And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!

GENESIS 17:18KJV
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Genesis 17:18 (KJV)

What does Genesis 17:18 mean?

Genesis 17:18 shows Abraham speaking to God and asking that his son Ishmael might live and be blessed in God’s presence. Abraham’s words express his hope that Ishmael, his first son, would have a special standing before God.

In this scene, Abraham is responding to God’s promise that Sarah will bear him a son, even though Abraham already has Ishmael through Hagar. Abraham’s request reveals his concern and affection for Ishmael, wanting God’s favor for him despite the new promise about Isaac. The verse highlights Abraham’s honest conversation with God and his care for his family.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 17:18

  • אִשְׁמָעֵאל (Yishma‘el): This is the name Ishmael, which means “God hears.” Abraham’s use of Ishmael’s name here may reflect his hope that God will listen to his plea for his son.
  • יִחְיֶה (yichyeh): This word means “might live.” In this context, it often carries the sense of living with God’s approval or under His blessing, not just physical survival.
  • לְפָנֶיךָ (lefanekha): This phrase means “before you” or “in your presence.” Abraham is not just asking for Ishmael’s life, but that he would live in a way that is pleasing and close to God.

Why Genesis 17:18 matters

  • This verse shows Abraham’s deep concern for Ishmael even as God promises a new son, Isaac, through Sarah, highlighting the emotional complexity of Abraham’s family situation.
  • The request “might live before thee” clarifies that Abraham is asking for more than just life for Ishmael; he wants Ishmael to have a relationship with God and to be under God’s care.
  • Genesis 17:18 connects to the wider passage by showing Abraham’s faith and his willingness to speak openly with God, even when God’s plans go beyond Abraham’s expectations.

Where else these words appear

“that” Hebrew H3863 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 23:13 And he spake unto Ephron in the audience of the people of the land, saying, But if thou wilt give it, I pray thee, hear me: I will give thee money for the field; take it of me, and I will bury my dead there.
  • Deuteronomy 32:29 O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!
  • Job 6:2 Oh that my grief were throughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances together!

“Ishmael” Hebrew H3458 · used in 44 verses

  • Genesis 16:11 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.
  • 2 Kings 25:23 And when all the captains of the armies, they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah governor, there came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan the son of Careah, and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite, and Jaazaniah the son of a Maachathite, they and their men.
  • Jeremiah 41:1 Now it came to pass in the seventh month, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah the son of Elishama, of the seed royal, and the princes of the king, even ten men with him, came unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam to Mizpah; and there they did eat bread together in Mizpah.