Ishmael in the Bible — Son of Abraham and Hagar
Ishmael was Abraham's firstborn son — born through Sarah's servant Hagar before the promised son Isaac arrived. His name means 'God hears' because God heard Hagar's cry in the desert. Though not the covenant child, God made extraordinary promises over Ishmael: 'I will make him a great nation' (Genesis 21:18). He became the father of twelve princes. Below are 4 key passages from the King James Version (KJV) on this theme.
What does the Bible say about ishmael?
Who is Ishmael in the Bible? The firstborn son of Abraham through Hagar, ancestor of twelve princes and many nations. Though not the covenant child, God heard his cry in the desert and promised to make him a great nation. His name means 'God hears.'
4 Bible Verses About Ishmael (KJV)
“And the angel of the Lord said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the Lord hath heard thy affliction.”
Genesis 16:11 KJV Read Genesis chapter 16 →
“And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.”
Genesis 17:20 KJV — The Sign of Circumcision Read Genesis chapter 17 →
“And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is.”
Genesis 21:17 KJV Read Genesis chapter 21 →
“Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation.”
Genesis 21:18 KJV Read Genesis chapter 21 →
Read These Passages in Full Context
Frequently Asked Questions About Ishmael in the Bible
- What does the Bible say about ishmael?
- Ishmael was Abraham's firstborn son — born through Sarah's servant Hagar before the promised son Isaac arrived. His name means 'God hears' because God heard Hagar's cry in the desert. Though not the covenant child, God made extraordinary promises over Ishmael: 'I will make him a great nation' (Genesis 21:18). He became the father of twelve princes. Key KJV passages: Genesis 16:11, Genesis 17:20, Genesis 21:17, Genesis 21:18, Galatians 4:29.
- What are the best Bible verses about ishmael?
- The most important KJV passages on ishmael include: Genesis 16:11, Genesis 17:20, Genesis 21:17, Genesis 21:18, Galatians 4:29. Read all 4 passages free at The Living Sword Bible — no account, no ads.
- Where in the Bible does it talk about ishmael?
- The Bible addresses ishmael throughout both Testaments. Key references include Genesis 16:11, Genesis 17:20, Genesis 21:17, Genesis 21:18, Galatians 4:29. Explore every passage in context at thelivingsword.replit.app.
- What does the New Testament say about ishmael?
- New Testament scriptures on ishmael: Galatians 4:29. Read them free at The Living Sword Bible.
- What does the Old Testament say about ishmael?
- Old Testament scriptures on ishmael: Genesis 16:11, Genesis 17:20, Genesis 21:17, Genesis 21:18. See them in full context free at The Living Sword.
- How do I study Bible verses about ishmael?
- The Living Sword Bible app offers word-by-word study with original Hebrew and Greek, multiple translations (KJV, World English Bible, Geneva Bible, Young's Literal, ASV, Darby), cross-references, and an AI companion that answers only from Scripture. Read all 4 passages on ishmael at thelivingsword.replit.app — free, no account, no download required.
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Available translations: King James Version (KJV), World English Bible (WEB), Geneva Bible 1599, Darby Translation, Young's Literal Translation (YLT), American Standard Version (ASV), and the Living Sword Translation.