Location
Overview
Beer-lahai-roi — "the well of the Living One who sees me" — was a spring in the Negev, between Kadesh and Bered. It is one of the tenderest place-names in Genesis.
The God who sees
By this spring the angel of the LORD met the fleeing, despairing Hagar and promised her a son. Amazed that God had seen her, she called him "Thou God seest me," and "the well was called Beerlahairoi" (Genesis 16:13–14).
The home of Isaac
Years later the well became associated with Isaac. He was "come from the way of the well Lahairoi" — meditating in the field at evening — when he first saw Rebekah approaching (Genesis 24:62–63).
Isaac's dwelling
After Abraham's death, "Isaac dwelt by the well Lahairoi" (Genesis 25:11), making the place of Hagar's comfort the home of the son of promise.
Events Here
Hagar meets the God who sees and names the well
Isaac settles by the well Beer-lahai-roi
Scripture References
3 versesGenesis3 verses
Genesis 16:14
Wherefore the well was called Beerlahairoi; behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered. Beerlahairoi: that is, The well of him that liveth and seeth me
Genesis 24:62
And Isaac came from the way of the well Lahairoi; for he dwelt in the south country.
Genesis 25:11
And it came to pass after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac; and Isaac dwelt by the well Lahairoi.
Archaeology & History
Beer-lahai-roi is located somewhere in the Negev between Kadesh and Bered; its exact site is unknown. Its lasting significance is theological rather than archaeological — it commemorates one of Scripture's first names for God as the One who sees and cares for the outcast.
People who appear here
Frequently asked about Beer-lahai-roi
Where is Beer-lahai-roi today?
Today, Beer-lahai-roi corresponds to The Negev (between Kadesh and Bered).
What does the name Beer-lahai-roi mean?
The name Beer-lahai-roi means “The well of the Living One who sees me”.
What happened at Beer-lahai-roi in the Bible?
Key biblical events at Beer-lahai-roi include hagar meets the god who sees and names the well; isaac settles by the well beer-lahai-roi.
Where is Beer-lahai-roi first mentioned in the Bible?
Beer-lahai-roi is first mentioned in Genesis 16:14.
How often is Beer-lahai-roi mentioned in the Bible?
Beer-lahai-roi is mentioned in 3 verses across 1 book: Genesis.
What does Beer-lahai-roi mean?
It means "the well of the Living One who sees me." Hagar named it after God saw her in her distress and promised her a son.
Who lived at Beer-lahai-roi?
Isaac. After Abraham’s death he settled by the well Lahairoi, and it was nearby that he first met Rebekah.