Ishmael
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Ishmael in the Bible?
Ishmael is a figure in the Hebrew Bible identified as the firstborn son of Abraham and Hagar. His name is derived from a Hebrew root meaning 'God hears'.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Ishmael clarifies the biblical narrative of Abraham's family dynamics and provides the ancestral context for the Arab peoples as described in both biblical and Islamic traditions.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Ishmael reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Ishmael in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Ishmael clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Ishmael." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/ishmael/