Ishmael(6)
Ishmael in the Bible — son of Pashhur who had married a foreign wife (EZR 10:22). Ishmael belonged to the tribe of Levi. Referenced in 2 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “God that hears”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Levi
- Scripture References
- 2 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 1 connection
Biography
Ishmael is a male descendant of the tribe of Levi, uniquely identified as the son of Pashhur who had married a foreign wife, as noted in Ezra 10:22. This detail highlights his connection to a line that faced challenges related to intermarriage within Israel. No additional notes are recorded about him specifically.
Names & Titles
The name Ishmael means 'G-d he heard' in Hebrew, indicating a recognition of God's attentiveness. This proper name is not recorded as being given directly by God but carries significant meaning reflective of divine hearing, as stated in Ezra 10:22.
Family
Scripture records Ishmael as a descendant of Pashhur, establishing a familial link within the tribe of Levi. Beyond this, no further family relationships are documented in the provided information.
Significance
Ishmael's mention in Ezra 10:22 situates him within the context of issues surrounding intermarriage and covenant faithfulness among the Levites. While distinct from the more widely known Ishmael, son of Abraham, this Ishmael's lineage underscores the ongoing biblical theme of maintaining purity within God's chosen people. His identity as a Levite son of a man who married a foreign wife reflects the challenges Israel faced in preserving holiness and obedience to God.
Key Events
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- יִשְׁמָעֵ֔אל
- Transliteration
- yishəmael
- Meaning
- G-d [El] he heard
- Greek
- Ισμαηλ
- Reference
- EZR 10:22
- Strong's
- H3458
Family & Relationships (1)
descendant
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ishmael in the Bible?
Ishmael is a male descendant of the tribe of Levi, uniquely identified as the son of Pashhur who had married a foreign wife, as noted in Ezra 10:22. This detail highlights his connection to a line that faced challenges related to intermarriage within Israel. No additional notes are recorded about him specifically.
What does the name Ishmael mean?
The name Ishmael means “God that hears” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.