### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Hâgâr**, represented by `{{H1904}}`, is the proper name of **Hagar**, the mother of Ishmael. It appears **12 times** across **10 unique verses** in scripture. The name is consistently associated with her identity as an **Egyptian** `{{H4713}}` and a servant within the household of Abram and Sarai. Her story is a pivotal one in the book of Genesis, detailing her role in the birth of Abram's first son.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1904}}` is introduced when **Sarai** `{{H8297}}`, the **wife** `{{H802}}` of **Abram** `{{H87}}`, being unable to have children, gives her Egyptian **handmaid** `{{H8198}}`, Hagar, to Abram ([[Genesis 16:1]], [[Genesis 16:3]]). After conceiving, conflict arises, and Hagar despises her **mistress** `{{H1404}}` [[Genesis 16:4]]. She flees into the wilderness but is instructed to return [[Genesis 16:8]]. Hagar bears a **son** `{{H1121}}` to Abram, whom he names **Ishmael** `{{H3458}}` [[Genesis 16:15]]. Years later, she and her son are sent away, and in their distress, an **angel** `{{H4397}}` of **God** `{{H430}}` calls to **Hagar** `{{H1904}}` from **heaven** `{{H8064}}` to reassure her [[Genesis 21:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide crucial context for Hagar's identity and story:
* `{{H8198}}` **shiphchâh** (female slave): This word defines Hagar's social position as a handmaid, first belonging to **Sarai** `{{H8297}}` and later identified as **Sarah's** `{{H8283}}` handmaid ([[Genesis 16:1]], [[Genesis 25:12]]).
* `{{H1404}}` **gᵉbereth** (mistress): This term establishes Sarai's authority over Hagar. The dynamic between the mistress and the handmaid becomes a source of significant conflict after Hagar conceives ([[Genesis 16:4]], [[Genesis 16:8]]).
* `{{H3458}}` **Yishmâʻêʼl** (Ishmael): As the son Hagar bears, his name means "God will hear," reflecting God's response to Hagar's affliction [[Genesis 16:15]]. He is identified as the son of **Hagar** `{{H1904}}` the Egyptian [[Genesis 25:12]].
* `{{H4713}}` **Mitsrîy** (Egyptian): Hagar's nationality is mentioned repeatedly, emphasizing her status as a foreigner within Abram's family ([[Genesis 16:1]], [[Genesis 21:9]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1904}}` is seen in several key themes emerging from her narrative:
* **Divine Intervention for the Outcast:** When Hagar is sent away and faces despair in the wilderness, **God** `{{H430}}` directly intervenes. An **angel** `{{H4397}}` speaks to her, and God hears the **voice** `{{H6963}}` of her **lad** `{{H5288}}`, showing His compassion for the afflicted and marginalized [[Genesis 21:17]].
* **Human Agency and Familial Conflict:** The story of Hagar is initiated by Sarai's plan to obtain a child through her handmaid [[Genesis 16:2]]. This human solution leads to jealousy, contempt, and the eventual expulsion of Hagar and her son, illustrating the complex consequences of human actions within a family.
* **Mother of a Nation:** Hagar becomes the mother of **Abram's** `{{H87}}` firstborn son, Ishmael [[Genesis 16:15]]. Through him, she is the matriarch of a lineage explicitly recorded in the generations of Ishmael [[Genesis 25:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1904}}` identifies a person, Hagar, who is far more than a secondary character. As Sarai's Egyptian handmaid, she becomes a key figure in the history of **Abraham's** `{{H85}}` family. Her narrative is one of servitude, conflict, and ultimately, divine deliverance. Through her son Ishmael, her story is woven into the lineage of nations, and her direct encounters with God's messenger highlight a scriptural theme of care for the powerless.
TRV