Genesis 25:16

16 These are the sons of Yishma'el, and these are their names, by their villages, and by their encampments: twelve princes, according to their nations.

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, Yetur, Nafish, and Kedemah.
16 These are the sons of Yishma'el, and these are their names, by their villages, and by their encampments: twelve princes, according to their nations.
17 These are the years of the life of Yishma'el: one hundred thirty-seven years. He gave up the spirit and died, and was gathered to his people.
18 They lived from Havilah to Shur that is before Mitzrayim, as you go toward Ashshur. He lived opposite all his relatives.
The Hebrew Names Version is in the public domain.