Old TestamentThe Pentateuch |
What does the name Ishmael mean? |
Ishmael means “God hears.” There was more, though. God added an ominous note. God told Hagar that Ishmael “shall be a wild ass of a man, with his hand against everyone, and everyone’s hand against him; and he shall live at odds with all of his kin.” (Genesis 16:12)