Bible Dictionaries

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Hagar

Stranger, an Egyptian bondmaid in the household of Sarah, Genesis 12:16 , who, being barren, gave her to Abraham for a secondary wife, that by her, as a substitute, she might have children in accordance with the customs of the East in that age. The history of Hagar is given in Genesis 16:1-16; 17:1-27; 21:1-34 . In an allegory, Paul makes Hagar represent the Jewish church, which was in bondage to the ceremonial law; as Sarah represents the true church of Christ, which is free from this bondage, Galatians 4:24 . Her name is much honored among the Arabs claiming to be her descendants.