the LORD")
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways")
* [Romans 4:18-21](/romans/4-18-21 "Romans 4:18-21 - Abraham's Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 16:2 offers profound and timeless lessons for believers navigating periods of waiting and uncertainty. Sarai and Abram's story serves as a powerful cautionary tale against the temptation to "help" God fulfill His promises when His timing seems delayed or His methods unclear. In our own lives, when we face unfulfilled desires, unanswered prayers, or prolonged periods of waiting for God's promises, it is easy to become impatient and devise our own solutions. This passage challenges us to examine our hearts: are we truly trusting in God's perfect wisdom and timing, or are we succumbing to the pressure of our circumstances or cultural expectations? Abram's "hearkening to the voice of Sarai" reminds us that even well-intentioned advice from those closest to us can lead us astray if it deviates from God's revealed will or requires us to act outside of faith. True faith involves patiently enduring, praying, and waiting for God to act in His sovereign way, rather than taking shortcuts that often lead to unintended and painful consequences, as vividly demonstrated by the long-standing conflict between the descendants of Isaac and Ishmael.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life am I currently tempted to "help" God or take matters into my own hands instead of patiently waiting on His timing?**
* **How do societal pressures or personal desires influence my trust in God's unique plan for my life?**
* **What does it mean to truly "hearken" to God's voice, especially when it seems to contradict human logic or immediate gratification?**

### FAQ
**Was Sarai's proposal to Abram culturally acceptable in her time?**

Answer: Yes, the practice of a barren wife providing her maidservant to her husband to bear children on her behalf was a recognized and accepted custom in the ancient Near East. This is evidenced by various legal codes and social practices from the period, such as those found in the Code of Hammurabi and the Nuzi tablets. These arrangements were designed to ensure the continuation of the family line and inheritance, highlighting the immense societal importance of progeny.

**Why did Abram agree to Sarai's plan instead of waiting on God?**

Answer: The text states Abram "hearkened to the voice of Sarai," implying he yielded to her persuasion and the prevailing cultural pressures of the time. While God had promised him an heir, the specific *how* and *when* were not yet revealed, and Sarai's barrenness was a significant cultural and personal burden. Abram's agreement reflects a lapse in faith and patience, choosing a humanly logical solution over continued trust in God's miraculous intervention. His decision, though culturally permissible, demonstrated a failure to rely solely on God's unique and supernatural power to fulfill His promise.

**Does Sarai's statement, "the LORD hath restrained me from bearing," imply God directly caused her barrenness?**

Answer: Sarai's statement reflects a common biblical understanding that God is ultimately sovereign over all aspects of life, including fertility. While it doesn't necessarily mean God *caused* her barrenness as a punishment, it acknowledges His ultimate control and permission over such matters. Her interpretation led her to believe that if God had restrained her, then a human alternative was necessary, rather than waiting for God to *unrestrain* her in His own way and time. This highlights her perception of divine sovereignty, albeit one that led her to a human-centered solution.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Genesis 16:2, marked by human impatience and the failure of self-devised plans to achieve God's promises, ultimately points to the necessity of divine intervention and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through His own perfect means, finding its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. Just as Abram and Sarai's human efforts produced Ishmael, a son born "according to the flesh" ([Galatians 4:23](/galatians/4-23 "Read about the son of the flesh in Galatians 4:23")) who brought conflict and bondage, God's ultimate promise of a true heir, Isaac, was a miraculous birth, "through promise" ([Galatians 4:23](/galatians/4-23 "Read about the son of promise in Galatians 4:23")), foreshadowing the spiritual lineage established through Christ. The true "seed" of Abraham, through whom all nations would be blessed ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Read about the seed of Abraham in Galatians 3:16")), is not born of human striving, cultural custom, or fleshly desire, but through the miraculous work of God's Spirit. Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise, born not of human will or fleshly means, but conceived by the Holy Spirit ([Matthew 1:18-20](/matthew/1-18-20 "Read about the virgin birth of Jesus in Matthew 1:18-20")), establishing a spiritual family that transcends earthly lineage and human imperfection. He brings true peace and reconciliation where human plans only brought strife, demonstrating that salvation and true blessing come only through God's sovereign grace and His perfect, divinely appointed Son ([John 1:12-13](/john/1-12-13 "Read about becoming children of God in John 1:12-13")).

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

Genesis 3:17

¶ And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed [is] the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat [of] it all the days of thy life;

Genesis 18:10

And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard [it] in the tent door, which [was] behind him.

Exodus 21:4

If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself.

Genesis 3:1

¶ Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

Genesis 3:6

¶ And when the woman saw that the tree [was] good for food, and that it [was] pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make [one] wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

Genesis 3:12

And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest [to be] with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.

Psalms 127:3

Lo, children [are] an heritage of the LORD: [and] the fruit of the womb [is his] reward.