Gen 17:20 | NETfull | STEP | As for Ishmael, I have heard you. I will indeed bless him, make him fruitful, and give him a multitude of descendants. He will become the father of twelve princes; I will make him into a great nation.

Genesis 17:20

20 As for Ishmael, I have heard you. ^{▼▼ The Hebrew verb translated “I have heard you” forms a wordplay with the name Ishmael, which means “God hears.” See the note on the name “Ishmael” in 16:11.} I will indeed bless him, make him fruitful, and give him a multitude of descendants. ^{▼▼ Heb “And I will multiply him exceedingly, exceedingly.” The repetition is emphatic.} He will become the father of twelve princes; ^{▼▼ For a discussion of the Hebrew word translated “princes,” see E. A. Speiser, “Background and Function of the Biblical Nasi’,” CBQ 25 (1963): 111-17.} I will make him into a great nation.