Genesis 16:14 (KJV)

What does Genesis 16:14 mean?

Genesis 16:14 explains that the well where Hagar encountered God was named Beerlahairoi, and it is located between Kadesh and Bered. This verse marks the spot as significant because of Hagar’s experience there, connecting the place with her story.

The verse comes after Hagar, fleeing from Sarai, meets the angel of the Lord in the wilderness. The naming of the well, Beerlahairoi, serves as a memorial to her encounter and God’s attention to her distress. The mention of Kadesh and Bered helps readers locate the well geographically, grounding the story in a real place.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 16:14

• בְּאֵר (be’er, H875): This word means "well" or "spring." Naming the place as a well highlights its importance as a life-sustaining spot in the desert.
• בְּאֵר לַחַי רֹאִי (Beerlahairoi, H883, H2416): This name is often understood as "the well of the Living One who sees me." It directly ties the location to Hagar’s realization that God saw her and cared for her situation.
• קָדֵשׁ (Kadesh, H6946) and בֶּרֶד (Bered, H1260): These are place names. Mentioning them situates the well in a specific region, showing that the story is rooted in real geography.

Why Genesis 16:14 matters

• Genesis 16:14 clarifies that the well’s name is not random; it is a lasting reminder of Hagar’s encounter with God, emphasizing that God notices and responds to those in distress.
• The verse connects the story to a physical location, reinforcing the historical nature of the events and helping later readers or travelers identify the place.
• By naming the well after her experience, the text highlights the importance of personal encounters with God and how they can shape the memory and identity of a place.