Who was Ishmael in the Bible?
Father of the Arab nations
The story of Ishmael
In Hebrew: ישמעאל
Ishmael was the first son of Abraham and his wife Sarah's maidservant, Hagar. According to the book of Genesis in the Bible, he was born when Abraham was 86 years old. He is considered a significant figure in both Judaism and Islam. Ishmael is best known for his relationship with his half-brother, Isaac, who was born to Abraham and Sarah when they were both elderly. In the biblical narrative, God promised Abraham that his descendants would become a great nation, and that through Isaac, his wife Sarah's son, this promise would be fulfilled. This caused tension between the two half-brothers and eventually led to Hagar and Ishmael being cast out of Abraham's household. Despite this, Ishmael went on to become the father of twelve sons, who are considered the ancestors of the Arab people. According to Islamic tradition, he is also the father of Prophet Muhammad. The place of Ishmael's birth is not specified in the Bible, but it is believed to be in Mesopotamia, in what is now modern-day Iraq. The exact location of his death is also not recorded, but it is believed to have taken place in the wilderness of Paran.
Chat with IshmaelBiography
Position held
Son of Abraham
Date of death
-1589
Place of death
Arabian Peninsula
Relatives
Did you know?
How many times Ishmael was mentioned in the Bible?
Ishmael appears 47 Times in the Bible.
Where is the story of Ishmael begins in the Bible?
Ishmael Genesis Genesis, Chapter 16, verse 11.
What is the meaning of the name Ishmael?
God will hear
What is the origin of the name Ishmael?
Hebrew
Frequently Asked Questions
Ishmael was the first son of Abraham and his wife Sarah's maidservant, Hagar. According to the book of Genesis in the Bible, he was born when Abraham was 86 years old. He is considered a significant figure in both Judaism and Islam. Ishmael is best known for his relationship with his half-brother, Isaac, who was born to Abraham and Sarah when they were both elderly. In the biblical narrative, God promised Abraham that his descendants would become a great nation, and that through Isaac, his wife Sarah's son, this promise would be fulfilled. This caused tension between the two half-brothers and eventually led to Hagar and Ishmael being cast out of Abraham's household. Despite this, Ishmael went on to become the father of twelve sons, who are considered the ancestors of the Arab people. According to Islamic tradition, he is also the father of Prophet Muhammad. The place of Ishmael's birth is not specified in the Bible, but it is believed to be in Mesopotamia, in what is now modern-day Iraq. The exact location of his death is also not recorded, but it is believed to have taken place in the wilderness of Paran.
Ishmael was mentioned 47 Times in the Bible.
Genesis Genesis, Chapter 16, verse 11.
The mother of Ishmael is Hagar.
The father of Ishmael is Abraham.
