4 He slept with Hagar, and she conceived. When she knew she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress.

Other Translations of Genesis 16:4

King James Version

4 And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.

English Standard Version

4 And he went in to Hagar, and she conceived. And when she saw that she had conceived, she looked with contempt on her mistress.Hebrew her mistress was dishonorable in her eyes; similarly in verse 5

The Message

4 He slept with Hagar and she got pregnant. When she learned she was pregnant, she looked down on her mistress.

New King James Version

4 So he went in to Hagar, and she conceived. And when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress became despised in her eyes.

New Living Translation

4 So Abram had sexual relations with Hagar, and she became pregnant. But when Hagar knew she was pregnant, she began to treat her mistress, Sarai, with contempt.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 16:4

Commentary on Genesis 16:4-6

(Read Genesis 16:4-6)

Abram's unhappy marriage to Hagar very soon made a great deal of mischief. We may thank ourselves for the guilt and grief that follow us, when we go out of the way of our duty. See it in this case, Passionate people often quarrel with others, for things of which they themselves must bear the blame. Sarai had given her maid to Abram, yet she cries out, My wrong be upon thee. That is never said wisely, which pride and anger put into our mouths. Those are not always in the right, who are most loud and forward in appealing to God: such rash and bold imprecations commonly speak guilt and a bad cause. Hagar forgot that she herself had first given the provocation, by despising her mistress. Those that suffer for their faults, ought to bear it patiently, 1 Peter 2:20.