Verse MeaningGenesisComplex verse
Genesis 16:2: Meaning Explained
And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it...
Genesis 16:2
“Sarai said to Abram, "The LORD has kept me from having children. Please sleep with my servant — perhaps I can build a family through her." Abram agreed to what Sarai said.”
What Does This Verse Mean?
Sarai asked Abram to have a child with Hagar so she could have a family. Abram agreed to do this.
What’s Happening Here
Instead of waiting for God's promise to come true, Sarai tries to solve the problem herself. This was a custom of the time, but it created problems.
Key Words
kept fromprevented; made unable to
sleep withbe intimate with
build a familyhave children to call her own
Why It Matters
This shows what happens when we try to fix God's promises with our own plans. It teaches us to be patient and trust God.
Did You Know?
Even though this was a custom, it wasn't God's plan. God wanted to give Sarai her own child, and He did later.
Word Study
H559
saidוַתֹּ֨אמֶר
H8297
And Saraiשָׂרָֽי׃
H87
by her And Abramאַבְרָ֖ם
H6113
hath restrained meעֲצָרַ֤נִי
H3068
Behold now the LORDיְהוָה֙
H3205
from bearingמִלֶּ֔דֶת
H935
I pray thee go inבֹּא
H8198
unto my maidשִׁפְחָתִ֔י
H194
it mayאוּלַ֥י
H1129
be that I may obtain childrenאִבָּנֶ֖ה
H8085
hearkenedוַיִּשְׁמַ֥ע
H6963
to the voiceלְק֥וֹל
Cross References
Continue Exploring
Read Genesis 16:2 in the Bible reader, or explore the full chapter summary.