Was Hagar Really Abraham’s Wife?

Some people think Hagar wasn’t really married to Abraham. Let’s look at what the Bible says so we can understand her story correctly.

What the Bible Says About Hagar

Genesis 16:3 (NIV):

“So after Abram had been living in Canaan ten years, Sarai his wife took her Egyptian slave Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife.”

Hagar was technically married to Abraham, but because she was a servant, she kept her lower social status. She did not have the same rights as Sarah, Abraham’s wife of equal status. In ancient times, wives like Hagar were called concubines.

Marriage Status Formula:

• Equal status with husband → full wife

• Unequal status → concubine

Other Examples:

• King Solomon had 700 wives of noble birth (equal status) and 300 concubines (lower status).

These examples show that while social status affected earthly rights, God loves everyone equally, regardless of position or background.

Hagar Meets God

Even though Hagar was a servant, God saw her and cared for her. In her encounter with the Angel of the Lord, she calls Him “the God who sees me” (Genesis 16:13). God promises that her son, Ishmael, will grow into a great nation (Genesis 16:10–12). This story reminds us that no matter who we are or what our status is, God sees us, values us, and cares about our future.

Try This! Kid-Friendly Activities

Activity 1: Scripture Detective

Read Genesis 16:3–16.

• Highlight Hagar’s role and what God said to her.

• Discuss: “How did God show He cares for everyone, no matter their status?”

Activity 2: Character Comparison

• Make a chart: Hagar vs. Sarah vs. Abraham.

• List their roles, social status, and God’s promises to each.

• Talk about what this tells us about God’s love for everyone.

Activity 3: Reflection Drawing or Writing

• Draw Hagar in the wilderness meeting the Angel of the Lord.

• Write a short sentence about how God sees and cares for you, just like He did for Hagar.

Closing Reflection

Even when people misunderstand status or social position, God loves and sees everyone equally, just like He did with Hagar.

About the Author

Ariel Childs writes to help children understand God’s Word clearly and faithfully. She is the author of The Island of Sheqer series for kids and teens, and writes free lesson plans for children blending faith, history, and storytelling to inspire young readers. Download and explore: arielchildsbooks.com