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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Genesis 17  › Genesis 17:20

Genesis 17:20

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Genesis 17:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

As for Ishmael, I have heard you, and I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He will become the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation.

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

As for Ishmael, I have given ear to your prayer: truly I have given him my blessing and I will make him fertile and give him great increase; he will be the father of twelve chiefs, and I will make him a great nation.

Free Bible Version FBV

Now about Ishmael. I heard what you said, and I will also bless him. I will make sure he has a great many descendants. He will be the father of twelve princes, and I will make him into a great nation.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And as concerning Ishmael, I haue heard thee: loe, I haue blessed him, and will make him fruitfull, and will multiplie him exceedingly: twelue princes shall he beget, and I will make a great nation of him.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

As to Ishmael, I have heard thee; lo, I have blessed him, and made him fruitful, and multiplied him, very exceedingly; twelve princes doth he beget, and I have made him become a great nation;

World English Bible WEB

As for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly. He will become the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And as for Ismael I have also heard thee. Behold, I will bless him, and increase, and multiply him exceedingly: he shall beget twelve chiefs, and I will make him a great nation.

Translation for Translators T4T

As for Ishmael, I have heard what you asked me to do for him. I will bless him so that he also will have many descendants. Among his descendants will be rulers of twelve nations. And I will cause his descendants [MTY] to also become a great nation.

Plain English Version PEV

And you asked me to do good things for Ishmael. Well, I listened to you, and I will be good to him too. He will have a big family, and later on, 12 big bosses will be in his family. I will make his mob into a great nation.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 17:20

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Genesis 17:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וּֽ/לְ/יִשְׁמָעֵ֘אל שְׁמַעְתִּי/ךָ֒ הִנֵּ֣ה בֵּרַ֣כְתִּי אֹת֗/וֹ וְ/הִפְרֵיתִ֥י אֹת֛/וֹ וְ/הִרְבֵּיתִ֥י אֹת֖/וֹ בִּ/מְאֹ֣ד מְאֹ֑ד שְׁנֵים עָשָׂ֤ר נְשִׂיאִם֙ יוֹלִ֔יד וּ/נְתַתִּ֖י/ו לְ/ג֥וֹי גָּדֽוֹל
וּֽ/לְ/יִשְׁמָעֵ֘אל Yishmâʻêʼl H3458 Ishmael Conj | Prep | N-proper
שְׁמַעְתִּי/ךָ֒ shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff
הִנֵּ֣ה hinnêh H2009 behold Part
בֵּרַ֣כְתִּי bârak H1288 to bless V-Piel-Perf-1cs
אֹת֗/וֹ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff
וְ/הִפְרֵיתִ֥י pârâh H6509 be fruitful Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
אֹת֛/וֹ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff
וְ/הִרְבֵּיתִ֥י râbâh H7235 to multiply Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
אֹת֖/וֹ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff
בִּ/מְאֹ֣ד mᵉʼôd H3966 much Prep | Adv
מְאֹ֑ד mᵉʼôd H3966 much Adv
שְׁנֵים shᵉnayim H8147 two Adj
עָשָׂ֤ר ʻâsâr H6240 ten Adj
נְשִׂיאִם֙ nâsîyʼ H5387 leader N-mp
יוֹלִ֔יד yâlad H3205 to beget V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
וּ/נְתַתִּ֖י/ו nâthan H5414 to give Conj | V-Qal-1cs | Suff
לְ/ג֥וֹי gôwy H1471 Gentile Prep | N-ms
גָּדֽוֹל gâdôwl H1419 Great (Sea) Adj
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 17:20

וּֽ/לְ/יִשְׁמָעֵ֘אל Yishmâʻêʼl H3458 "Ishmael" Conj | Prep | N-proper
Ishmael means God will hear, and refers to Abraham's son with Hagar, as well as several other Israelites. He is mentioned in Genesis and Ezra. Ishmael is considered the progenitor of the Arabian peoples.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.22 § Ishmael = "God will hear" 1) son of Abraham and Sarah's handmaid Hagar and the progenitor of the Arabian peoples 2) son of Nethaniah and the murderer of Gedaliah 3) a Benjamite, one of the sons of Azel a descendant of Saul through Meribbaal or Mephibosheth 4) a Judaite, father of Zebadiah 5) a Judaite, son of Johanan and one of the captains who aided Jehoiada in restoring Joash to the throne 6) a priest of the family of Pashur with a foreign wife whom he was forced to put away by Ezra
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: Ishmael. See also: Genesis 16:11; 2 Chronicles 19:11; Jeremiah 40:8.
שְׁמַעְתִּי/ךָ֒ shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
הִנֵּ֣ה hinnêh H2009 "behold" Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
בֵּרַ֣כְתִּי bârak H1288 "to bless" V-Piel-Perf-1cs
To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.
Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.
אֹת֗/וֹ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
וְ/הִפְרֵיתִ֥י pârâh H6509 "be fruitful" Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be fruitful or produce something, like a tree bearing fruit. It is used in a literal sense, but also figuratively, like in Genesis where God tells humans to be fruitful and multiply. It emphasizes growth and increase.
Definition: 1) to bear fruit, be fruitful, branch off 1a) (Qal) to bear fruit, be fruitful 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to bear fruit 1b2) to make fruitful 1b3) to show fruitfulness, bear fruit Also means: pa.ra (פָּרָא "be fruitful" H6500)
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: bear, bring forth (fruit), (be, cause to be, make) fruitful, grow, increase. See also: Genesis 1:22; Exodus 1:7; Psalms 105:24.
אֹת֛/וֹ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
וְ/הִרְבֵּיתִ֥י râbâh H7235 "to multiply" Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
אֹת֖/וֹ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בִּ/מְאֹ֣ד mᵉʼôd H3966 "much" Prep | Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
מְאֹ֑ד mᵉʼôd H3966 "much" Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
שְׁנֵים shᵉnayim H8147 "two" Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
עָשָׂ֤ר ʻâsâr H6240 "ten" Adj
In Hebrew, this word means ten, and is used to form numbers like eleven or thirteen, as seen in Genesis 31:41. It is always used in combination with other numbers.
Definition: 1) ten, -teen (in combination with other numbers) 1a) used only in combination to make the numbers 11-19
Usage: Occurs in 292 OT verses. KJV: (eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-, six-, thir-) teen(-th), [phrase] eleven(-th), [phrase] sixscore thousand, [phrase] twelve(-th). See also: Genesis 5:8; Joshua 21:7; 1 Chronicles 25:27.
נְשִׂיאִם֙ nâsîyʼ H5387 "leader" N-mp
This word refers to a leader or a high-ranking official, like a king or a captain. It can also describe a rising mist, as seen in Isaiah 60:13. In the Bible, it often symbolizes power and authority.
Definition: one lifted up, chief, prince, captain, leader
Usage: Occurs in 120 OT verses. KJV: captain, chief, cloud, governor, prince, ruler, vapour. See also: Genesis 17:20; Numbers 34:26; Psalms 135:7.
יוֹלִ֔יד yâlad H3205 "to beget" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
וּ/נְתַתִּ֖י/ו nâthan H5414 "to give" Conj | V-Qal-1cs | Suff
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לְ/ג֥וֹי gôwy H1471 "Gentile" Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
גָּדֽוֹל gâdôwl H1419 "Great (Sea)" Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.

Study Notes — Genesis 17:20

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Genesis 21:18 Get up, lift up the boy, and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.”
2 Genesis 21:13 But I will also make a nation of the slave woman’s son, because he is your offspring.”
3 Genesis 25:12–18 This is the account of Abraham’s son Ishmael, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s maidservant, bore to Abraham. These are the names of the sons of Ishmael in the order of their birth: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These were the sons of Ishmael, and these were their names by their villages and encampments—twelve princes of their tribes. Ishmael lived a total of 137 years. Then he breathed his last and died, and was gathered to his people. Ishmael’s descendants settled from Havilah to Shur, which is near the border of Egypt as you go toward Asshur. And they lived in hostility toward all their brothers.
4 Genesis 16:10–12 Then the angel added, “I will greatly multiply your offspring so that they will be too numerous to count.” The angel of the LORD proceeded: “Behold, you have conceived and will bear a son. And you shall name him Ishmael, for the LORD has heard your cry of affliction. He will be a wild donkey of a man, and his hand will be against everyone, and everyone’s hand against him; he will live in hostility toward all his brothers.”

Genesis 17:20 Summary

In Genesis 17:20, God promises to bless Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar, and make him a great nation. This blessing is an act of God's love and mercy, and it shows that He hears and answers our prayers, as seen in Psalm 34:15 and Psalm 145:18. Just like God blessed Ishmael, He desires to bless and provide for us and those we care about, even if they are not part of His primary plan for our lives, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28. By trusting in God's sovereignty and love, we can have confidence that He will work all things together for our good, as stated in Romans 8:28.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God choose to bless Ishmael despite being the son of a bondwoman?

God heard Abraham's prayer and chose to bless Ishmael because of his love for Abraham, as seen in Genesis 17:20, and this blessing was separate from the covenant He made with Isaac, as stated in Genesis 17:21.

What does it mean for Ishmael to become the father of twelve rulers?

This promise, as stated in Genesis 17:20, indicates that Ishmael's descendants would become a numerous and influential people, with twelve princes or rulers, similar to the twelve tribes of Israel, which would later be established through Jacob, as described in Genesis 29:32-35 and Genesis 30:1-24.

How does God's blessing on Ishmael relate to His covenant with Abraham?

God's blessing on Ishmael was an act of grace and a demonstration of His love for Abraham, but it did not supersede the covenant He made with Abraham, which would be established through Isaac, as stated in Genesis 17:19 and Genesis 17:21, and would ultimately lead to the birth of Jesus Christ, as prophesied in Genesis 3:15 and fulfilled in Matthew 1:1-17.

What can we learn from God's response to Abraham's prayer for Ishmael?

We can learn that God is a loving and merciful God who hears our prayers, as seen in Genesis 17:20, and desires to bless those we care about, even if they are not part of His primary plan, as stated in Romans 9:6-13 and Galatians 4:21-31.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how can I apply this to my own life?
  2. In what ways can I trust God to bless and provide for those I care about, even if they are not part of His primary plan for my life?
  3. How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty and His ability to work all things together for good, as stated in Romans 8:28?
  4. What can I learn from Abraham's prayer for Ishmael, and how can I apply this to my own prayers for others?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 17:20

And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee, c, Took notice of his prayer for him, and accepted of and would answer him, and did, as follows: behold, I have blessed him determined in his mind to bless him,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 17:20

And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 17:20

Have heard thee, to wit, in part, or so far as is here expressed; and probably, as to the chief blessing of the covenant, to wit, the forgiveness of his sins, and eternal life, as the Hebrew doctors and some others collect from , and from other considerations.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 17:20

Genesis 17:20 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.Ver. 20. And us for Ishmael, I have heard thee.] Faithful prayer may have anything at God’ s hands. It is but ask and have, with Abraham. As Zedekiah said to his courtiers glossingly, God saith to his servants seriously, The King can deny you nothing. Let this encourage us to pray for ourselves and children; for by prayer we may take out of God’ s treasury, plentiful mercy for ourselves and ours.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 17:20

Verse 20. Twelve princes shall he beget, &c.] See the names of these twelve princes, Genesis 25:12-16. From Ishmael proceeded the various tribes of the Arabs, called also Saracens by Christian writers. They were anciently, and still continue to be, a very numerous and powerful people. "It was somewhat wonderful, and not to be foreseen by human sagacity," says Bishop Newton, "that a man's whole posterity should so nearly resemble him, and retain the same inclinations, the same habits, and the same customs, throughout all ages! These are the only people besides the Jews who have subsisted as a distinct people from the beginning, and in some respects they very much resemble each other 1. The Arabs, as well as the Jews, are descended from Abraham, and both boast of their descent from the father of the faithful. 2. The Arabs, as well as the Jews, are circumcised, and both profess to have derived this ceremony from Abraham. 3. The Arabs, as well as the Jews, had originally twelve patriarchs, who were their princes or governors. 4. The Arabs, as well as the Jews, marry among themselves, and in their own tribes. 5. The Arabs, as well as the Jews, are singular in several of their customs, and are standing monuments to all ages of the exactness of the Divine predictions, and of the veracity of Scripture history. We may with more confidence believe the particulars related of Abraham and Ishmael when we see them verified in their posterity at this day. This is having, as it were, ocular demonstration for our faith." See Bp. Newton's Second Dissertation on the Prophecies, and See Clarke on Genesis 16:12.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 17:20

20. as for Ishmael, I have heard thee] This verse contains the reply to Abraham’s spoken words in Genesis 17:18. “I have heard thee” contains a reference to the meaning of the name “Ishmael” = “God hears.” See note on Genesis 16:11. twelve princes] Recorded in Genesis 25:13-16. As in the family of Israel, so also in that of Ishmael, the number “twelve” symbolizes the distribution and organization of a people under responsible leaders, and represents ancient usage.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 17:20

20. Ishmael, I have heard — Allusion to the meaning of the name, God will hear. See Genesis 16:11, note. Twelve princes — See Genesis 25:12-16.

Sermons on Genesis 17:20

SermonDescription
Roy Hession Abraham: The Life of Faith - Part 4 by Roy Hession In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of trusting in God during difficult and uncertain times. He refers to a quote from Amy Carmichael about the disciples in the b
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 25:1-2 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Genesis chapter 25, which covers the death of Abraham and the generations of Ishmael and Isaac. The chapter also highlights the birth of Jaco
Chuck Smith Abram, Abraham, and the Almighty God by Chuck Smith In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith focuses on Genesis chapter 17, where God appears to Abram when he is 99 years old. God declares Himself as Almighty God and instructs Abram to wa
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