Then God opened her eyes: this expression may be taken literally. However, if it only means he forced her eyelids to open, some adjustments will be required. The sense is “God caused Hagar to see.” She was not blind before, but she had failed to see the well that was nearby. In some languages this may be translated “God caused her to see [or, notice] a well of water.”

Well of water: in 16.14 the spring referred to earlier in 16.7 is called a “well.” Well of water refers to a deep hole dug in the ground down to where the underground water is and from which the water is drawn out with a rope and container. In areas where wells are unknown, it may be necessary to refer to a water hole or spring.

And she went, and filled the skin with water: Hagar went to the well. The narrator does not say how she filled the empty skin, and this is probably not necessary.

Gave the lad a drink: gave … drink translates the causative form of the verb to drink. Lad is the same noun as used in verses 12, 17 and 18.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .