World English Bible

Genesis 17:18

“Abraham said to God, "Oh that Ishmael might live before you!”

Verse in context — Genesis 17

16

I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her. Yes, I will bless her, and she will be a mother of nations. Kings of peoples will come from her.

17

Then Abraham fell on his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, "Will a child be born to him who is one hundred years old? Will Sarah, who is ninety years old, give birth?

18

Abraham said to God, "Oh that Ishmael might live before you!

19

God said, "No, but Sarah, your wife, will bear you a son. You shall call his name Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant for his seed after him.

20

As for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly. He will become the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation.

Read all 27 verses in Genesis 17 →

About Genesis

The book of beginnings, describing creation, humanity’s fall, God’s promises, and the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph).

Explore all chapters of Genesis →

Support Versejoy

If this encouraged you today, consider supporting

Genesis 17:18 — "Abraham said to God, "Oh that Ishmael might live b..." | Versejoy