Hagar
Hagar in the Bible
Hagar is an Egyptian servant in Abraham and Sarah’s household and the mother of Ishmael. Genesis twice portrays her encountering God in the wilderness amid conflict with Sarah.
Hagar at a Glance
Key Bible Passages About Hagar
Old Testament
Genesis 16:1–16
Hagar conceives Ishmael, flees Sarah, and encounters the angel of the LORD.
Genesis 21:8–21
Hagar and Ishmael are sent away and preserved in the wilderness.
Genesis 25:12
Ishmael’s genealogy identifies him as the son of Abraham whom Hagar bore.
New Testament
Galatians 4:21–31
Paul uses Hagar and Sarah allegorically in an argument about slavery and freedom.
The Story of Hagar
Because Sarah has not borne a child, she gives her Egyptian servant Hagar to Abraham. After Hagar conceives, conflict develops between the women, and Hagar flees. The angel of the LORD finds her by a spring, tells her to return, promises numerous descendants, and instructs her to name her son Ishmael.
After Isaac’s birth, Sarah demands that Hagar and Ishmael be sent away. In the wilderness of Beersheba their water runs out. God hears the boy, shows Hagar a well, and promises that Ishmael will become a great nation. Hagar later obtains an Egyptian wife for him.
Where Does Hagar Appear in the Bible?
Old Testament
Genesis 16MAJOR APPEARANCE
Hagar conceives Ishmael and encounters God in the wilderness.
Genesis 21:8–21MAJOR APPEARANCE
Hagar and Ishmael leave Abraham’s household and survive in the wilderness.
Genesis 25:12
Hagar is named in Ishmael’s genealogy.
New Testament
Galatians 4:21–31
Hagar appears in Paul’s allegorical argument.
Historical & Cultural Context
Hagar is explicitly identified as Egyptian and as Sarah’s servant. Her story reflects household servitude, surrogate childbearing practices, inheritance conflict, and wilderness travel in the patriarchal narrative.
Literary Role
Hagar’s two wilderness scenes parallel one another and emphasize divine seeing and hearing. Her story intersects the Abrahamic promise while remaining distinct from the covenant line through Isaac.
Character & Significance
Hagar’s story addresses vulnerability, household power, motherhood, wilderness survival, and divine attention to an outsider. She is also central to the origin story of Ishmael’s descendants.
Important People in Hagar’s Life
Sarah
MistressSarah gives Hagar to Abraham and later expels her and Ishmael.
Abraham
Father of her sonAbraham fathers Ishmael through Hagar.
Ishmael
SonHagar gives birth to Ishmael and raises him after leaving Abraham’s household.
Isaac
Son of Sarah and AbrahamIsaac’s birth intensifies the inheritance conflict involving Hagar and Ishmael.
The Life and Story of Hagar
Given to Abraham
Sarah gives Hagar to Abraham, and Hagar conceives.
First Wilderness Encounter
Hagar flees and receives a promise concerning Ishmael.
Expelled from Household
Sarah demands that Hagar and Ishmael leave.
Preserved in Wilderness
God hears Ishmael and provides water.
Research Questions About Hagar
What does Hagar’s story reveal about household power in Genesis?
Compare Sarah, Abraham, and Hagar’s actions in Genesis 16 and 21.
What do Hagar’s wilderness encounters have in common?
Compare Genesis 16 and 21 for divine speech, distress, descendants, and survival.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hagar
Who was Hagar in the Bible?
Hagar was Sarah’s Egyptian servant and the mother of Abraham’s son Ishmael.
Who was Hagar’s son?
Hagar’s son was Ishmael.
Why did Hagar leave Abraham’s household?
Genesis records two crises: she first fled Sarah’s harsh treatment and was later sent away after Sarah’s demand.
Did God help Hagar?
Genesis portrays God meeting Hagar in the wilderness and later providing for her and Ishmael.
Citing This BibleVerses.com Research Guide
Citation styles vary by instructor and institution. These are convenient starting points; students should follow their assigned style guide.
“Hagar: Life, Story, Bible Verses & Significance.” BibleVerses.com, https://www.bibleverses.com/people/hagar/. Accessed September 30, 2026.
BibleVerses.com. “Hagar: Life, Story, Bible Verses & Significance.” Accessed September 30, 2026. https://www.bibleverses.com/people/hagar/.
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