Ishmael(2)
Ishmael in the Bible — son of Nethaniah, a captain of Judean forces during the Babylonian captivity (2KI 25:23). Referenced in 2 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “God that hears”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Scripture References
- 2 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 1 connection
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
- יִשְׁמָעֵאל
- Transliteration
- yishəmael
- Meaning
- G-d [El] he heard
- Greek
- Ισμαηλ
- Reference
- 2KI 25:23
- Strong's
- H3458
Family & Relationships (1)
son
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ishmael in the Bible?
Ishmael is described in the Bible as son of Nethaniah, a captain of Judean forces during the Babylonian captivity (2KI 25:23).
What does the name Ishmael mean?
The name Ishmael means “God that hears” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.