Ismael
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Ismael in the Bible?
Ismael is the son of Abraham and Hagar, born in accordance with divine promise, and serves as the progenitor of the Ishmaelite tribes.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Ismael clarifies the lineage of the Ishmaelites and their relationship to the descendants of Isaac, providing context for the tribal dynamics and covenantal themes in the biblical narrative.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Ismael reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Ismael in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Ismael 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
"Ismael." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/ismael/