Bible Strands
Genesis 17:18
And Abraham said to God, “O that Ishmael might live under Your blessing!”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Abraham speaks to God immediately after laughing at the promise of a son with Sarah and before God confirms Isaac as the covenant heir.
The words — The Hebrew term ל֥וּ (lu) means "if" or "if only," introducing a conditional wish, while יִחְיֶ֥ה (yich.Yeh) literally means "he will live," expressing Abraham’s plea for Ishmael’s continued existence.
The thread — The text states a plea for divine favor that aligns with the petition in Psalms 4:6 and the preservation prayer in Psalms 41:12, while pointing forward to the promise extended to descendants in Acts 2:39.
Why it lands — The verse states Abraham’s desire for Ishmael’s blessing before God’s selection of Isaac, requiring the reader to acknowledge that human preference for a favored lineage does not dictate covenant fulfillment.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!
Cross-references
- Acts 2:39 This promise belongs to you and your children and to all who are far off—to all whom the Lord our God will call to Himself.”
- Psalms 4:6 Many ask, “Who can show us the good?” Shine the light of Your face upon us, O LORD.
- Psalms 41:12 In my integrity You uphold me and set me in Your presence forever.
- Genesis 4:12 When you till the ground, it will no longer yield its produce to you. You will be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth.”
- Genesis 4:14 Behold, this day You have driven me from the face of the earth, and from Your face I will be hidden; I will be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.”
- Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear.
- Jeremiah 32:39 I will give them one heart and one way, so that they will always fear Me for their own good and for the good of their children after them.