The Hebrew name ʼAdbᵉʼêl, represented by H110, identifies one of the sons of Ishmael. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. The name is believed to mean disciplined of God, likely derived from words for chastisement and for God.
In the biblical narrative, H110 appears exclusively within genealogical lists. Adbeel is named as the third son of Ishmael, following Nebajoth and Kedar. His inclusion serves to document the lineage of Ishmael as part of the broader patriarchal history. The two occurrences in scripture are nearly identical, listing the names H8034 of the sons H1121 of Ishmael H3458 according to their generations H8435 (Genesis 25:13; 1 Chronicles 1:29).
Several related words provide the familial and historical context for Adbeel:
- H3458 Yishmâʻêʼl (Ishmael): As the father of Adbeel, his name means "God will hear." Ishmael is the central figure from whom this lineage descends Genesis 25:13.
- H1121 bên (son): This term establishes Adbeel's direct relationship to Ishmael and his place as a builder of the family name Genesis 25:13.
- H5032 Nᵉbâyôwth (Nebaioth): Listed as the firstborn H1060 son of Ishmael and Adbeel's older brother, his name means "fruitfulnesses" 1 Chronicles 1:29.
- H6938 Qêdâr (Kedar): Adbeel's second-oldest brother, whose name means "dusky" and is also listed in the same genealogical records Genesis 25:13.
- H8435 tôwlᵉdâh (generations): This word frames the context in which Adbeel is mentioned, signifying that his record is part of a formal family history or descent Genesis 25:13.
Though Adbeel is not a central figure in any biblical narrative, his existence carries theological weight through his lineage and name.
- Fulfillment of Promise: Adbeel is one of the twelve sons of Ishmael, whose birth helps fulfill God's promise to make Ishmael a great nation with twelve princes Genesis 17:20.
- Genealogical Record: The preservation of his name H8034 within the "generations H8435 of Ishmael" underscores the meticulous recording of ancestry and heritage within scripture Genesis 25:13.
- Meaning of the Name: The name itself, "disciplined of God," points to a character or destiny under divine influence, even in the absence of a detailed story. It suggests a relationship with God that is embedded within his identity.
In summary, H110 ʼAdbᵉʼêl is a name fixed within the genealogical records of the Old Testament. While he has no narrative of his own, his significance is established by his position as a son of Ishmael, his role in the fulfillment of a divine promise, and the theological meaning of his name. His brief mention is a reminder of the detailed scope of biblical history, which accounts for the generations H8435 descending from the patriarchs.
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