Genesis 16:4

¶ And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.

And he went in {H935} unto Hagar {H1904}, and she conceived {H2029}: and when she saw {H7200} that she had conceived {H2029}, her mistress {H1404} was despised {H7043} in her eyes {H5869}.

Avram had sexual relations with Hagar, and she conceived. But when she became aware that she was pregnant, she looked on her mistress with contempt.

And he slept with Hagar, and she conceived. But when Hagar realized that she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress.

And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.

Commentary

Genesis 16:4 describes the immediate outcome of Sarai's plan for Abram to have a child through her servant, Hagar. It details Hagar's conception and the subsequent shift in her attitude towards Sarai, her mistress. This verse marks a pivotal moment, highlighting the consequences of human attempts to fulfill divine promises through their own means.

Context

At this point in the narrative, God had promised Abram numerous descendants and a great nation, yet both Abram and Sarai remained childless, with Sarai being barren. Impatient with God's timing and seeking to secure an heir, Sarai proposed that Abram take Hagar as a surrogate, a practice common in the ancient Near East under specific cultural codes (e.g., Nuzi tablets). Verse 4 shows the immediate success of this union in terms of conception, but also the immediate relational fallout.

Key Themes

  • Human Impatience vs. Divine Providence: This verse starkly illustrates the dangers of attempting to force God's hand or fulfill His promises through human schemes rather than trusting in His perfect timing and method. Sarai's impatience sets in motion a chain of events with lasting repercussions.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The immediate result of Hagar's conception is not joy or peace, but relational strife. Hagar's change in demeanor highlights how deviations from God's intended path can quickly lead to unforeseen negative outcomes and discord.
  • Pride and Contempt: Hagar's shift from servant to a woman carrying Abram's heir instilled a sense of elevated status, leading her to "despise" her mistress. This shows how quickly power dynamics can corrupt relationships and breed arrogance.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "her mistress was despised in her eyes" (Hebrew: va-teqal g'virtah b'eineiha) literally means "her mistress became light/insignificant in her eyes." This conveys a strong sense of contempt, disdain, or a lowering of regard. Hagar no longer saw Sarai as superior or worthy of the same respect, believing her new status as the mother of Abram's potential heir gave her precedence.

Significance and Application

Genesis 16:4 is a foundational verse for understanding the ongoing conflict between the descendants of Ishmael (Hagar's son) and Isaac (Sarah's son). More broadly, it serves as a powerful cautionary tale for believers today. It reminds us that even when God makes a clear promise, we must wait for His perfect timing and method. Taking matters into our own hands, driven by impatience or a lack of faith, often leads to unintended complications, strife, and long-term consequences, as seen in the subsequent verses (Genesis 16:5). Trusting God's sovereign plan and timing is always the wisest course.

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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 30:23 (3 votes)

    For an odious [woman] when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.

  • 2 Samuel 6:16 (2 votes)

    And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.

  • 1 Corinthians 13:4 (2 votes)

    ¶ Charity suffereth long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

  • 1 Corinthians 13:5 (2 votes)

    Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

  • Proverbs 30:20 (2 votes)

    Such [is] the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.

  • Proverbs 30:21 (2 votes)

    For three [things] the earth is disquieted, and for four [which] it cannot bear:

  • 1 Samuel 1:6 (2 votes)

    And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb.