Genesis 25:16

16 These are Ishmael's sons, and these are their names by their villages and encampments: 12 leaders^{[a] [b]} of their clans.^[c]

Genesis 25:16 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 25:16

These [are] the sons of Ishmael
The twelve before mentioned, ( Genesis 25:13-15 ) : these [are] their names, by their towns and by their castles;
their towns and their castles being called after their names, some of which we are able to trace at this distance, as the above notes show: twelve princes according to their nations;
these were princes, or heads of tribes, and there were twelve of them, and continued so, see ( Genesis 17:20 ) ; where is the prophecy, and here an accomplishment of it.

Genesis 25:16 In-Context

14 Mishma, Dumah, Massa,

15 Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah.

16 These are Ishmael's sons, and these are their names by their villages and encampments: 12 leaders of their clans.

17 This is the length of Ishmael's life: 137 years. He took his last breath and died, and was gathered to his people.

18 And they settled from Havilah to Shur, which is opposite Egypt as you go toward Asshur. He lived in opposition to all his brothers.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or chieftains
• [b]. Gn 17:20
• [c]. Or peoples