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Genesis 16:6 - Hagar flees Sarai's harshness

Genesis 16:6 - בראשית 16:6

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אַבְרָם אֶל־שָׂרַי הִנֵּה שִׁפְחָתֵךְ בְּיָדֵךְ עֲשִׂי־לָהּ הַטּוֹב בְּעֵינָיִךְ וַתְּעַנֶּהָ שָׂרַי וַתִּבְרַח מִפָּנֶיהָ׃

English Translation

But Avram said to Saray, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleases thee. And when Saray dealt harshly with her, she fled from her face.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Avram el-Saray hineh shifchatekh b'yadekh asi-lah hatov b'einayikh va'te'aneha Saray va'tivrach mipaneyha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר אַבְרָ֜ם אֶל־שָׂרַ֗י הִנֵּ֤ה שִׁפְחָתֵךְ֙ בְּיָדֵ֔ךְ עֲשִׂי־לָ֖הּ הַטּ֣וֹב בְּעֵינָ֑יִךְ וַתְּעַנֶּ֣הָ שָׂרַ֔י וַתִּבְרַ֖ח מִפָּנֶֽיהָ׃
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר אַבְרָ֜ם אֶל־שָׂרַ֗י הִנֵּ֤ה שִׁפְחָתֵךְ֙ בְּיָדֵ֔ךְ עֲשִׂי־לָ֖הּ הַטּ֣וֹב בְּעֵינָ֑יִךְ וַתְּעַנֶּ֣הָ שָׂרַ֔י וַתִּבְרַ֖ח מִפָּנֶֽיהָ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bereshit 16:6) describes the tension between Sarai and Hagar after Hagar conceived a child with Avram. Sarai, feeling slighted by Hagar's behavior, complains to Avram, who responds by affirming Sarai's authority over Hagar. The verse raises questions about the dynamics between the matriarchs and the ethical implications of Sarai's treatment of Hagar.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Sarai's harsh treatment of Hagar was justified because Hagar had begun to disrespect Sarai after becoming pregnant. Hagar believed that since she was carrying Avram's child, she had surpassed Sarai in spiritual stature. Rashi cites the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 45:6) to clarify that Sarai's actions were intended to discipline Hagar and restore proper boundaries.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchos Avadim 1:7) discusses the ethical treatment of servants, emphasizing that while a master has authority, cruelty is forbidden. However, in this case, Sarai's actions were not considered cruel but rather a measured response to Hagar's insubordination. The Rambam's framework suggests that discipline must be proportionate and purposeful.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 45:5) notes that Sarai had initially elevated Hagar's status by making her Avram's wife, but Hagar's arrogance led to her downfall.
  • Another Midrash (Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer 30) suggests that Hagar's flight was divinely orchestrated to lead her to encounter an angel, setting the stage for Yishmael's birth and future role.

Ethical Lessons

The verse teaches that while authority figures have the right to enforce discipline, it must be done with wisdom and restraint. Sarai's actions were not arbitrary but a response to Hagar's disrespect. The Torah presents this episode candidly, allowing us to learn from the complexities of human relationships.

Nachmanides' Interpretation

Nachmanides (Ramban) argues that Avram's response to Sarai reflects his trust in her righteousness. He deferred to her judgment, recognizing that her actions were motivated by a desire to uphold the sanctity of their household. However, Ramban also acknowledges that Hagar's suffering was part of a larger divine plan.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 99b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the treatment of Hagar by Sarah, illustrating the ethical implications of their actions.
📖 Nedarim 31a
The verse is cited in a discussion about vows and the authority one has over another, using the example of Sarah's treatment of Hagar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 16:6 mean?
A: Genesis 16:6 describes the conflict between Sarai (later Sarah) and her maidservant Hagar. Sarai, unable to bear children, had given Hagar to Avram (Abraham) as a wife to bear a child on her behalf. When Hagar became pregnant, tensions arose, and Sarai dealt harshly with her, causing Hagar to flee. According to Rashi, Sarai's harsh treatment was justified because Hagar had begun to disrespect her after becoming pregnant.
Q: Why did Sarai treat Hagar harshly?
A: The Torah states that after Hagar conceived, she began to belittle Sarai (Genesis 16:4). Rashi explains that Hagar mocked Sarai for being barren, which led Sarai to respond sternly to restore proper respect. The Ramban adds that Sarai acted within her rights as Hagar's mistress, but Avraham deferred judgment to Sarai, trusting her righteousness.
Q: Why is this story important in Jewish tradition?
A: This episode teaches important lessons about human relationships, humility, and divine providence. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 45:5) explains that Hagar's suffering and eventual return foreshadowed future events, including the Jewish people's exile and redemption. It also highlights the challenges in Avraham and Sarai's journey toward building a nation.
Q: What can we learn from Hagar fleeing from Sarai?
A: The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 16b) teaches that Hagar's suffering and subsequent encounter with an angel (later in the chapter) demonstrate that God hears the cries of the oppressed. This teaches us compassion and the importance of treating others with dignity, even in difficult circumstances.
Q: How does this apply to relationships today?
A: Jewish tradition emphasizes the importance of mutual respect in relationships, whether between spouses, employers and employees, or others. The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 421) derives ethical guidelines from this story about fair treatment of servants. Additionally, it reminds us to avoid arrogance (as Hagar displayed) and to handle conflicts with wisdom (as Avraham did by deferring to Sarai's judgment).