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)
What's easily missed here is that the verse highlights not just a list of names, but a fundamental distinction within Ishmael's descendants: some lived in settled villages, while others were nomadic, dwelling in encampments. This detail reveals a social stratification already present among them, with fixed settlements often implying a more settled, possibly less mobile or even subordinate status compared to those who lived in tents.
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)
Following Abraham's death and the lineage of his son Isaac being established as the bearer of the covenant, the narrative now turns to Ishmael, Abraham's son through Hagar. This section enumerates Ishmael's twelve sons and the tribal divisions they established, confirming God's promise of making him a great nation.
The text mentions both 'villages' and 'encampments' for Ishmael's descendants. What does this tell us about their way of life?
Genesis 25:16 highlights a crucial distinction within Ishmael's descendants: the difference between those living in settled 'villages' and those in nomadic 'encampments.' This wasn't just a difference in housing, but in lifestyle and social structure.
This duality shows that Ishmael's lineage was not monolithic. It already encompassed both settled agriculturalists and mobile pastoralists, laying the groundwork for the diverse Arab cultures that would emerge.
The verse names 'twelve princes.' What's significant about this number in the context of Ishmael's descendants?
The mention of 'twelve princes according to their nations' for Ishmael's descendants is a direct fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 17:20: 'And as for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I have blessed him and will make him fruitful, exceedingly fruitful. Twelve princes he shall father, and I will make him a great nation.'
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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.
This verse marks the fulfillment of a promise made to Abraham: that Ishmael would father twelve princes and become a great nation. The listing of their names, villages, and encampments shows the concrete, historical reality of this diverse people.
~2000 BC
Abraham's Covenant and Sons
God establishes a covenant with Abraham, promising him numerous descendants, including through his son Ishmael. Abraham has sons through both his wife Sarah and his concubines.
~1950 BC
Abraham's Death and Burial
Abraham dies at a great age. His sons Isaac and Ishmael participate in his burial, indicating a continued, albeit perhaps distant, relationship.
~1900 BC— this verse
Ishmael's Posterity Recorded
The text records the genealogy of Ishmael, listing his twelve sons who became princes over distinct tribes or 'nations,' fulfilling God's earlier promise to Abraham.
c. 1800 BC
Ishmaelite Tribes Flourish
Ishmael's descendants establish themselves in distinct tribal units, living in both settled villages and nomadic encampments across a wide territory.
This passage directly prophesies that Ishmael would be made into a great nation, with twelve princes, which Genesis 25:16 then confirms as fulfilled.
1 Chronicles 1:28-31This passage also lists the descendants of Ishmael, including the names of his sons, mirroring the genealogical record found in Genesis 25.
Jeremiah 49:28-29This prophecy speaks of the tents and flocks of Kedar, a son of Ishmael, highlighting the nomadic lifestyle and settlements of his descendants, which aligns with the mention of 'villages' and 'encampments' in Genesis 25:16.
Genesis 16:12This verse describes Ishmael as a 'wild donkey of a man' whose hand will be against everyone and everyone's hand against him, providing context for the independent tribes and nations that would arise from his lineage.
ellicottGenesis 25:16: "These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their towns, and by their castles; twelve princes according to their nations."
(16) By their towns, and by their castles. —Towns and castles in the wilderness of Paran there were none, but we know for certain that the first of these words signified an unwalled village. (See Leviticus 25:31 , where it is exactly described; also Psalm 10:8 ·, Isaiah 42:11 .) It was, however, a settled and permanent place of dwelling. The…
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 the verse highlights not just a list of names, but a fundamental distinction within Ishmael's descendants: some lived in settled villages, while others were nomadic, dwelling in encampments. This detail reveals a social stratification already present among them, with fixed settlements often implying a more settled, possibly less mobile or even subordinate status compared to those who lived in tents.
Following Abraham's death and the lineage of his son Isaac being established as the bearer of the covenant, the narrative now turns to Ishmael, Abraham's son through Hagar. This section enumerates Ishmael's twelve sons and the tribal divisions they established, confirming God's promise of making him a great nation.
Following Abraham's death and the lineage of his son Isaac being established as the bearer of the covenant, the narrative now turns to Ishmael, Abraham's son through Hagar. This section enumerates Ishmael's twelve sons and the tribal divisions they established, confirming God's promise of making him a great nation.
"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 the verse highlights not just a list of names, but a fundamental distinction within Ishmael's descendants: some lived in settled villages, while others were nomadic,…
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Last reviewed October 2026