These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, named in the order of their birth: Nebaioth, the firstborn of Ishmael; and Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam,
English Standard Version (ESV)
While Ishmael had twelve sons who became tribal leaders, the verse's focus isn't just a list; it's a deliberate echo of Abraham's covenant promise. God declared Ishmael would be made into a great nation, and listing his sons by their lineage emphasizes the fulfillment of that promise, even though they weren't the chosen line of covenant.
These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, named in the order of their birth: Nebaioth, the firstborn of Ishmael; and Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following Abraham's death and burial, the narrative shifts to the descendants of his son Ishmael. This section enumerates Ishmael's twelve sons, highlighting their names and establishing their lineage as the basis for twelve tribal princes. This detail underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that Ishmael would also become the father of a great nation.
We often focus on the promised line of Abraham through Isaac. But what does this passage reveal about God's broader purposes for Ishmael's descendants?
Nations from a Single Son
Genesis 25:13-16 introduces us to the twelve sons of Ishmael, Abraham's son with Hagar. This isn't just a dry list of names; it signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 17:20: 'As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I will surely bless him and make him exceedingly fruitful. Twelve princes he shall father, and I will make him into a great nation.'
Some of these names carry meanings that hint at the character or destiny of Ishmael's descendants. Can we see deeper significance in these ancient names?
Names with Meaning
The names of Ishmael's sons aren't random. While the exact historical connections for every name are debated, several offer intriguing insights:
Ask a follow-up
These names remind us that the people formed from Ishmael's lineage were not forgotten by God. He knew them, and their identities were shaped by His unfolding plan.
Understand the original words
bekor · Hebrew Noun
The eldest male child of a family. Biblically, this status carries significant weight, including rights of inheritance, leadership, and a special position of honor within the family unit.
This verse grounds the descendants of Ishmael in a genealogical framework that, while distinct from Isaac's line, is presented as divinely recognized. The names listed would come to represent significant nomadic and settled Arab tribes, whose existence and importance were acknowledged even in prophetic writings centuries later.
~2091 BC
Birth of Ishmael
Ishmael, son of Abraham and Hagar, is born. His lineage would become significant among Arab peoples.
~2050 BC
Abraham's Death
Abraham dies at 175 years old. His sons Ishmael and Isaac bury him, indicating a continued, albeit separate, relationship.
~2050 BC
Abraham's Sons by Keturah
After Sarah's death, Abraham marries Keturah and fathers several sons, including Jokshan and Midian, who also become ancestors of various peoples. Ishmael's sons are listed before these.
~2050 BC— this verse
Ishmael's Sons Listed
The genealogy of Ishmael's twelve sons is recorded, including Nebaioth and Kedar, highlighting their establishment as tribal leaders and founders of distinct peoples.
~1000 BC - 500 BC
Prophetic References
Prophets like Isaiah reference Nebaioth and Kedar, associating them with thriving communities and trade, particularly in Northern Arabia and the Syrian desert.
This verse directly connects to the promise God made to Abraham about Ishmael, stating that God would make him exceedingly fruitful and that he would father twelve princes, which is the context for listing Ishmael's sons here.
Isaiah 60:7This prophetic passage mentions Nebaioth and Kedar by name, associating them with offerings and future glory, thus linking these descendants of Ishmael to a prophetic fulfillment and highlighting their significance.
Genesis 21:13This verse records God's affirmation of Abraham's son through Hagar (Ishmael), confirming that He would make a nation of him, which is the foundational promise that leads to the listing of his descendants.
1 Chronicles 1:29-31This passage provides a parallel genealogy of Ishmael's sons, confirming the names and order of birth, demonstrating the enduring legacy of Ishmael's lineage in the biblical record.
gillGenesis 25:13: "And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,"
And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael,.... After mentioned: by their names, according to their generations; which were imposed upon them at their birth, and are recited according to the order in which they were born, as follows: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth: mentioned in Isaiah 60:7; and from whence…
calvinGenesis 25:1-34: "Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah."
And Jokshan begat Sheba, and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, and Letushim, and Leummim.
Et Iocsan genuit Seba, et Dedan. Filii autem Dedan fuerunt Assurim, et Letusim, et Leummin.
And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.
Filii vero Midian, Hephah, et Hepher, et Hanoch, et Abidah, et Eldaah: omnes isti, filii Ceturae.…
While Ishmael had twelve sons who became tribal leaders, the verse's focus isn't just a list; it's a deliberate echo of Abraham's covenant promise. God declared Ishmael would be made into a great nation, and listing his sons by their lineage emphasizes the fulfillment of that promise, even though they weren't the chosen line of covenant.
Following Abraham's death and burial, the narrative shifts to the descendants of his son Ishmael. This section enumerates Ishmael's twelve sons, highlighting their names and establishing their lineage as the basis for twelve tribal princes. This detail underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that Ishmael would also become the father of a great nation.
Following Abraham's death and burial, the narrative shifts to the descendants of his son Ishmael. This section enumerates Ishmael's twelve sons, highlighting their names and establishing their lineage as the basis for twelve tribal princes. This detail underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that Ishmael would also become the father of a great nation.
"These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, named in the order of their birth: Nebaioth, the firstborn of Ishmael; and Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam," — While Ishmael had twelve sons who became tribal leaders, the verse's focus isn't just a list; it's a deliberate echo of Abraham's covenant promise. God declared Ishmael would be made into a great nat…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026