Genesis 16:9

KJV

And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the angel {H4397} of the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto her, Return {H7725} to thy mistress {H1404}, and submit {H6031} thyself under her hands {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The angel of ADONAI said to her, "Go back to your mistress, and submit to her authority."

Berean Standard Bible

So the angel of the LORD told her, “Return to your mistress and submit to her authority.”

American Standard Version

And the angel of Jehovah said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 16:9 presents a pivotal divine encounter where the Angel of the LORD commands Hagar, who has fled from Sarai's harsh treatment, to return to her mistress and submit to her authority. This instruction, delivered in the wilderness, underscores God's active involvement in the lives of individuals, His compassionate care for the distressed and marginalized, and the often counter-intuitive nature of divine wisdom that calls for humility and obedience even in challenging and seemingly unfair circumstances, all within the unfolding tapestry of His sovereign plan for Abraham's descendants.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial narrative arc in the Abrahamic saga, specifically concerning the promise of an heir. Following years of barrenness, Sarai, Abram's wife, takes matters into her own hands by giving her Egyptian servant, Hagar, to Abram to bear a child on her behalf ([Genesis 16:1-3](/genesis/16-1-3 "Sarai's Plan for an Heir")). This cultural practice, while common, quickly leads to domestic strife. Once Hagar conceives, she begins to despise Sarai, prompting Sarai to deal harshly with her. This mistreatment forces Hagar to flee into the wilderness, pregnant and alone ([Genesis 16:4-6](/genesis/16-4-6 "Hagar Flees Sarai")). It is in this vulnerable state that the Angel of the LORD intervenes, finding Hagar by a spring of water and initiating a direct dialogue that includes both a command to return and a promise concerning her unborn child, Ishmael. This divine encounter sets the stage for Ishmael's birth within Abram's household, linking him directly to the patriarchal narrative, even as the ultimate covenant promise rests with Isaac.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of a barren wife providing a slave-girl to her husband to bear children was a recognized custom in the ancient Near East, as evidenced by legal codes like the Code of Hammurabi. Such children were legally considered the offspring of the primary wife. However, the social dynamics were complex; the slave-girl's status could rise upon conception, leading to tension with the primary wife, as seen between Sarai and Hagar. Fleeing into the wilderness was a desperate act for a pregnant woman, fraught with dangers from lack of water, wild animals, and exposure. The patriarchal household was a fundamental social unit, and the "hands" of the mistress (H1404, H3027) signified her authority and control over her servants. The Angel's command to return and submit was therefore a directive to re-enter this established social structure, albeit under divine oversight, rather than face the certain perils of the wild.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 16:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating God's active involvement in human affairs, even when human choices (like Sarai's impatience) create complications. God's intervention with Hagar, a marginalized foreign slave, powerfully illustrates His **Compassion for the Vulnerable and Outcast**, a theme echoed throughout Scripture, from the care for the widow and orphan in the Law to Jesus' ministry among the poor and sick. The command to "return and submit" introduces the theme of **Obedience and Humility** in the face of difficult circumstances, suggesting that God's path to blessing often involves a posture of trust and surrender rather than escape. Furthermore, this episode, particularly the identity of the "Angel of the LORD," foreshadows the **Unveiling of God's Presence** and His direct communication with humanity, a motif that culminates in the Incarnation of Christ. The continued unfolding of God's covenant promises to Abram, despite human missteps, is also a central theme, with Hagar's return ensuring Ishmael's birth within the household, contributing to the broader story of Abram's descendants as promised in [Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "God's Promise of Innumerable Descendants to Abram").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Angel (Hebrew, _mălʼâk'_):** (H4397) From an unused root meaning "to despatch as a deputy," this term refers to a messenger. Specifically, when used in conjunction with "of the LORD" (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_), it often denotes a divine messenger or, as many theologians interpret, a pre-incarnate appearance of God Himself (a Christophany). The authority and divine prerogatives (such as promising to multiply offspring) attributed to this figure throughout the narrative support this understanding, indicating a direct manifestation of God's presence and will.
* **Mistress (Hebrew, _gᵉbereth'_):** (H1404) This feminine noun, derived from a root meaning "to be strong" or "master," denotes a lady or mistress. In this context, it refers to Sarai, signifying her position of authority and control within the household over her servant Hagar. The command to return to her mistress underscores the hierarchical structure of the ancient household and Hagar's subordinate status, which the Angel of the LORD acknowledges as the divinely ordained social order for her return.
* **Submit (Hebrew, _ʻânâh'_):** (H6031) This primitive root carries the primary meaning "to depress literally or figuratively." Its various applications include "to abase self," "afflict self," "chasten self," "humble (self)," and "submit self." The command to "submit thyself under her hands" implies a posture of humility, obedience, and acceptance of one's position, even in a challenging and potentially oppressive situation. It is not merely passive endurance but an active choice to humble oneself and yield to authority, trusting in God's overarching plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the angel of the LORD said unto her,"**: This opening phrase establishes the divine origin and authority of the subsequent command. The "angel of the LORD" is not merely a created being but a manifestation of God Himself, speaking with direct divine authority. This encounter highlights God's personal and direct engagement with Hagar, an outcast, demonstrating His compassionate awareness of her plight and His sovereign right to direct her steps.
* **"Return to thy mistress,"**: This is the first of two imperative commands. It instructs Hagar to reverse her flight and go back to Sarai's household. While seemingly harsh given Sarai's treatment, this command was crucial for Hagar's physical safety in the wilderness and for the birth of Ishmael within the established patriarchal lineage. It signifies God's intention to bring order out of chaos and to ensure the unfolding of His broader plans for Abram's family, even through difficult circumstances.
* **"and submit thyself under her hands."**: This second command defines the posture Hagar is to adopt upon her return. "Under her hands" (H3027, _yâd_) metaphorically signifies being under her authority, power, and control. The verb "submit" (H6031, _ʻânâh_) implies humbling oneself, accepting one's subordinate position, and yielding to Sarai's authority. This was a call not to passive resignation to abuse, but to a posture of humility and trust in God's wisdom, allowing Him to work through the difficult relational dynamics and to fulfill His promises to Hagar and her son.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Theophany** or **Christophany**, referring to the appearance of God or a pre-incarnate Christ. The "angel of the LORD" is consistently depicted throughout the Old Testament as speaking with divine authority, accepting worship, and performing actions only God can do, strongly suggesting a direct manifestation of God Himself. This divine encounter underscores the **Dramatic Irony** of the situation, as Hagar, a seemingly insignificant slave, receives direct divine communication and promises, while Sarai and Abram are left to grapple with their human-driven solutions. The commands themselves are **Imperatives**, direct and authoritative, emphasizing the non-negotiable nature of God's will. Furthermore, the entire episode serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at God's ongoing involvement in the lives of His people, His care for the vulnerable, and the often unexpected ways His redemptive plan unfolds, even through human imperfection and suffering.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 16:9 profoundly illustrates God's active and personal involvement in the lives of individuals, even those who are marginalized or overlooked by society. It reveals that divine providence extends beyond the covenant family to encompass all who are touched by His plan. God's command to Hagar, though challenging, reflects a deeper wisdom that seeks to restore order, ensure safety, and facilitate the unfolding of His purposes, even if it requires humility and submission in difficult circumstances. This passage teaches us that true obedience often means trusting God's direction even when it contradicts our immediate desires or seems counter-intuitive, knowing that His ultimate aim is always for our good and the advancement of His kingdom.

* [Psalm 139:7-10](/psalms/139-7-10 "God's Omnipresence and Guiding Hand")
* [1 Peter 5:6-7](/1_peter/5-6-7 "Humble Yourselves Under God's Mighty Hand")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 16:9 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers navigating challenging relationships and difficult life circumstances. Like Hagar, we often face situations where our natural inclination is to flee from discomfort, conflict, or perceived injustice. However, this passage calls us to consider that God's wisdom may sometimes lead us back into, or through, such trials with a posture of humility and trust. It reminds us that God sees our distress, hears our cries, and is intimately involved in our lives, even when we feel abandoned or overlooked. His commands, though sometimes demanding, are always rooted in His perfect wisdom and love, designed to bring about His ultimate good and to align us with His sovereign purposes. Our willingness to submit to His direction, even when it requires us to humble ourselves or endure hardship, positions us to experience His continued provision, protection, and the unfolding of His blessings in ways we might not anticipate. It encourages us to seek His guidance not just for escape, but for transformation within our trials.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to flee from difficult situations rather than seeking God's guidance to return or submit?**
* **How can I cultivate a posture of humility and trust in God's wisdom, even when His commands seem counter-intuitive or require me to endure hardship?**
* **What does Hagar's story teach me about God's compassion for those who are marginalized, distressed, or feel overlooked?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereign plan influence my willingness to obey His specific directives, even in challenging circumstances?**

### FAQ

**Why did the Angel of the LORD command Hagar to return to a potentially abusive situation?**

Answer: The command to "return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands" was not an endorsement of abuse, but a directive within God's larger sovereign plan for Hagar, Ishmael, and the Abrahamic lineage. Firstly, it ensured Hagar's physical safety from the perils of the wilderness, where she was pregnant and alone. Secondly, it was crucial for the birth of Ishmael within Abram's household, connecting him to the patriarchal narrative and ensuring his place as a descendant of Abram, through whom God would also establish a great nation ([Genesis 16:10](/genesis/16-10 "The Angel's Promise to Hagar")). God's intervention also included a promise of blessing and a prophecy about Ishmael's future, indicating His continued care and provision for Hagar even in difficult circumstances ([Genesis 16:11-12](/genesis/16-11-12 "Prophecy Concerning Ishmael")). The submission was about humility and trust in God's path, allowing Him to work out His purposes, rather than passively accepting mistreatment without divine oversight. God's presence and promises to Hagar transformed her return from an act of simple subjugation into an act of faith.

**Who is the "angel of the LORD" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "angel of the LORD" (Hebrew: _mălʼâk Yᵉhôvâh_) is a significant and unique figure in the Old Testament. In many theological interpretations, particularly within evangelical Christianity, this figure is understood as a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ (a Christophany) or a direct manifestation of God Himself. This interpretation is strongly supported by the divine authority the Angel exercises throughout the narrative, speaking and acting with the prerogatives of God. For instance, this "Angel" promises to multiply Hagar's offspring ([Genesis 16:10](/genesis/16-10 "The Angel's Promise to Hagar")), hears her prayer, and is subsequently referred to by Hagar as "You are the God who sees me" ([Genesis 16:13](/genesis/16-13 "Hagar Names God El-roi")). This encounter highlights God's direct, personal, and compassionate engagement with humanity, foreshadowing the ultimate revelation of God in the person of Jesus Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 16:9, with the appearance of the "angel of the LORD," serves as a profound foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Messenger and Embodiment of God's presence. The Angel's divine authority, compassionate pursuit of the distressed and marginalized (Hagar in the wilderness), and direct intervention in human affairs resonate deeply with Christ's own ministry. Just as the Angel called Hagar to a difficult path of return and submission for her ultimate good and the unfolding of God's plan, so too does Christ, our Good Shepherd, call His followers to humble submission to God's will, even when it involves hardship or suffering. His own life perfectly exemplified this radical obedience, culminating in His submission to the cross for the redemption of humanity ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Humility and Obedience")). The Angel's promise of blessing to Hagar's descendants, and His role in preserving the lineage through which Christ would eventually come, points to Jesus as the one who brings true fulfillment to all of God's promises ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")) and offers ultimate refuge, peace, and reconciliation to all who humble themselves and submit to His Lordship ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")).

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

1 Peter 5:5

¶ Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

1 Peter 5:6

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

Ecclesiastes 10:4

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

1 Peter 2:18

Servants, [be] subject to [your] masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

1 Peter 2:25

For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

Titus 2:9

[Exhort] servants to be obedient unto their own masters, [and] to please [them] well in all [things]; not answering again;

Ephesians 5:21

¶ Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.