Genesis 25:13-16
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The genealogies listed here aren't just dry lists; they're about lineage and legacy. Notice how Ishmael's sons are named "according to their generations," highlighting God's faithfulness in multiplying Abraham's offspring, even those outside the direct covenant line. This emphasizes that God’s promises extend beyond expectation, impacting nations we might overlook.
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, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These are the sons of Ishmael and these are their names, by their villages and by their encampments, twelve princes according to their tribes.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage shifts focus from Abraham's descendants through Isaac to the offspring of his son Ishmael, born to Hagar. It lists Ishmael's twelve sons by name, tracing their lineage to establish the foundational tribes of the Arab peoples. This record serves to fulfill God's promise to Abraham that Ishmael would become the father of a great nation.
Ever wonder how ancient names connect to the places and peoples we see today? This verse lists sons of Ishmael, and their names echo through history.
Genesis 25:13 isn't just a list of names; it's the beginning of a genealogy that traces the origins of distinct Arab tribes.
We often focus on Isaac as the heir of God's promises, but what about Ishmael and his descendants? This verse reminds us of God's faithfulness beyond the chosen line.
While Isaac is the son of the covenant, God's promises to Abraham extended to Ishmael as well. This passage showcases God's gracious fulfillment of those promises.
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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.
ben · Hebrew Noun
A Hebrew term often used for male descendants, though it can also refer to broader familial lines or people groups. In a patriarchal context, it emphasizes the genealogical lineage and the passing of promises or identities.
nasi · Hebrew Noun
Refers to a royal or noble official, often a leader of a tribe, clan, or people group. It denotes authority and high status within a social structure.
ummah · Hebrew Noun
A distinct family group or lineage descending from a common ancestor. In the Old Testament, it signifies the organizational units of Israel and other nations.
c. 2000 BC
Abraham and Ishmael
Abraham, the father of the faithful, had a son Ishmael with Hagar, Sarah's handmaid, as well as sons with Keturah after Sarah's death. The descendants of Ishmael were destined to become numerous and independent.
c. 1800-1600 BC— this verse
Ishmael's Descendants Scatter
Ishmael's twelve sons, listed in Genesis 25:13-16, are understood to have established distinct tribal groups across the Arabian Peninsula. They became known as Arabs.
c. 8th century BC
Nebaioth and Kedar Mentioned in Prophecy
The prophet Isaiah references Nebaioth and Kedar, indicating their established presence and significance in the region. Nebaioth is associated with the Nabataeans, and Kedar with nomadic Arab tribes known for their tents and archery.
This verse directly reflects God's promise to Abraham that Ishmael would father twelve princes and become a great nation, which is the context for listing his sons here.
Genesis 21:18God's affirmation to Hagar that He would make a great nation of Ishmael's offspring directly prefigures the genealogical record that follows in chapter 25.
Isaiah 60:7This prophecy specifically mentions Nebaioth and Kedar, two of Ishmael's sons listed here, foretelling their future role in worship and service, linking this genealogy to later prophetic fulfillment.
1 Chronicles 1:29-31This parallel genealogy in the Old Testament reiterates the lineage of Ishmael, confirming the importance of this line and its descendants even centuries later.
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.…
The genealogies listed here aren't just dry lists; they're about lineage and legacy. Notice how Ishmael's sons are named "according to their generations," highlighting God's faithfulness in multiplying Abraham's offspring, even those outside the direct covenant line. This emphasizes that God’s promises extend beyond expectation, impacting nations we might overlook.
This passage shifts focus from Abraham's descendants through Isaac to the offspring of his son Ishmael, born to Hagar. It lists Ishmael's twelve sons by name, tracing their lineage to establish the foundational tribes of the Arab peoples. This record serves to fulfill God's promise to Abraham that Ishmael would become the father of a great nation.
This passage shifts focus from Abraham's descendants through Isaac to the offspring of his son Ishmael, born to Hagar. It lists Ishmael's twelve sons by name, tracing their lineage to establish the foundational tribes of the Arab peoples. This record serves to fulfill God's promise to Abraham that Ishmael would 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, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These are the sons of Ishmael and…" — The genealogies listed here aren't just dry lists; they're about lineage and legacy. Notice how Ishmael's sons are named "according to their generations," highlighting God's faithfulness in multiplyi…
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Last reviewed October 2026
