Genesis 25:17 Meaning and Explanation
“And these are the years of the life of Ishmael, an hundred and thirty and seven years: and he gave up the ghost and died; and was gathered unto his people.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Ishmael dies at age 137 and is gathered to his ancestors.
The Context of Genesis 25:17
Ishmael dies at 137 years of age and is gathered to his ancestors.
What Does Genesis 25:17 Mean?
Ishmael's lifespan of 137 years is substantial, reflecting God's blessing on his life. Though shorter than Abraham's 175 years, Ishmael still lives long enough to see his twelve sons established as mature leaders of their own peoples and territories. His peaceful death—he 'gave up the ghost'—indicates a life completed, a legacy secured in the nations he fathered.
Like Abraham, Ishmael is 'gathered unto his people,' a phrase honoring his transition from life to death and connecting him to the ancestral line. Though not the heir of the primary covenant promise, Ishmael dies as a patriarch in his own right, venerated by his descendants and remembered in Scripture as a man of God's favor.
Genesis 25:17 in the Original Language
gathered (אָסַף), 'gathered' — to join one's ancestors, confirming Ishmael's death and his connection to his forebears.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 25:17
What does Genesis 25:17 mean?
Ishmael dies at age 137 and is gathered to his ancestors.
What is the context of Genesis 25:17?
Ishmael dies at 137 years of age and is gathered to his ancestors.