Overview
The Bible addresses ishmaelites across 12 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Genesis. Closely related themes include Reuben, Midianites, Rending of Garments and Jacob. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Joseph, Judah, Reuben and Jacob.
Key Bible verses about ishmaelites
Old Testament
Genesis
And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.
And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood?
Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content. were: Heb. hearkened
Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.
And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes.
And he returned unto his brethren, and said, The child is not; and I, whither shall I go?
And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood;
And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son's coat or no.
And he knew it, and said, It is my son's coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces.
And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days.
And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him.
And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard. officer: Heb. eunuch: but the word doth signify not only eunuchs, but also chamberlains, courtiers, and officers captain: or, chief marshal: Heb. chief of the slaughter men, or executioners
People in the Bible and ishmaelites
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying ishmaelites for yourself
- Begin with Genesis 37:25, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Consider the lives of Joseph, Judah and Reuben and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Reuben, Midianites, Rending of Garments and Jacob.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about ishmaelites?
The Bible addresses ishmaelites across 12 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Genesis. Closely related themes include Reuben, Midianites, Rending of Garments and Jacob. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Joseph, Judah, Reuben and Jacob.
How many Bible verses are about ishmaelites?
The Bible references ishmaelites in 12 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention ishmaelites?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Genesis 37:25: “And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with ishmaelites?
Joseph, Judah, Reuben, Jacob and Potiphar.
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