Bible Dictionary

Ishmael

A Hebrew proper name meaning "God hears."

Quick Reference

Total Entries

368

Entry Position

195 of 368

Letter

I

Meaning

A Hebrew proper name meaning "God hears."

Key Scriptures

  • Genesis 16
  • Genesis 17:15-27
  • Genesis 21:8-21
  • Genesis 25:12-18
  • 1 Chronicles 1:28-31
  • Galatians 4:21-31

Original Language

Hebrew

יִשְׁמָעֵאל

yishma'el

God hears

Greek

Ἰσμαήλ

Ismaēl

Ishmael

Meaning

Ishmael is a Hebrew proper name meaning “God hears.”

Biblical Usage

In Scripture, Ishmael was the son of Abraham and Hagar, Sarah’s Egyptian maidservant.

God promised Abraham that Ishmael would become the father of a great nation.

Ishmael later became the father of twelve princes.

Key References

  • Genesis 16
  • Genesis 17:15-27
  • Genesis 21:8-21
  • Genesis 25:12-18
  • 1 Chronicles 1:28-31
  • Galatians 4:21-31
  • Abraham
  • Hagar
  • Sarah
  • Isaac

Study More

Continue your Bible study by exploring related Scriptures, dictionary terms, and connected topics.

Scriptures

  • Genesis 16
  • Genesis 17:15-27
  • Genesis 21:8-21
  • Genesis 25:12-18
  • 1 Chronicles 1:28-31
  • Galatians 4:21-31

Related Terms

abraham hagar sarah isaac

Study Topics