Ishmael
Ishmael in the Bible — son of Abram and Hagar (GEN 16:15). Referenced in 17 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “God that hears”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Scripture References
- 17 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 16 connections
Biography
The son of Abraham through Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian maidservant. Born when Abraham was 86, Ishmael was not the child of promise. After Isaac's birth, Sarah demanded Hagar and Ishmael be sent away. God promised to make Ishmael a great nation, and he became the father of twelve princes. Ishmael lived 137 years.
Significance
Ishmael represents works of the flesh and human effort to fulfill God's promises. His conflict with Isaac illustrates the opposition between the flesh and the Spirit.
Key Events
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- יִשְׁמָעֵ֔אל
- Transliteration
- yishəmael
- Meaning
- G-d [El] he heard
- Greek
- Ισμαηλ
- Reference
- GEN 16:11
- Strong's
- H3458
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ishmael in the Bible?
Ishmael is described in the Bible as son of Abram and Hagar (GEN 16:15).
What does the name Ishmael mean?
The name Ishmael means “God that hears” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.