of uncertain (perhaps foreign) derivation; Hagar, the mother of Ishmael; Hagar.
Transliteration:Hâgâr
Pronunciation:haw-gawr'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma הָגָר (Hâgâr), Strong's number `{{H1904}}`, is a proper noun referring to a specific individual in the biblical narrative. Its base definition notes an "uncertain (perhaps foreign) derivation." While some etymological theories suggest connections to Arabic roots meaning "to flee" or "stranger," the primary semantic weight of Hagar lies in her identity and role within the patriarchal narratives of Genesis. As a proper name, its meaning is tied to the person it designates rather than a broader conceptual range. She is known exclusively as the Egyptian slave of Sarai (later Sarah) and the mother of Ishmael.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Hagar's story is primarily unfolded in the book of Genesis, with a significant theological reinterpretation in the New Testament.
1. **Genesis 16:** Introduced as Sarai's Egyptian servant, given to Abram as a concubine to bear an heir due to Sarai's barrenness ([[Genesis 16:1-3]]). Upon conceiving, Hagar despises Sarai, leading to Sarai's harsh treatment and Hagar's subsequent flight into the wilderness ([[Genesis 16:4-6]]). There, the Angel of the Lord encounters her at a spring, commands her to return, and promises that her offspring will be numerous ([[Genesis 16:7-12]]). He also gives the prophecy concerning Ishmael's nature. Hagar responds by naming the Lord "You are El-roi" (God of seeing) and the well Beer-lahai-roi ([[Genesis 16:13-14]]). She then returns and bears Ishmael ([[Genesis 16:15]]).
2. **Genesis 21:** After the birth of Isaac, Sarah sees Ishmael mocking Isaac and demands that Abraham cast out Hagar and her son ([[Genesis 21:9-10]]). Though distressed, Abraham complies at God's instruction, who promises to make a nation of Ishmael because he is Abraham's offspring ([[Genesis 21:11-13]]). Hagar and Ishmael are sent into the wilderness of Beer-sheba, where their water supply runs out ([[Genesis 21:14-15]]). God hears Ishmael's cry, opens Hagar's eyes to a well, and promises to make Ishmael a great nation ([[Genesis 21:16-18]]). Ishmael grows up in the wilderness of Paran, becoming an expert archer, and Hagar arranges a wife for him from Egypt ([[Genesis 21:20-21]]).
3. **1 Chronicles 1:29-31:** Hagar is briefly mentioned in the genealogies as the mother of Ishmael, whose descendants are listed.
4. **Galatians 4:21-31:** The Apostle Paul employs Hagar and Sarah as an allegory to illustrate two covenants. Hagar, the slave woman, represents Mount Sinai and the covenant of the Law, which leads to bondage. Sarah, the free woman, represents the heavenly Jerusalem and the covenant of grace through promise. Paul uses this to argue for the freedom of believers in Christ from the bondage of the Law, contrasting those "born according to the flesh" (like Ishmael) with those "born through promise" (like Isaac).
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Hagar is intrinsically linked to several key biblical figures and theological concepts:
* **Abraham (`{{H87}}`):** The patriarch who takes Hagar as a concubine.
* **Sarah (`{{H8297}}`):** Abraham's wife, who gives Hagar to him and later expels her.
* **Ishmael (`{{H3458}}`):** Hagar's son, the progenitor of the Ishmaelites.
* **Isaac (`{{H3327}}`):** Sarah's son, the child of promise, whose birth precipitates Hagar's expulsion.
* **Egypt (`{{H4714}}`):** Hagar's land of origin.
* **Concubinage:** The social practice of taking a secondary wife, often for the purpose of bearing heirs.
* **Barrenness:** Sarah's inability to conceive, which directly leads to Hagar's role.
* **Divine Promise:** The promise of a numerous offspring to Abraham, which Hagar's story highlights in both its fulfillment (through Ishmael) and its specific, ultimate fulfillment (through Isaac).
* **Divine Providence and Compassion:** God's direct intervention and care for Hagar and Ishmael in the wilderness, demonstrating His concern for those outside the immediate covenant line.
* **Covenant:** The Abrahamic covenant, and Paul's allegorical use contrasting the old covenant (Law) with the new covenant (Grace).
* **Allegory:** Paul's unique hermeneutical application of Hagar's narrative in Galatians.
### Theological Significance
Hagar's narrative carries profound theological weight, extending beyond her historical role:
1. **God's Sovereignty Amidst Human Imperfection:** Hagar's story begins with Abraham and Sarah's attempt to fulfill God's promise through human means, rather than waiting on divine timing. Yet, God's sovereign plan unfolds despite, and even through, their impatience.
2. **Divine Compassion for the Marginalized:** Hagar, an Egyptian slave woman, is twice abandoned and twice meets with divine intervention. The Angel of the Lord seeks her out in the wilderness, hears her distress, and provides for her and her son. This highlights God's compassionate nature, His attentiveness to the cries of the vulnerable and outcast, even those seemingly outside the primary covenant relationship.
3. **The Origin of Nations and Conflict:** As the mother of Ishmael, Hagar is foundational to the lineage of the Ishmaelites, a people group distinct from Israel yet related through Abraham. Their history is often marked by tension and conflict with the descendants of Isaac, reflecting the prophecy in [[Genesis 16:12]].
4. **Pauline Allegory of Law and Grace:** In Galatians, Paul's allegorical use of Hagar is her most significant theological contribution in the New Testament. Hagar, the slave woman, represents the covenant of the Law given at Mount Sinai, which leads to spiritual bondage and a works-based righteousness. Her son, Ishmael, born "according to the flesh," signifies those who seek righteousness through adherence to the Law. By contrast, Sarah, the free woman, represents the covenant of grace and promise, leading to freedom in Christ. This powerful allegory underscores the core message of the Gospel: salvation is by grace through faith, not by works of the Law.
### Summary
Hagar (`{{H1904}}`) is an Egyptian slave woman who becomes a pivotal figure in the Abrahamic narrative as the mother of Ishmael. Her story in Genesis highlights themes of human impatience, divine sovereignty, and God's compassionate care for the marginalized, as He intervenes twice to provide for her and her son in the wilderness. Beyond her historical significance as the progenitor of the Ishmaelites, Hagar gains profound theological importance through the Apostle Paul's allegorical interpretation in Galatians. There, she represents the covenant of the Law and its bondage, serving as a stark contrast to Sarah, who symbolizes the freedom of the covenant of grace in Christ. Thus, Hagar stands as a testament to both the complexities of human faith and the unwavering, merciful providence of God.
TRV