Genesis 16:2

French (La Sainte Bible par Louis Segond 1910)

Et Saraï dit à Abram: Voici, l'Eternel m'a rendue stérile; viens, je te prie, vers ma servante; peut-être aurai-je par elle des enfants. Abram écouta la voix de Saraï.

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, Sarai suggests to Abram that he should have a child with Hagar, Sarai's servant, because Sarai cannot have children. Abram listens to Sarai's suggestion. This highlights the challenges Sarai faced in her inability to bear children and the decisions they made as a couple.

Explained for Children

Imagine you really want a puppy, but you can't have one. So, you ask your friend if they can get a puppy that you can take care of. That's kind of what Sarai did with Hagar. She couldn't have a baby, so she asked Abram to have a baby with her helper, Hagar.

Historical Background

This passage is part of the Book of Genesis, written by Moses around 1446-1406 BCE. The text was intended for the Israelites to understand their origins and the promises made to their ancestors. The cultural context involves a patriarchal society where having children was seen as a blessing and a necessity for lineage continuity.

Living It Out Today

In a modern context, this verse can be applied to situations where couples face challenges in having children and consider alternative methods like surrogacy or adoption. It highlights the importance of communication and decision-making in marriages.

Topics

• fertility
• decision-making
• marriage
• promises
• sacrifice
• servitude

Related Verses

• Genesis 21:9-10
• Genesis 21:14-15
• Romans 4:19
• Galatians 4:22-23
• Hebrews 11:11

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Sarai suggest Abram have a child with Hagar?

Sarai couldn't have children, so she suggested this as a way for her and Abram to have a family, reflecting the cultural norm where having children was essential.

What does this verse tell us about Sarai and Abram's relationship?

It shows that they communicated openly about their challenges and made decisions together, even if the decision had complex consequences.

How does this verse relate to contemporary issues in marriage?

It highlights the challenges of infertility and the decisions couples make to address it, such as surrogacy or adoption.

What can we learn about faith from Sarai and Abram's actions?

While they sought a solution to their problem, their actions also show a willingness to trust God's plan, even when it didn't align with their immediate desires.