The Bible — notes and cross-references in Genesis | Interpretation and commentary to chapter 16

16:1¹ Sarai

Sarah and Hagar are an allegory symbolizing two covenants (Gal. 4:22-28 and note Gal. 4:24² and note Gal. 4:24^5d).
16:1^a bore

cf. Gen. 15:2-3
16:1^1b Hagar

Gal. 4:24

See note Gen. 16:1¹.
16:2^a Jehovah

Gen. 20:18; 30:2-3; cf. Gen. 17:16; 18:10; 25:21; 30:22; Psa. 127:3
16:2¹ have

Lit., be built up.
16:3^a ten

Gen. 12:4-5
16:7^1a Angel

Gen. 21:17; Exo. 3:2

The Angel of Jehovah is Jehovah Himself (v. 13; 22:11-12, 15-16; 31:11, 13). See note Exo. 3:2^1b, note Exo. 23:21² and note Exo. 23:22¹, and note Zech. 2:8².
16:10^a multiply

Gen. 17:20; 21:13 cf. Gen. 25:12-18
16:15¹ Ishmael

Abraham’s producing of Ishmael through Hagar symbolizes man’s attempt to fulfill God’s purpose by the effort of the flesh in coordination with the law (see note Gal. 2:16² in and note Gal. 4:23¹).
16:15^a Hagar

Gal. 4:22-24
16:14¹ Beer-lahai-roi

Meaning well of the living One who sees me, or well of the One who reveals Himself.
16:13³ Do

The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.
16:13² God

Lit., God of seeing.
16:13¹ You

Or, You are El-roi.
16:11¹ Ishmael

Meaning God hears.