### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Yishmâʻêʼl**, represented by `{{H3458}}`, is a proper name meaning **God will hear**. It is formed from the words שָׁמַע (shâmaʻ) and אֵל ('êl). It appears **48 times** across **44 unique verses**. The name is most famously associated with Abraham's oldest son, but it is also the name given to five other Israelites in the biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, the name **Ishmael** is first given to the son `{{H1121}}` of Abram `{{H87}}` and Hagar `{{H1904}}` [[Genesis 16:15]]. An angel `{{H4397}}` of the LORD `{{H3068}}` declares that Hagar will bear a son and should call `{{H7121}}` his name `{{H8034}}` **Ishmael** `{{H3458}}`, "because the LORD hath heard `{{H8085}}` thy affliction `{{H6040}}`" [[Genesis 16:11]]. God later promises Abraham `{{H85}}` to make **Ishmael** fruitful `{{H6509}}` and multiply `{{H7235}}` him into a great `{{H1419}}` nation `{{H1471}}` with twelve princes `{{H5387}}` [[Genesis 17:20]]. He and his brother Isaac bury their father Abraham [[Genesis 25:9]]. Another prominent figure is **Ishmael** the son of Nethaniah, who was of the royal `{{H4410}}` seed `{{H2233}}` [[Jeremiah 41:1]]. This **Ishmael** assassinated Gedaliah `{{H1436}}`, the governor appointed by the king of Babylon `{{H894}}` [[Jeremiah 41:2]], took captives, and attempted to flee to the Ammonites `{{H5983}}` [[Jeremiah 41:10]]. The name also belongs to other figures, including a ruler `{{H5057}}` of the house of Judah `{{H3063}}` [[2 Chronicles 19:11]] and a captain of hundreds [[2 Chronicles 23:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the meaning and context of `{{H3458}}`:
* `{{H8085}}` **shâmaʻ** (to hear intelligently): This primitive root forms the first part of the name **Yishmâʻêʼl** and is central to its meaning, as God "hath heard" Hagar's affliction [[Genesis 16:11]].
* `{{H430}}` **ʼĕlôhîym** (God): Representing the second part of the name, this word for God establishes the divine source of the hearing and the blessing associated with **Ishmael**.
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): This word is consistently used to define the identity of each **Ishmael** in relation to his father, whether it is **Ishmael** Abraham's son [[Genesis 25:12]] or **Ishmael** the son of Nethaniah [[Jeremiah 40:8]].
* `{{H85}}` **ʼAbrâhâm** (Abraham): As the father of the most prominent **Ishmael**, his name, meaning "father of a multitude," provides the patriarchal context for the divine promises given to his firstborn son [[Genesis 17:20]].
### Theological Significance
The name **Yishmâʻêʼl** carries significant theological weight, illustrated through its use in scripture.
* **God Hears the Afflicted:** The name's origin story establishes God's character as one who hears `{{H8085}}` the affliction `{{H6040}}` of the lowly. The angel's declaration to Hagar provides the direct reason for the name "God will hear" [[Genesis 16:11]].
* **Divine Blessing Beyond the Covenant Line:** God explicitly hears Abraham’s prayer for **Ishmael** ([[Genesis 17:18]], [[Genesis 17:20]]). God’s promise to bless `{{H1288}}`, make fruitful `{{H6509}}`, and multiply `{{H7235}}` **Ishmael** into a great `{{H1419}}` nation `{{H1471}}` demonstrates that His favor and blessing are not exclusively confined to the primary line of covenant promise.
* **A Name of Contrasting Legacies:** The name is associated with both divine blessing and human violence. While Abraham's son **Ishmael** is the recipient of a divine promise [[Genesis 17:20]], **Ishmael** son of Nethaniah is an assassin who slays `{{H5221}}` the governor and brings about great evil `{{H7451}}` ([[Jeremiah 41:2]], [[Jeremiah 41:11]]).
### Summary
In summary, **Yishmâʻêʼl** `{{H3458}}` is a name that fundamentally means "God will hear." It is most prominently identified with Abraham's firstborn son, whose story is a testament to God hearing the cry of the afflicted and extending His blessing. However, the name is also carried by others, including an assassin of royal lineage, creating a sharp contrast in the biblical narrative. Thus, **Yishmâʻêʼl** serves as a powerful reminder of God's attentiveness and faithfulness, while also showing how a name rooted in divine character can be associated with vastly different human legacies.
TRV