Genesis 25:17

KJV

And these [are] the years of the life of Ishmael, an hundred and thirty and seven years: and he gave up the ghost and died; and was gathered unto his people.

KJV (with Strong's)

And these are the years {H8141} of the life {H2416} of Ishmael {H3458}, an hundred {H3967}{H8141} and thirty {H7970}{H8141} and seven {H7651} years {H8141}: and he gave up the ghost {H1478} and died {H4191}; and was gathered {H622} unto his people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is how long Yishma'el lived: 137 years. Then he breathed his last, died and was gathered to his people.

Berean Standard Bible

Ishmael lived a total of 137 years. Then he breathed his last and died, and was gathered to his people.

American Standard Version

And these are the years of the life of Ishmael, a hundred and thirty and seven years: and he gave up the ghost and died, and was gathered unto his people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 25:17 records the death of Ishmael at 137 years of age, noting that he "gave up the ghost and died; and was gathered unto his people." This verse concludes the narrative of Abraham's firstborn son, highlighting his longevity as a sign of God's blessing and faithfulness to His promises, even to those outside the direct covenant line of Isaac, and marks a significant transition in the patriarchal history.

### CONTEXT
Genesis 25:17 concludes the account of Ishmael's life within the patriarchal history, immediately following the death of his father, Abraham, and the listing of Ishmael's twelve sons. Ishmael was Abraham's firstborn, born to Hagar, Sarah's handmaid, as a result of Abraham and Sarah's initial attempt to fulfill God's promise of an heir through human means, preceding the miraculous birth of Isaac. Despite not being the covenant heir through whom the lineage of Christ would come, Ishmael was nevertheless a recipient of divine blessing, with God promising Abraham that Ishmael would be fruitful, multiply, and become the father of twelve princes and a great nation ([Genesis 17:20](/genesis/17-20 "God's promise concerning Ishmael") and [Genesis 21:13](/genesis/21-13 "God's protection and blessing for Ishmael")). This verse confirms Ishmael's longevity and the initial fulfillment of God's word concerning him, setting the stage for the continued narrative of Isaac's line.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 25:17 succinctly details the end of Ishmael's life, emphasizing both his advanced age and the manner of his passing.

* **Longevity and Blessing:** Ishmael lived to be "an hundred and thirty and seven years." This significant lifespan, though shorter than Abraham's 175 years, indicates a life blessed by God, fulfilling the promise of a long and prosperous existence. In biblical terms, a long life was often seen as a sign of divine favor and blessing. His death, appearing after the listing of his twelve sons in [Genesis 25:16](/genesis/25-16 "Ishmael's twelve sons"), confirms the beginning of the "great nation" God promised to Abraham concerning Ishmael.

* **"Gave up the ghost and died":** This phrase is a common Hebrew idiom for the act of expiring. The Hebrew verb for "gave up the ghost" is *gava'* (גָּוַע), meaning to expire, perish, or die. Its use here, followed by the explicit "and died," emphasizes the finality and reality of his physical demise. It signifies the cessation of life, the spirit departing from the body, a universal human experience.

* **"Was gathered unto his people":** This profound phrase, *ne'esaf el-'ammav* (נֶאֱסַף אֶל־עַמָּיו) in Hebrew, is a significant biblical idiom for death, used for other patriarchs like Abraham ([Genesis 25:8](/genesis/25-8 "Abraham gathered to his people")), Isaac ([Genesis 35:29](/genesis/35-29 "Isaac gathered to his people")), and Jacob ([Genesis 49:33](/genesis/49-33 "Jacob gathered to his people")). It typically describes individuals who die a natural, peaceful death in old age, rather than a violent or untimely end. The phrase suggests more than just burial in a family tomb; it implies a spiritual joining with one's ancestors in the realm of the departed, often understood as Sheol (the grave or the realm of the dead). It speaks to a sense of continuity beyond physical life, a reunion with one's kin in death, providing a sense of rest and belonging. For Ishmael, it signifies his peaceful integration into the collective history of his forefathers, despite his distinct lineage from Isaac.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **God's Unwavering Faithfulness:** The account of Ishmael's death, particularly his longevity and the mention of his descendants, profoundly underscores God's faithfulness to all His promises. Despite the complex circumstances of Ishmael's birth and his separation from Isaac, God honored His word to Abraham concerning Ishmael's prosperity and nationhood, demonstrating that divine promises are kept, even in unexpected ways and to those outside the immediate covenant line of promise.
* **The Universality of Mortality:** Ishmael's death, like Abraham's before him, serves as a stark reminder of the universal reality of human mortality. Even those blessed by God with long lives and prosperity eventually face death, highlighting the transient nature of earthly existence.
* **The Concept of the Afterlife:** The recurring phrase "gathered unto his people" offers an early biblical glimpse into the ancient Israelite understanding of death as a transition rather than an absolute end. It suggests a collective realm of the departed (Sheol) where individuals join their ancestors, implying a form of continued existence or reunion beyond the physical grave.
* **Distinction of Covenant Lines:** While God blessed Ishmael, his narrative consistently distinguishes his lineage from that of Isaac, through whom the covenant promises and the messianic line would continue. This highlights God's sovereign choice and the specific trajectory of His redemptive plan.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The record of Ishmael's death in Genesis 25:17 offers several profound reflections. It reminds us of the universal reality of mortality and the importance of living a life that honors God, knowing our days are numbered. More significantly, it provides a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness. Even for Ishmael, whose life was marked by complexities and separation from the direct covenant line, God's promises were meticulously fulfilled. This offers immense comfort and reassurance that God is true to His word, demonstrating His character of reliability and grace to all humanity. Furthermore, the gentle biblical portrayal of death as being "gathered unto his people" can offer a peaceful perspective on passing, suggesting a transition into rest and reunion, providing solace and hope for believers facing loss.

### FAQ
**What does "gathered unto his people" mean in the Bible?**

Answer: The phrase "gathered unto his people" (Hebrew: *ne'esaf el-'ammav*) is a common biblical idiom for death, particularly a peaceful one in old age. It signifies more than just burial in a family tomb. Theologically, it suggests a spiritual reunion with one's ancestors in the realm of the departed, often understood as Sheol (the grave or the collective abode of the dead). It implies a sense of continuity, rest, and belonging beyond physical life, rather than a violent or isolated end.

**Does God's blessing on Ishmael diminish the significance of the covenant with Isaac?**

Answer: No, God's blessing on Ishmael does not diminish the unique significance of His covenant with Isaac. While God promised to make Ishmael a great nation and bless him, the specific covenant promises concerning the land, the descendants, and the coming Messiah were exclusively established through Isaac's lineage ([Genesis 17:19](/genesis/17-19 "God's covenant with Isaac")). Ishmael's blessing demonstrates God's general benevolence and faithfulness to all His words, but it distinctly operates outside the specific, redemptive covenant line that ultimately leads to Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ishmael is not in the direct messianic line, the account of his death, particularly God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to him, points to Christ in several ways. God's unwavering commitment to His word, even to those outside the immediate covenant of grace, foreshadows His ultimate faithfulness in sending Christ to redeem all who believe, regardless of their earthly lineage. The promise of a "great nation" for Ishmael, though fulfilled physically, finds its spiritual and ultimate fulfillment in the vast, multi-ethnic "great multitude" gathered in Christ, the true spiritual Israel, composed of believers from every tribe and nation. Furthermore, the concept of being "gathered unto his people" finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the Christian hope of being gathered with Christ and all the saints in the heavenly kingdom, where death is swallowed up in victory and true, eternal rest and reunion are found in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.