Ἄγαρ (Agar)
Agar
Hagar
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Agar, or Hagar in English translations, is a proper noun appearing only twice in the New Testament, both within Galatians 4:24 and 4:25. It refers to the servant woman from Genesis who bore Abraham’s first son, Ishmael. The lexicon sources identify its Hebrew origin as meaning "flight," a detail that aligns with her story of fleeing from Sarah’s harsh treatment.
In Paul’s argument in Galatians, this name carries significant theological weight rather than serving merely as a historical reference. Paul uses Agar to symbolize the covenant of Mount Sinai, which corresponds to the present Jerusalem and remains in slavery with her children. This stands in direct contrast to Sarah, who represents the promise and freedom. By invoking Hagar, Paul highlights the distinction between living under the law and living by faith.
Translators consistently render this name as Hagar to maintain clarity for readers familiar with the Old Testament narrative. The brevity of its New Testament usage underscores how Paul repurposes a specific historical figure to illustrate a broader spiritual principle about freedom and bondage in Christ.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When Paul mentions Hagar in Galatians, he is not just recounting an Old Testament story; he is using it to clarify a deep spiritual truth about freedom. The name itself carries the sense of flight or refuge, reflecting her own experience of seeking safety when things became difficult. In his letter, Paul contrasts this figure with Sarah to show the difference between living under strict rules and living in the grace God offers.
This distinction helps us understand that our relationship with God is not based on earning His favor through performance. Instead, it rests on the promise He gave, which brings true liberty. By looking at these two women, we see that faith leads to freedom, while reliance on mere effort can lead to a heavy burden. This perspective invites us to rest in the security of God’s promises rather than striving for approval.
Understanding this allegory encourages us to examine where we might be trying to control our lives through rigid adherence to rules. It reminds us that we are children of the promise, free from the slavery of fear and obligation. This freedom allows us to walk in confidence, knowing that our standing before God is secure through faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Hagar.1×
- Hagar1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἁγάρ.1×
- Ἁγὰρ1×
Key Verses
-
Galatians 4:24
These things contain an allegory, for these are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children to bondage, which is Hagar.
This verse establishes the allegorical framework where Hagar represents the covenant of law that leads to bondage.
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Galatians 4:25
For this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and answers to the Jerusalem that exists now, for she is in bondage with her children.
Here Paul explicitly links Hagar to Mount Sinai and the current Jerusalem, illustrating the state of slavery under the law.