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.

GENESIS 16:6KJV
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Genesis 16:6 (KJV)

What does Genesis 16:6 mean?

Genesis 16:6 describes Abram telling Sarai that her maid, Hagar, is under her authority, so Sarai can treat Hagar as she thinks best. When Sarai treats Hagar harshly, Hagar runs away from her.

In this verse, Abram is speaking to Sarai about Hagar, Sarai’s Egyptian maid. The situation is tense because Sarai had given Hagar to Abram to bear a child, but now there is conflict between Sarai and Hagar. Abram’s response puts the responsibility back on Sarai, and Sarai’s harsh treatment leads Hagar to flee.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 16:6

  • "maid" (שִׁפְחָה, shifchah): This word means a female servant or slave. Its use here highlights Hagar’s vulnerable position in the household.
  • "hand" (יָד, yad): This word often means "power" or "authority" in Hebrew, so when Abram says Hagar is "in your hand," he is saying Sarai has control over her.
  • "dealt hardly with" (עָנָה, anah): This verb means to afflict, humble, or mistreat. The word suggests Sarai’s treatment of Hagar was severe, not just strict.
  • "fled" (בָּרַח, barach): This word means to escape or run away, showing that Hagar’s situation was so difficult that she felt she had no choice but to leave.

Why Genesis 16:6 matters

  • Genesis 16:6 clarifies that Abram does not intervene to protect Hagar, but instead gives Sarai full authority, which shapes the unfolding conflict.
  • The verse shows the real consequences of strained relationships and power dynamics within Abram’s household, setting up the story for Hagar’s encounter with God in the wilderness.
  • Understanding the harshness implied by the Hebrew word for "dealt hardly with" helps explain why Hagar felt compelled to flee, rather than simply endure her situation.

Where else these words appear

“Sarai” Hebrew H8297 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 11:29 And Abram and Nahor took them wives: the name of Abram's wife was Sarai; and the name of Nahor's wife, Milcah, the daughter of Haran, the father of Milcah, and the father of Iscah.
  • Genesis 12:11 And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon:
  • Genesis 16:3 And Sarai Abram's wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife.

“Abram” Hebrew H87 · used in 50 verses

  • Genesis 11:26 And Terah lived seventy years, and begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran.
  • Genesis 13:2 And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
  • Genesis 15:2 And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?

“maid” Hebrew H8198 · used in 58 verses

  • Genesis 12:16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.
  • Genesis 32:22 And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two womenservants, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford Jabbok.
  • 2 Samuel 14:15 Now therefore that I am come to speak of this thing unto my lord the king, it is because the people have made me afraid: and thy handmaid said, I will now speak unto the king; it may be that the king will perform the request of his handmaid.

“fled” Hebrew H1272 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 16:8 And he said, Hagar, Sarai's maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go? And she said, I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai.
  • 1 Samuel 23:6 And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, that he came down with an ephod in his hand.
  • Job 14:2 He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.