top of page
HAGAR
Hagar was Sarah's Egyptian servant who became the mother of Ishmael. Although she experienced rejection, loneliness, and uncertainty, God never abandoned her. In the wilderness, God found Hagar, comforted her, and made promises about her future. She became the first person in the Bible to call God El Roi, meaning "The God Who Sees Me." Hagar's story reminds us that no matter how forgotten or unseen we may feel, God knows our struggles and faithfully cares for us.
Quick Facts
.jpg)
Found In
Genesis 16–21
Meaning of Her Name
Flight or Forsaken (meaning uncertain, but commonly associated with "flight" or "fleeing")
Known For
Being Sarah's servant, the mother of Ishmael, and calling God El Roi ("The God Who Sees Me")
Family
Son: Ishmael
Master: Sarah
Father of Ishmael: Abraham
FREE 5X7 PRINTABLE
Life Lesson
Even when people overlook us, God never does. Hagar felt rejected, abandoned, and alone, yet God met her in the wilderness and reminded her that He saw her and had a purpose for her life. Her story teaches us that God's love reaches people in every circumstance.
Did You Know?
• Hagar is the first person in the Bible to give God a name: El Roi, meaning "The God Who Sees Me." (Genesis 16:13)
• She is one of only a few people in Scripture who received a personal visit from the Angel of the Lord.
• God promised that Ishmael would become the father of a great nation. (Genesis 17:20)
• Hagar fled into the wilderness twice, and both times God cared for her.
• The well where God met Hagar became known as Beerlahairoi, meaning "the well of the Living One who sees me." (Genesis 16:14)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Hagar in the Bible?
Hagar was Sarah's Egyptian servant. When Sarah struggled to have children, she gave Hagar to Abraham as a wife according to the customs of that time. Hagar gave birth to Ishmael, Abraham's first son.
Scripture (KJV)
Genesis 16:1–2
"Now Sarai Abram's wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar.
And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the Lord hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid..."
Why did Hagar run away?
After Hagar became pregnant, tension grew between her and Sarah. Sarah treated Hagar harshly, causing Hagar to flee into the wilderness.
Scripture (KJV)
Genesis 16:6
"But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face."
Who was Ishmael?
Ishmael was Abraham's first son, born to Hagar. God promised that Ishmael would become the father of a great nation.
Scripture (KJV)
Genesis 16:15
"And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son's name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael."
Did God abandon Hagar?
No. Although Hagar experienced rejection by people, God never abandoned her. He met her in the wilderness, protected her, and faithfully provided for her and her son.
Scripture (KJV)
Genesis 21:17–20
And God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. 18 Up! Lift up the boy, and hold him fast with your hand, for I will make him into a great nation.” 19 Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. And she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink. 20 And God was with the boy, and he grew up. He lived in the wilderness and became an expert with the bow.
Why is Hagar's story important?
Hagar's story reminds us that God sees people who feel forgotten. Even in the wilderness, He hears our cries, provides what we need, and keeps His promises.
Scripture (KJV)
Genesis 16:13
"And she called the name of the Lord that spake unto her, Thou God seest me..."
All Products
More Women of The Bible
bottom of page