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Hebrew Text
וַתֵּלֶד הָגָר לְאַבְרָם בֵּן וַיִּקְרָא אַבְרָם שֶׁם־בְּנוֹ אֲשֶׁר־יָלְדָה הָגָר יִשְׁמָעֵאל׃
English Translation
And Hagar bore Avram a son: and Avram called his son’s name, whom Hagar bore, Yishma᾽el.
Transliteration
Va'teled Hagar le'Avram ben vayikra Avram shem-b'no asher-yaldah Hagar Yishmael.
Hebrew Leining Text
וַתֵּ֧לֶד הָגָ֛ר לְאַבְרָ֖ם בֵּ֑ן וַיִּקְרָ֨א אַבְרָ֧ם שֶׁם־בְּנ֛וֹ אֲשֶׁר־יָלְדָ֥ה הָגָ֖ר יִשְׁמָעֵֽאל׃
Parasha Commentary
📚 Talmud Citations
This verse is quoted in the Talmud.
📖 Sanhedrin 104b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the naming of Yishma'el and the significance of names in biblical narratives.
📖 Berakhot 13a
Mentioned in the context of discussions about Avraham's descendants and the covenant.
The Naming of Yishmael
The verse states: "And Hagar bore Avram a son, and Avram called his son’s name, whom Hagar bore, Yishmael" (Bereishit 16:15). The naming of Yishmael carries deep significance in the narrative of Avraham Avinu’s family and the unfolding of divine promises.
Avram’s Role in Naming
Rashi (Bereishit 16:15) notes that the verse emphasizes Avram naming the child, rather than Hagar, despite the earlier prophecy where the angel tells Hagar, "You shall call his name Yishmael" (Bereishit 16:11). This teaches that Avram acted in accordance with the divine message, affirming the name given by the angel. Ramban (Bereishit 16:15) adds that Avram’s naming demonstrates his authority and role as the father, ensuring the child’s lineage and spiritual connection.
Meaning of the Name Yishmael
The name Yishmael (יִשְׁמָעֵאל) means "G-d will hear", reflecting Hagar’s earlier plea in the wilderness when she said, "You are the G-d Who sees" (Bereishit 16:13). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 45:7) explains that this name signifies divine compassion—Hashem heard Hagar’s suffering and responded with mercy. However, the Talmud (Nedarim 31a) also notes that the name carries a dual implication: while Hashem hears the cries of the oppressed, Yishmael’s descendants would later cause suffering, prompting Hashem to hear the prayers of Bnei Yisrael.
Yishmael’s Place in Avraham’s Legacy
The Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 10:7) discusses Yishmael’s status as a descendant of Avraham, noting that while he was not the chosen heir of the covenant (which would pass through Yitzchak), he was still blessed due to his father’s merit. The Zohar (Bereishit 99b) elaborates that Yishmael’s spiritual role was to serve as a test for the Jewish people in later generations, embodying the challenges of exile and conflict.
Lessons from the Verse