Genesis 17:18

17:18 Abraham said to God, “O that 1  Ishmael might live before you!” 2 

Genesis 17:20

17:20 As for Ishmael, I have heard you. 3  I will indeed bless him, make him fruitful, and give him a multitude of descendants. 4  He will become the father of twelve princes; 5  I will make him into a great nation.

1 tn The wish is introduced with the Hebrew particle לוּ (lu), “O that.”

2 tn Or “live with your blessing.”

3 sn 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.

4 tn Heb “And I will multiply him exceedingly, exceedingly.” The repetition is emphatic.

5 tn 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.