Genesis 25:16

16 These [are] the sons of Ishmael, and these [are] their names by their villages and by their encampments--12 leaders according to their tribes.

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] the sons of Ishmael, and these [are] their names by their villages and by their encampments--12 leaders according to their tribes.

17 Now these [are] the years of the life of Ishmael: 137 years. And he passed away and died, and was gathered to his people.

18 They settled from Havilah to Shur, which [was] opposite Egypt, going toward Asshur, opposite; he {settled} opposite all his brothers.