Original Word: אַדְבְּאֵל
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Adb'el
Pronunciation: ad-beh-EL
Phonetic Spelling: (ad-beh-ale')
KJV: Adbeel
NASB: Adbeel
Word Origin: [probably from H109 (אָדַב - grieve) (in the sense of chastisement) and H410 (אֵל - God)]

1. disciplined of God
2. Adbeel, a son of Ishmael

Adbeel

Probably from 'adab (in the sense of chastisement) and 'el; disciplined of God; Adbeel, a son of Ishmael -- Adbeel.

see HEBREW 'adab

see HEBREW 'el

Word Origin
from adab and el
Definition
"disciplined of God," the third son of Ishmael
NASB Translation
Adbeel (2).

אַדְבְּאֵל proper name, masculine 3rd son of Ishmael (compare Arabic invite, discipline ?) Genesis 25:13; 1 Chronicles 11:29 (Assyrian Idiba'il etc., name of north. Arabic tribe Dl^{Pa 301}; compare Minean אדבל DHM in MV).

אדד (? compare Arabic strength).

Biblical Appearances

Adbeel is named in the inspired record as the second son of Ishmael (Genesis 25:13; 1 Chronicles 1:29). Scripture lists him immediately after Nebaioth and before Mibsam among the twelve princes whom Ishmael fathered. Genesis 25:16 summarizes their collective destiny: “These were the sons of Ishmael, and these were their names by their settlements and camps—twelve princes of their tribes” (Berean Standard Bible). Thus Adbeel stands at the foundation of one of the twelve tribal lines that spread across the Arabian territory east and south of Canaan.

Genealogical and Historical Setting

1. Patriarchal Context

Adbeel’s birth takes place during Abraham’s lifetime, after the covenant child Isaac had already been weaned (Genesis 21:8) and Abraham had secured the line of promise through Sarah. Although Ishmael and his descendants were not heirs of the covenant, God had pledged to “make him into a great nation” (Genesis 21:13). Adbeel inherits that gracious promise as part of Ishmael’s house.

2. Tribal Distribution

The sons of Ishmael became “settlements and camps” (Genesis 25:16), indicating both semi-nomadic lifestyle and territorial sovereignty. Ancient extra-biblical records place several Ishmaelite clans in northern Arabia; Adbeel’s lineage is widely associated with tribes dwelling between the Gulf of Aqaba and the Sinai frontier, facilitating caravan trade routes that later intersected with Israel’s history (cf. Genesis 37:25; Job 1:3).

Relationship to Israel

1. Kinship and Separation

Through Abraham, Adbeel’s descendants share blood ties with Israel while remaining outside the covenant line. This dual relation underscores a recurring biblical theme: God’s redemptive plan moves through election yet remains globally expansive. The genealogical notices preserve Adbeel’s identity to remind Israel of its obligation toward neighboring “brothers” (Deuteronomy 2:4-5).

2. Prophetic Backdrop

Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel frequently address Arabian and desert tribes that trace to Ishmael (for example, Kedar in Isaiah 42:11). While Adbeel is not explicitly mentioned, his house contributes to the collective picture of nations invited to the light of the coming Messiah (Isaiah 60:6-7). The genealogy therefore lays groundwork for future prophetic engagement.

Theological Significance

1. Faithfulness of God’s Word

God’s promise to Hagar that Ishmael would beget “twelve princes” (Genesis 17:20) is historically fulfilled by Adbeel and his brothers. The precise listing of names demonstrates the reliability of divine prophecy down to particular individuals.

2. Common Grace and Covenant Grace

Adbeel illustrates common grace: though outside the Abrahamic covenant, his line receives multiplication, territory, and leadership. This distinction clarifies the unique salvific grace given to Israel while affirming God’s benevolent rule over all peoples.

Ministry Reflections

1. Mission to the Nations

The preservation of Adbeel’s name challenges the Church to remember “other sheep” beyond the visible fold (John 10:16). Gospel mission must extend to peoples historically outside the covenant, including modern descendants of Arabian tribes.

2. Reconciliation in Christ

Ephesians 2:13-18 proclaims that in Jesus, “He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one.” The partition between Isaac’s and Ishmael’s offspring finds its ultimate healing at the cross. Adbeel’s recorded existence points forward to that reconciling work.

3. Stewardship of Promises

Just as Adbeel’s line benefited from promises given to their forefather, believers today steward promises meant to bless succeeding generations (Acts 2:39). Ministry must therefore be multigenerational and covenantally minded.

Conclusion

Though Scripture grants Adbeel only a brief mention, his inclusion in the Genesis and Chronicles genealogies serves multiple purposes: confirming God’s faithfulness, mapping the ethnological landscape surrounding Israel, and foreshadowing the gospel’s reach to all nations. The Church, mindful of such biblical intricacies, finds fresh impetus for prayer, mission, and trust in the unerring Word of God.

וְאַדְבְּאֵ֖ל ואדבאל veadbeEl wə’aḏbə’êl wə·’aḏ·bə·’êlInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts