Genesis 25:15-16
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What's easily missed here is that listing these five names isn't just a genealogical roll call. It's a subtle, yet significant, confirmation of God's promise to Abraham: even Ishmael, the son born of a secondary wife, would become the father of many nations and twelve princes, as the text later explicitly states.
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 lists the sons of Ishmael, Abraham's firstborn son with Hagar, following the account of Abraham's death and burial. These names represent tribes that would become significant groups in the Arabian peninsula, distinct from Isaac's lineage which carried the covenant promises. The text concludes by mentioning Ishmael's death and his descendants' dwelling place, establishing their place in the broader narrative of Abraham's family.
We often focus on Isaac's lineage, but Abraham's family tree was much wider! This verse lists sons born to Abraham after Isaac. Who were they, and why does it matter?
Genesis 25:1-6 introduces Keturah, a wife Abraham took after Sarah's death (or possibly even during her life, though the timing is debated). From Keturah, Abraham had six sons: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. Verses 1-4 detail their offspring.
Genesis 25:15 specifically names five of Keturah's grandsons: Hadar, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These names represent distinct tribes or peoples.
While these descendants are not part of the covenant line leading to Jesus, their inclusion highlights God's faithfulness to Abraham's promise of numerous descendants ('nations shall come from you'). It shows that God's plan extended beyond the immediate lineage of Isaac, acknowledging the existence and future of these other peoples.
Ask a follow-up
The text specifically mentions Ishmael's descendants in relation to Keturah's. What's the connection and why is it important?
The lists of Keturah's descendants (Genesis 25:1-4, 15-16) and Ishmael's descendants (Genesis 25:12-16) are presented side-by-side. This isn't accidental. Commentators note that Ishmael, Abraham's son by Hagar, also had twelve sons who became the heads of tribes.
By listing these names, the text emphasizes the breadth of Abraham's family and God's sovereign hand in establishing nations, even those outside the direct line of redemption.
Understand the original words
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.
These names represent the sons of Abraham's later wife, Keturah, and are listed as the progenitors of various Arabian tribes. Their inclusion highlights Abraham's extensive lineage beyond the covenant line of Isaac and Ishmael, emphasizing God's promise of numerous descendants to Abraham.
c. 1900 BC— this verse
Abraham marries Keturah
Abraham takes Keturah as a wife after Sarah's death, and they have six sons. These sons are sent eastward to settle in lands away from Isaac, the heir of the covenant.
c. 1870 BC
Death of Abraham
Abraham dies at 175 years old. His sons Isaac and Ishmael bury him together in the cave of Machpelah.
c. 1850 BC - 1800 BC
Ishmael's Descendants Settle
Ishmael's twelve sons become the fathers of twelve tribes, settling in the region from Havilah to Shur, east of Egypt.
c. 1700 BC - 1400 BC
Tribes Flourish in Arabia
The descendants of Ishmael, including the tribes of Tema and Jetur (Itureans), become established peoples in the Arabian peninsula. Some are known for trade and archery.
c. 1000 BC - 900 BC
Tribal Mentions in Scripture
These Ishmaelite tribes are mentioned in later biblical texts, such as Job and Isaiah, indicating their continued presence and significance in the region.
This passage directly parallels the naming of Ishmael's descendants, stating God's promise that he would become 'twelve princes' and be made into a great nation, which this verse details.
1 Chronicles 5:19This verse specifically names Jetur and Naphish, aligning with Genesis 25:15 and showing their involvement in conflict with the Israelites, highlighting their historical presence and interactions.
Jeremiah 49:28This prophetic passage mentions Kedar, who is listed as a son of Ishmael in Genesis 25:13, and speaks of a judgment against them, linking their lineage to divine pronouncements.
Job 6:19This verse mentions 'Tema' in the context of searching caravans, directly referencing one of Ishmael's sons and his descendants, likely referring to their nomadic or trading activities in that region.
clarkeGenesis 25:15: "Hadar, and Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah:"
Hadar - This name should be read Hadad as in 1 Chronicles 1:30 . This reading is supported by more than three hundred MSS., versions, and printed editions. See Clarke at Genesis 25:18 (note). Tema - Supposed to be a place in Arabia Deserta, the same of which Job speaks, Job 6:19. Jetur - From whom came the Itureans, who occupied a small tract of country beyond Jordan, which was afterwards possessed by the half-tribe of Manasseh. Nap…
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.…
What's easily missed here is that listing these five names isn't just a genealogical roll call. It's a subtle, yet significant, confirmation of God's promise to Abraham: even Ishmael, the son born of a secondary wife, would become the father of many nations and twelve princes, as the text later explicitly states.
This passage lists the sons of Ishmael, Abraham's firstborn son with Hagar, following the account of Abraham's death and burial. These names represent tribes that would become significant groups in the Arabian peninsula, distinct from Isaac's lineage which carried the covenant promises. The text concludes by mentioning Ishmael's death and his descendants' dwelling place, establishing their place in the broader narrative of Abraham's family.
This passage lists the sons of Ishmael, Abraham's firstborn son with Hagar, following the account of Abraham's death and burial. These names represent tribes that would become significant groups in the Arabian peninsula, distinct from Isaac's lineage which carried the covenant promises. The text concludes by mentioning Ishmael's death and his descendants' dwelling place, establishing their place in the broader narrative of Abraham's family.
"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." — What's easily missed here is that listing these five names isn't just a genealogical roll call. It's a subtle, yet significant, confirmation of God's promise to Abraham: even Ishmael, the son born of…
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Last reviewed October 2026
