Genesis 25:17
Genesis 25:17 in Multiple Translations
Ishmael lived a total of 137 years. Then he breathed his last and died, and was gathered to his people.
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.
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.
And the years of Ishmael's life were a hundred and thirty-seven: and he came to his end, and was put to rest with his people.
Ishmael lived to be 137. Then he breathed his last and died, and joined his forefathers in death.
(And these are the yeeres of the life of Ishmael, an hundreth thirtie and seuen yeere, and he yeelded the spirit, and dyed, and was gathered vnto his people)
And these [are] the years of the life of Ishmael, a hundred and thirty and seven years; and he expireth, and dieth, and is gathered unto his people;
These are the years of the life of Ishmael: one hundred thirty-seven years. He gave up his spirit and died, and was gathered to his people.
And these are the years of the life of Ishmael; a hundred and thirty and seven years: and he expired and died, and was gathered to his people.
And the years of Ismael’s life were a hundred and thirty-seven, and decaying he died, and was gathered unto his people.
Ishmael lived until he was 137 years old. Then he died, [EUP] joining his ancestors who had previously died.
Ishmael lived until he was 137 years old. Then he breathed for the last time, and he died.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 25:17
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 25:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֵ֗לֶּה
שְׁנֵי֙
חַיֵּ֣י
יִשְׁמָעֵ֔אל
מְאַ֥ת
שָׁנָ֛ה
וּ/שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים
שָׁנָ֖ה
וְ/שֶׁ֣בַע
שָׁנִ֑ים
וַ/יִּגְוַ֣ע
וַ/יָּ֔מָת
וַ/יֵּאָ֖סֶף
אֶל
עַמָּֽי/ו
וְ/אֵ֗לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Conj | Pron
שְׁנֵי֙
shâneh
H8141
year
Adj
חַיֵּ֣י
chay
H2416
alive
N-mp
יִשְׁמָעֵ֔אל
Yishmâʻêʼl
H3458
Ishmael
N-proper
מְאַ֥ת
mêʼâh
H3967
hundred
Adj
שָׁנָ֛ה
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fs
וּ/שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים
shᵉlôwshîym
H7970
thirty
Conj | Adj
שָׁנָ֖ה
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fs
וְ/שֶׁ֣בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Conj | Adj
שָׁנִ֑ים
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fp
וַ/יִּגְוַ֣ע
gâvaʻ
H1478
to die
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
וַ/יָּ֔מָת
mûwth
H4191
to die
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
וַ/יֵּאָ֖סֶף
ʼâçaph
H622
to gather
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
עַמָּֽי/ו
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 25:17
וְ/אֵ֗לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
שְׁנֵי֙
shâneh
H8141
"year"
Adj
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
חַיֵּ֣י
chay
H2416
"alive"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
יִשְׁמָעֵ֔אל
Yishmâʻêʼl
H3458
"Ishmael"
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.
מְאַ֥ת
mêʼâh
H3967
"hundred"
Adj
Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.
שָׁנָ֛ה
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fs
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
וּ/שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים
shᵉlôwshîym
H7970
"thirty"
Conj | Adj
Thirty is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also be used as an ordinal to describe something as thirtieth. It is used to count quantities in the Bible.
Definition: thirty, thirtieth Aramaic equivalent: te.la.tin (תְּלָתִין "thirty" H8533)
Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: thirty, thirtieth. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:3; 1 Samuel 11:8; Jeremiah 38:10.
שָׁנָ֖ה
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fs
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
וְ/שֶׁ֣בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Conj | Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
שָׁנִ֑ים
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fp
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
וַ/יִּגְוַ֣ע
gâvaʻ
H1478
"to die"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to die or expire, like when Jesus gave up his spirit on the cross in Matthew 27:50. It implies a complete stop, like a final breath. It is used in the Bible to describe the end of life.
Definition: 1) to expire, die, perish, give up the ghost, yield up the ghost, be dead, be ready to die 1a) (Qal) to expire, die, be about to die
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: die, be dead, give up the ghost, perish. See also: Genesis 6:17; Job 3:11; Psalms 88:16.
וַ/יָּ֔מָת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
וַ/יֵּאָ֖סֶף
ʼâçaph
H622
"to gather"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To gather means to bring people or things together, often for a purpose like worship or community. It can also mean to take away or remove something, like gathering a harvest. This word appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to gather, receive, remove, gather in 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to gather, collect 1a2) to gather (an individual into company of others) 1a3) to bring up the rear 1a4) to gather and take away, remove, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, be gathered 1b2) (pass of Qal 1a2) 1b2a) to be gathered to one's fathers 1b2b) to be brought in or into (association with others) 1b3) (pass of Qal 1a4) 1b3a) to be taken away, removed, perish 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to gather (harvest) 1c2) to take in, receive into 1c3) rearguard, rearward (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be gathered 1e) (Hithpael) to gather oneself or themselves
Usage: Occurs in 188 OT verses. KJV: assemble, bring, consume, destroy, felch, gather (in, together, up again), [idiom] generally, get (him), lose, put all together, receive, recover (another from leprosy), (be) rereward, [idiom] surely, take (away, into, up), [idiom] utterly, withdraw. See also: Genesis 6:21; 1 Chronicles 11:13; Psalms 26:9.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
עַמָּֽי/ו
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-mp | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
Study Notes — Genesis 25:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 25:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 25:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 25:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 25:17
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 25:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 25:17
- Sermons on Genesis 25:17
Context — The Descendants of Ishmael
15Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah.
16These were the sons of Ishmael, and these were their names by their villages and encampments—twelve princes of their tribes.
17Ishmael lived a total of 137 years. Then he breathed his last and died, and was gathered to his people.
18Ishmael’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. 19This is the account of Abraham’s son Isaac. Abraham became the father of Isaac,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 15:15 | You, however, will go to your fathers in peace and be buried at a ripe old age. |
| 2 | Genesis 25:7–8 | Abraham lived a total of 175 years. And at a ripe old age he breathed his last and died, old and contented, and was gathered to his people. |
Genesis 25:17 Summary
[Genesis 25:17 tells us that Ishmael lived a long life of 137 years, which was a blessing from God. This reminds us that our lives are in God's hands, and He has a plan for each of us, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11. Ishmael's death also teaches us that everyone will eventually face death, but for those who trust in God, death is not the end, but a transition to eternal life, as promised in John 3:16. As we reflect on Ishmael's life and legacy, we can learn to trust in God's promises and provision, and to make the most of the time He has given us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of Ishmael's long life of 137 years?
Ishmael's long life was a blessing from God, as seen in other biblical figures like Abraham, who lived to be 175 years old, as recorded in Genesis 25:7. This longevity may have been a result of God's promise to bless Ishmael and make him a great nation, as stated in Genesis 17:20.
What does it mean that Ishmael was 'gathered to his people'?
Being 'gathered to his people' is a biblical expression that means to die and join one's ancestors in the afterlife, as seen in Genesis 25:8, where it is said of Abraham. This phrase emphasizes the idea that death is not an end, but a transition to be with one's loved ones who have gone before.
How does Ishmael's death relate to the larger story of the Bible?
Ishmael's death serves as a reminder that all people, regardless of their background or circumstances, will eventually face death and judgment, as stated in Hebrews 9:27. However, for those who have faith in God, like Abraham and his descendants, death is not the end, but rather a transition to eternal life, as promised in John 3:16.
What can we learn from Ishmael's life and legacy?
Ishmael's life teaches us about the importance of faith, perseverance, and trust in God's promises, as seen in Genesis 21:20, where God is with Ishmael in the wilderness. Despite being a son of Abraham, Ishmael was not the chosen heir, but God still blessed him and made him a great nation, demonstrating God's grace and sovereignty, as stated in Romans 9:6-13.
Reflection Questions
- What does Ishmael's life and death teach me about the fleeting nature of human life, and how can I make the most of the time God has given me?
- How can I, like Ishmael, trust in God's promises and provision, even in uncertain or difficult circumstances?
- What does it mean for me to be 'gathered to my people' when I die, and how can I be sure of my eternal destiny?
- In what ways can I, like Abraham, trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when I don't understand His ways or timing?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 25:17
And these [are] the years of the life of Ishmael, an hundred and thirty and seven years,.... one hundred and thirty seven years old.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 25:17
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. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 25:17
Genesis 25:17 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.Ver. 17. And he gave up the ghost and died; and was gathered,] sc., to "the congregation house of all living," as the grave is called, and, for aught we know, to "the congregation house (πανηγυρις) of the firstborn," as heaven is called. Abraham prayed that Ishmael might live in God’ s sight: Ishmael joined with his brother Isaac in burying their father Abraham. Here he hath his whole lifetime recorded, the like whereof cannot be showed of any reprobate; and at his death, he is said gently to "give up the ghost," or yield up the spirit (as Abraham also did, Genesis 25:8), and to be "gathered to his people," as he. These are probable arguments, that, however he lived, yet he died in the faith of his father Abraham. He runs far, we say, that never turns. Nunquam sere si serio.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 25:17
17. And these are, &c.] The same phrases occur in this verse as in Genesis 25:7-8. gathered unto his people] See note on Genesis 25:8. 18 (J). from Havilah unto Shur] Cf. 1 Samuel 15:7. See note on “Havilah,” Genesis 10:29. It was apparently a locality in the N.E. of Arabia. On “Shur,” see note on Genesis 16:7. It was on the eastern border of Egypt. It has been conjectured that this summary description of Ishmael’s territory concluded J’s narrative of Hagar and Ishmael (Genesis 16:1-14). It seems to indicate the whole extent of country between N.E. Arabia and the E. Egyptian frontier. before Egypt] The preposition “before,” i.e. “in front of,” denotes “the eastern side.” See note on Genesis 16:12. as thou goest … Assyria] The mention of “Assyria” is here evidently quite out of place, and the explanation of Delitzsch that it means “up to, or as far as, the country under the rule of Assyria,” is very forced and improbable.
Either, therefore, the Asshur here mentioned is to be connected with the country of the “Asshurim” (Genesis 25:3), or we must suppose that the text has suffered some corruption. Hence Hupfeld conjectured “unto Shur.” abode] R.V. marg. settled; Heb. fell. in the presence of] R. V. marg. over against. The same preposition as is rendered “before” in the previous clause. The words are the fulfilment of the angel’s promise to Hagar in Genesis 16:12, where see note.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 25:17
17. Hundred and thirty and seven — Lange suggests that the violent disposition and passions of Ishmael consumed his life comparatively early; while the more peaceful and serene Isaac outlived him by more than forty years.
Sermons on Genesis 25:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Work, Rest, and Recompense. by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes the importance of perseverance in our daily work as Christians, drawing from Daniel 12:13, which encourages believers to continue their journey until the |
|
(Genesis) Genesis 25:5-18 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the genealogy of Abraham and the significance of the rejected line and the line leading to Christ. The preacher highlights that the rejected |