Genesis 16:6

KJV

But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid [is] in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.

KJV (with Strong's)

But Abram {H87} said {H559} unto Sarai {H8297}, Behold, thy maid {H8198} is in thy hand {H3027}; do {H6213} to her as it pleaseth thee {H2896}{H5869}. And when Sarai {H8297} dealt hardly with {H6031} her, she fled {H1272} from her face {H6440}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, Avram answered Sarai, "Look, she's your slave-girl. Deal with her as you think fit."Then Sarai treated her so harshly that she ran away from her.

Berean Standard Bible

“Here,” said Abram, “your servant is in your hands. Do whatever you want with her.” Then Sarai treated Hagar so harshly that she fled from her.

American Standard Version

But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her that which is good in thine eyes. And Sarai dealt hardly with her, and she fled from her face.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 16:6 vividly portrays the escalating domestic crisis in Abram's household, detailing Abram's decision to grant Sarai full authority over her maidservant Hagar, who was pregnant with Abram's child. This delegation of power led to Sarai's severe mistreatment of Hagar, compelling the vulnerable maidservant to flee into the wilderness. The verse encapsulates the immediate, painful consequences of human impatience and the attempt to fulfill divine promises through human contrivance, highlighting the suffering inflicted upon those caught in the crossfire of such decisions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is situated within the broader narrative of Abram and Sarai's struggle with barrenness, a central theme following God's profound covenantal promises. In [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Initial Covenant with Abram"), God promised Abram numerous descendants and a great nation, a promise reiterated and specified in [Genesis 15:4](/genesis/15-4 "God Promises Abram an Heir") that an heir would come from his own body. Despite these clear assurances, Sarai, in her impatience and perceived inability to bear children, proposed a culturally accepted, though divinely unsanctioned, solution: that Abram take her Egyptian maidservant, Hagar, as a concubine to bear a child on her behalf ([Genesis 16:2](/genesis/16-2 "Sarai's Proposal to Abram")). Upon conceiving, Hagar's status and attitude shifted, leading her to despise Sarai ([Genesis 16:4](/genesis/16-4 "Hagar's Contempt for Sarai")). Sarai then bitterly complained to Abram, who, in this verse, effectively relinquishes full authority over Hagar back to Sarai, setting the stage for the severe mistreatment and Hagar's subsequent flight, which is detailed immediately after this verse. This moment marks a critical turning point, escalating the domestic conflict and revealing the human cost of circumventing God's plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of a barren wife providing her husband with a maidservant to bear children on her behalf was a recognized custom in the ancient Near East, particularly evidenced in legal codes and contracts from Mesopotamia, such as the Nuzi tablets. These documents reveal that such children were legally considered the offspring of the primary wife. Sarai's proposal in [Genesis 16:2](/genesis/16-2 "Sarai's Proposal to Abram") was thus culturally understandable, reflecting a societal pressure to produce an heir and ensure the continuation of the family line. However, while culturally permissible, this practice was not divinely ordained for Abram and Sarai, as God had promised an heir directly through Sarai. Furthermore, the concept of "doing as it pleases" within a household, while granting significant authority to the mistress over her servants, was expected to be exercised within certain bounds of justice and care, even if those bounds were often transgressed in practice. Sarai's subsequent "hard dealing" with Hagar likely pushed beyond even societal expectations of reasonable treatment, reflecting the deep emotional distress and jealousy at play.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 16:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Promise and Human Impatience**, highlighting the dangers of attempting to fulfill God's promises through human contrivance rather than trusting in His perfect timing and methods. Abram and Sarai's actions demonstrate a profound lack of faith, leading to unforeseen and painful consequences. Secondly, the verse illuminates the theme of **Authority and Responsibility**, particularly in patriarchal and marital contexts. Abram's abdication of his protective responsibility over Hagar, a vulnerable member of his household, and Sarai's subsequent misuse of authority, serve as a cautionary tale about the ethical exercise of power. Thirdly, it introduces the theme of **Suffering of the Vulnerable and God's Compassion**, as Hagar, a marginalized figure, becomes a victim of the domestic turmoil. While this verse details her affliction, the subsequent narrative in [Genesis 16:7-14](/genesis/16-7-14 "God's Encounter with Hagar in the Wilderness") powerfully reveals God's attentiveness and compassion toward the oppressed, even those outside the immediate covenant line. Finally, this episode foreshadows **Future Conflict and its Enduring Legacy**, as the discord initiated here between Sarai and Hagar, and subsequently between their sons Isaac and Ishmael ([Genesis 21:9](/genesis/21-9 "Conflict between Isaac and Ishmael")), sets the stage for long-standing ethnic and spiritual tensions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** H3027. This primitive word, referring to the open hand, is used with vast literal and figurative applications. In the phrase "in thy hand," it signifies power, control, possession, and disposal. Abram's declaration, "Behold, thy maid is in thy hand," is an idiom granting Sarai complete authority and discretion over Hagar, effectively placing Hagar entirely at Sarai's mercy and under her jurisdiction. It implies that Sarai has the means and ability to act as she deems fit.
* **dealt hardly with (Hebrew, _ʻânâh'_):** H6031. This primitive root carries the strong sense of "to depress," "to afflict," "to oppress," "to humble," or "to mistreat severely." It implies a deliberate, often cruel, and systematic form of ill-treatment designed to put someone down, cause suffering, or assert dominance. Sarai's actions were not merely disciplinary but were intended to humble and punish Hagar severely, reflecting a deep-seated resentment and jealousy.
* **fled (Hebrew, _bârach'_):** H1272. A primitive root meaning "to bolt," or figuratively, "to flee suddenly." This word conveys a sense of urgency, desperation, and immediate escape. Hagar's flight was not a calm departure but a sudden, urgent act of self-preservation, indicating the extreme nature of the affliction she endured and her perceived inability to remain safely in the household.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid [is] in thy hand;":** Following Sarai's bitter complaint about Hagar's changed demeanor, Abram responds by ceding his authority and responsibility over Hagar entirely to Sarai. The phrase "in thy hand" is an idiomatic expression signifying that Hagar is completely under Sarai's control and at her disposal. This statement represents a significant abdication of Abram's patriarchal duty to protect all members of his household, particularly the vulnerable.
* **"do to her as it pleaseth thee.":** This clause reinforces the absolute authority Abram grants Sarai. The Hebrew phrase "as it pleaseth thee" (literally "good in your eyes" using H2896 _ṭôwb_ and H5869 _ʻayin_) means "do whatever seems good or right to you." It gives Sarai unrestrained discretion, effectively a blank check to treat Hagar as she sees fit, without any apparent limitations or oversight from Abram. This permission directly enables Sarai's subsequent harsh actions.
* **"And when Sarai dealt hardly with her,":** This describes Sarai's immediate and severe response to the authority granted her. The Hebrew verb _ʻânâh_ (H6031) translated "dealt hardly with" implies a deliberate, harsh, and oppressive form of mistreatment, intended to humble, afflict, or punish Hagar. This was not a minor disagreement but a severe and likely abusive course of action, driven by Sarai's jealousy and frustration.
* **"she fled from her face.":** The consequence of Sarai's harsh treatment was Hagar's desperate flight. "From her face" (Hebrew _pânîym_, H6440) emphasizes the directness and intensity of the oppression, suggesting that Hagar could no longer endure being in Sarai's presence due to the severity of the affliction. Her flight signifies her profound distress and her desperate attempt to escape an unbearable situation.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Genesis 16:6 employs several powerful literary devices. **Idiom** is prominent in Abram's declaration, "thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee," which is a common ancient Near Eastern expression signifying complete control and discretion. This idiomatic language underscores the totality of the authority Abram delegates to Sarai. There is also a strong element of **Irony** present; Sarai, who herself is suffering from barrenness and the inability to bear an heir, becomes an oppressor of another woman who *is* able to conceive. This highlights the destructive nature of jealousy and impatience, turning a victim into a perpetrator. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Cause and Effect** to propel the narrative, clearly linking Sarai's harsh treatment as the direct cause of Hagar's flight, emphasizing the immediate and severe consequences of human actions. The scene also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the future conflicts that will arise from this ill-conceived attempt to secure an heir outside of God's perfect timing, particularly the ongoing tension between the descendants of Isaac and Ishmael.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 16:6 serves as a stark reminder of the profound consequences that arise when human impatience and lack of faith attempt to circumvent God's sovereign plan. Abram and Sarai's decision to take matters into their own hands, rather than patiently waiting for God to fulfill His promise, introduces sin, conflict, and suffering into their household. This narrative highlights the ripple effect of disobedience, demonstrating how personal choices rooted in distrust can lead to the oppression of the vulnerable and create lasting familial and even national discord. Yet, even amidst human failure, the broader biblical narrative assures us of God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, often working through and despite human sin to bring about His ultimate purposes.

* [Proverbs 19:3](/proverbs/19-3 "Human Folly and Divine Plan")
* [Psalm 37:7](/psalm/37-7 "Rest in the Lord")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 16:6 offers profound lessons for believers today, primarily emphasizing the critical importance of trusting in God's perfect timing and methods. We are reminded that attempting to force divine outcomes through human ingenuity or impatience often leads to unforeseen complications, fractured relationships, and unnecessary pain. This narrative calls us to exercise patience and unwavering faith, even when God's promises seem delayed or impossible, recognizing that God's ways are higher than our ways. Furthermore, it serves as a powerful reminder for those in positions of authority—whether in family, workplace, or church—to wield power with wisdom, compassion, and justice, rather than using it to oppress or mistreat others, especially the vulnerable. Our decisions, particularly when driven by frustration, fear, or a lack of faith, have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond ourselves, impacting those around us and potentially shaping future generations. We are called to reflect God's character in our exercise of authority, demonstrating love, mercy, and equity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life am I tempted to take matters into my own hands rather than patiently waiting on God's timing?**
* **How do my decisions, particularly those made out of impatience or frustration, impact those around me, especially the vulnerable?**
* **In what ways can I exercise any authority I possess with greater compassion, justice, and responsibility, reflecting God's character?**
* **How does this narrative encourage me to trust God's faithfulness even when circumstances seem to contradict His promises?**

### FAQ

**Why did Abram allow Sarai to treat Hagar harshly?**

Answer: Abram's statement, "Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee," reflects a complex mix of factors. He was likely seeking to restore peace to his household and resolve the intense marital conflict stemming from Sarai's jealousy and Hagar's contempt. By delegating full authority over Hagar back to Sarai, he effectively abdicated his responsibility to protect the vulnerable and ensure justice within his household. This decision, though perhaps intended to appease Sarai and avoid further confrontation, ultimately led to Hagar's severe mistreatment and flight, highlighting a failure in his leadership and trust in God's ultimate plan.

**What does "dealt hardly with her" imply about Sarai's actions?**

Answer: The Hebrew verb *'anah* (עָנָה), translated as "dealt hardly with her," signifies more than mere annoyance or unpleasantness. It implies severe mistreatment, affliction, oppression, or even humiliation. Sarai's actions were likely deliberate and harsh, intended to humble Hagar, assert her dominance, and perhaps punish her for the perceived disrespect. This mistreatment was so severe that it compelled Hagar, who was pregnant, to flee into the dangerous wilderness, underscoring the profound distress and lack of safety she experienced in Abram's household.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Genesis 16:6, marked by human impatience, sin, and the suffering of the innocent, points profoundly to the necessity of Christ. Abram and Sarai's failure to trust God's timing and their resort to human means highlights humanity's inherent inability to achieve divine promises through its own strength or wisdom. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ perfectly fulfilled God's will, not by human contrivance or impatience, but through perfect obedience and self-sacrifice, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). He is the ultimate deliverer, who, unlike Abram, never abdicates responsibility, but instead takes on the suffering of the oppressed and offers true liberation and rest to those who are weary and burdened ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to the Weary")). Where human authority leads to affliction and flight, Christ's authority brings healing, justice, and a secure refuge. His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection are God's true and ultimate answer to humanity's deepest needs, fulfilling the promise of a true heir and a multitude of descendants (spiritual Israel) not through human schemes or fleshly efforts, but through divine grace, the perfect work of the Son, and faith in Him ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - Christ, the Seed of Abraham"); [Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Heirs According to the Promise")). He is the one who came in the "fullness of time" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - The Fullness of Time")), perfectly executing God's plan.

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

Jeremiah 38:5

Then Zedekiah the king said, Behold, he [is] in your hand: for the king [is] not [he that] can do [any] thing against you.

Proverbs 29:19

¶ A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.

Job 2:6

And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he [is] in thine hand; but save his life.

Psalms 106:41

And he gave them into the hand of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them.

Psalms 106:42

Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand.

Ecclesiastes 10:4

¶ If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.

Genesis 24:10

¶ And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master [were] in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor.