Genesis 16:6

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.

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}.

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.

“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.

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

Context of Genesis 16:6

This verse is a pivotal moment in the unfolding narrative of Abram and Sarai's journey, particularly concerning God's promise of a multitude of descendants. Despite the divine covenant established in Genesis 12:2 and the specific assurance of an heir from Abram's own body in Genesis 15:4, Sarai remained barren. Following the custom of the time, Sarai proposed that Abram take her Egyptian maidservant, Hagar, as a concubine to bear a child on her behalf (Genesis 16:2). Once Hagar conceived, a power dynamic shifted, and Hagar began to despise Sarai (Genesis 16:4). Sarai then complained bitterly to Abram, who, in this verse, gives Sarai full authority over Hagar, leading to the harsh treatment and Hagar's subsequent flight.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Human Impatience vs. Divine Timing: The entire episode with Hagar highlights the consequences of Abram and Sarai attempting to fulfill God's promise through human means rather than waiting on His perfect timing. This impatience introduces significant conflict and suffering into their household.
  • Consequences of Unwise Decisions: Abram's passive response and Sarai's harsh actions demonstrate how decisions made outside of God's will can lead to fractured relationships and unforeseen difficulties, extending beyond the immediate parties.
  • Authority and Responsibility: Abram's declaration, "thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee," signifies his delegation of complete authority to Sarai over Hagar. This verse underscores the weighty responsibility that comes with power, and how its misuse can lead to oppression.
  • Suffering of the Vulnerable: Hagar, as a maidservant and now a pregnant woman, becomes a victim of the domestic turmoil. Her flight underscores the harsh reality of her situation and the lack of protection she received.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "dealt hardly with her" translates the Hebrew verb 'anah (עָנָה), which carries a strong connotation of "to afflict," "to oppress," "to humble," or "to mistreat severely." It implies more than just being unpleasant; it suggests a deliberate, harsh, and possibly abusive treatment that was intended to humble or punish Hagar. Abram's phrase "thy maid is in thy hand" idiomatically means "she is under your control" or "she is at your disposal," granting Sarai unrestrained power.

Practical Application

Genesis 16:6 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Timing: This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that God's promises are fulfilled in His way and His time, not ours. Trying to force outcomes can lead to complications and unintended pain. Patience and faith are vital when waiting on the Lord.
  • Responsibility in Authority: Those in positions of authority, whether in family, work, or church, are called to exercise their power with wisdom, compassion, and justice, rather than using it to oppress or mistreat others.
  • Impact of Our Actions: Our decisions, especially when made out of impatience or frustration, can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only ourselves but also those around us, particularly the vulnerable. This story foreshadows the later complexities between the descendants of Isaac and Ishmael, a long-term consequence of this initial decision (Genesis 21:9).
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Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 38:5 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Job 2:6 (2 votes)

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

  • Psalms 106:41 (2 votes)

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

  • Psalms 106:42 (2 votes)

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

  • Ecclesiastes 10:4 (2 votes)

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

  • Genesis 24:10 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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.