Log inSign up

Genesis 16 · a question people ask

Why does the angel send Hagar back to a mistress who treated her harshly?

In the text

The text doesn't give a reason. It records the command, "Return to your mistress, and submit yourself under her hands" (16:9), followed at once by a promise: "I will greatly multiply your offspring" (16:10), and a son whose name will say that God has heard (16:11). The verb for "submit yourself" is from the same root as "dealt harshly" in 16:6.

The verses

“But Abram said to Sarai, “Behold, your maid is in your hand. Do to her whatever is good in your eyes.” Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she fled from her face.”
Genesis 16:6 · World English Bible
“The LORD’s angel said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit yourself under her hands.” The LORD’s angel said to her, “I will greatly multiply your offspring, that they will not be counted for multitude.” The LORD’s angel said to her, “Behold, you are with child, and will bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, because the LORD has heard your affliction.”
Genesis 16:9-11 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Genesis 16

Genesis 16: The God who sees

The Bible's first "angel" comes to a runaway Egyptian servant, and she becomes the first person in the Bible said to name the LORD: "a God who sees". Her son's name, Ishmael, says God hears. The plan that brought her there uses the words of the fall.

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekGenesis 16 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Genesis 16

All questions about Genesis →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions