יִשְׁמָעֵאל (yish.ma.el)
yish.ma.el
Ishmael
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 44 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name yishmael means "God will hear," a title given to Abraham’s first son by Hagar in Genesis 16:11. The narrative emphasizes that God heard the boy’s distress, establishing a personal connection between the divine and the outcast. This origin story frames Ishmael as the progenitor of Arabian tribes, with his descendants described as living "to the east of all his kinsmen" (Genesis 25:18).
While primarily associated with the patriarchal era, the name appears in later historical books referring to different individuals. Most notably, it identifies a royal official who assassinated Gedaliah, the governor appointed by Babylon (Jeremiah 40:8). The repetition of this name across centuries highlights its endurance in Israelite history, linking the ancient promise to the turbulent political struggles of the monarchy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Ishmael carries a meaning that offers comfort in times of distress: "God will hear." In Genesis, this title is given to Abraham’s first son, born to Hagar, an Egyptian servant. The narrative highlights that God did not ignore her suffering but promised to hear her affliction. This origin story establishes a personal connection between the divine and those who feel marginalized or overlooked.
While Ishmael is known as the progenitor of Arabian tribes, his story also illustrates God’s faithfulness to promises made outside of expected lines. Even when family dynamics were complicated, God blessed him with fruitfulness and protection. For readers today, this reminds us that our value and our future are not determined by our social status or our family background, but by the One who hears and sees.
Later in Scripture, the name appears among royal officials and soldiers during turbulent political times. Its endurance across centuries shows how deeply these patriarchal stories were woven into Israel’s identity. Whether in the early days of Abraham or the later struggles of the monarchy, the name serves as a reminder that God’s attention extends to all people, regardless of their position.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 44 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Ishmael37×
- and/ Ishmael9×
- and/ to/ Ishmael2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יִשְׁמָעֵ֣אל9×
- יִשְׁמָעֵ֖אל6×
- וְ/יִשְׁמָעֵ֣אל6×
- יִשְׁמָעֵאל֙5×
- יִשְׁמָעֵ֔אל4×
- יִשְׁמָעֵ֨אל3×
- יִשְׁמָעֵֽאל\׃\ \ס2×
- יִשְׁמָעֵֽאל\׃2×
- יִשְׁמָעֵ֤אל2×
- יִשְׁמָעֵ֥אל1×
- יִשְׁמָעֵ֜אל1×
- יִשְׁמָעֵ֑אל1×
Key Verses
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Genesis 16:11
Yahweh’s angel said to her, “Behold, you are with child, and will bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, because Yahweh has heard your affliction.
This verse establishes the etymology of the name, linking it directly to God hearing Hagar's affliction.
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Genesis 17:20
As for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly. He will become the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation.
God reaffirms His blessing on Ishmael, promising he will become a great nation despite not being the child of promise.
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Genesis 25:9
Isaac and Ishmael, his sons, buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron, the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is near Mamre,
This occurrence shows the reconciliation between brothers, as Isaac and Ishmael bury their father together.
-
II Kings 25:25
But in the seventh month, Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, of the royal offspring came, and ten men with him, and struck Gedaliah so that he died, with the Jews and the Chaldeans that were with him at Mizpah.
The name appears here for a different individual, an assassin of Gedaliah, showing its use in later historical conflicts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Ishmael mean?
Is Ishmael mentioned in the New Testament?
How many times does this name appear in the Bible?
Is there more than one person named Ishmael in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (44 verses across 6 books)
Genesis 15 verses
Yahweh’s angel said to her, “Behold, you are with child, and will bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, because…
Genesis 16:15Hagar bore a son for Abram. Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael.
Genesis 16:16Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram.
Genesis 17:18Abraham said to God, “Oh that Ishmael might live before you!”
Genesis 17:20As for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him…
Genesis 17:23Abraham took Ishmael his son, all who were born in his house, and all who were bought with his money: every male among…
Genesis 17:25Ishmael, his son, was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
Genesis 17:26In the same day both Abraham and Ishmael, his son, were circumcised.
Genesis 25:9Isaac and Ishmael, his sons, buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron, the son of Zohar the Hittite,…
Genesis 25:12Now this is the history of the generations of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s servant, bore to…
Genesis 25:13These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to the order of their birth: the firstborn of…
Genesis 25:16These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their villages, and by their encampments: twelve princes,…
Genesis 25:17These are the years of the life of Ishmael: one hundred thirty-seven years. He gave up his spirit and died, and was…
Genesis 28:9So Esau went to Ishmael, and took, in addition to the wives that he had, Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham’s…
Genesis 36:3and Basemath, Ishmael’s daughter, sister of Nebaioth.