Ishmael (Noun)
Meaning 1
A person who is rejected (from society or home).
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Hyponyms
Meaning 2
(Old Testament) the son of Abraham who was cast out after the birth of Isaac; considered the forebear of 12 Arabian tribes.
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- Ishmael was born to Abraham and his servant Hagar, and was later cast out of the household along with his mother.
- The biblical account of Ishmael's life is found in the book of Genesis, where he is described as a wild and restless man.
- According to tradition, Ishmael fathered 12 sons, who became the leaders of 12 Arabian tribes and were considered to be the ancestors of many modern-day Middle Eastern people.
- Ishmael's story is often seen as a parable about the relationship between God and humanity, and the conflict between faith and doubt.
- In Islamic tradition, Ishmael is considered a prophet and a righteous man, who was nearly sacrificed by Abraham as a test of faith, but was spared at the last moment.