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
Ishmael is a male figure in Scripture, uniquely identified as the son of Abram and Hagar (Genesis 16:15). He is notable as the firstborn son of Abram, born through Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian maidservant. The biblical record emphasizes his role as a progenitor rather than detailing a tribal affiliation or additional personal notes.
Names & Titles
The name Ishmael means 'G-d [El] he heard,' a name given by God Himself as recorded in Genesis 16:11. This name reflects God's awareness and response to the circumstances surrounding Ishmael's birth.
Family
Scripture records Ishmael as the son of Abram and Hagar (Genesis 16:16). He is also the father of twelve sons, including Nebaioth, Kedar, Adbeel, and others, who became princes of their own clans (Genesis 25:13-15). Additionally, Mahalath is noted as one of his children (Genesis 28:9).
Significance
Ishmael holds a significant place as the son of Abraham through Hagar, representing the human effort to fulfill God's promises apart from divine timing. Though not the child of promise, God promised to make him a great nation, and he became the father of twelve princes. His life and relationship with Isaac symbolize the tension between fleshly effort and God's sovereign plan, illustrating spiritual truths about faith 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 a male figure in Scripture, uniquely identified as the son of Abram and Hagar (Genesis 16:15). He is notable as the firstborn son of Abram, born through Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian maidservant. The biblical record emphasizes his role as a progenitor rather than detailing a tribal affiliation or additional personal notes.
What does the name Ishmael mean?
The name Ishmael means “God that hears” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.