Definition: And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Genesis 16:9. It's a really important and somewhat unsettling passage in the Bible, and it deals with a powerful shift in power and submission. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes an encounter between God and Sarah (later renamed to Rebekah) during a time when she was experiencing a difficult pregnancy. God is essentially saying, "I'm going to intervene in this situation." Let's unpack the parts: “And the angel of the LORD” : This refers to an angel, often associated with divine guidance and protection. It’s not a human being; it’s a messenger from God. “said unto her” : The angel is speaking directly to Sarah. “Return to thy mistress” : This is the key part. "Mistress" in this context refers to God . Sarah was experiencing a period of intense, almost overwhelming feelings of being controlled and guided by God – perhaps a feeling that she wasn’t truly free or autonomous. “and submit thyself under her hands” : This is where it gets a bit more complex and symbolic. "Hands" here aren't literal hands. They represent God’s will or His authority . Sarah was being told that she needed to yield to God's plan, even if she didn’t understand it fully at the time. It implies that her freedom and autonomy were being limited. What does this mean in a broader sense? This verse is often interpreted as a reminder of: God’s Sovereignty: He has ultimate control over everything, and we must recognize that. Submission to His Plan: Even when things seem difficult or confusing, we should be willing to follow God's guidance, even if it doesn’t always make sense to us. Recognizing Limits: It’s a call to humility – to acknowledge that we don't have all the answers and that sometimes, obedience is necessary. Important Note: The meaning of this verse has been debated throughout history. Different interpretations exist, but it generally highlights the idea of a divine intervention meant to guide and protect someone through difficult times. Resources for Further Understanding: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/Genesis%2016%209](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/Genesis%2016%209) The Bible Project: [https://thebibletreaty.com/genesis-16-9/](https://thebibletreaty.com/genesis-16-9/) --- Do you want me to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this verse? For example, would you like to explore: The historical context surrounding this passage? Different interpretations of its meaning?