Genesis 25:16
Genesis 25:16 in Multiple Translations
These were the sons of Ishmael, and these were their names by their villages and encampments—twelve princes of their tribes.
These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their towns, and by their castles; twelve princes according to their nations.
these are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their villages, and by their encampments; twelve princes according to their nations.
These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names in their towns and their tent-circles; twelve chiefs with their peoples.
These were the sons of Ishmael, and these became the names of the places where they lived and camped—the twelve family rulers of their tribes.
These are the sonnes of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their townes and by their castles: to wit, twelue princes of their nations.
these are sons of Ishmael, and these their names, by their villages, and by their towers; twelve princes according to their peoples.
These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their villages, and by their encampments: twelve princes, according to their nations.
These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their towns, and by their castles; twelve princes according to their nations.
These are the sons of Ismael: and these are their names by their castles and towns, twelve princes of their tribes.
The twelve sons of Ishmael became the leaders/chiefs of people-groups that had those names. They each had their own settlement and campsite.
Later on, those 12 sons of Ishmael became the bosses of 12 tribes, and all those tribes lived in their own camps.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 25:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 25:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֵ֣לֶּה
הֵ֞ם
בְּנֵ֤י
יִשְׁמָעֵאל֙
וְ/אֵ֣לֶּה
שְׁמֹתָ֔/ם
בְּ/חַצְרֵי/הֶ֖ם
וּ/בְ/טִֽירֹתָ֑/ם
שְׁנֵים
עָשָׂ֥ר
נְשִׂיאִ֖ם
לְ/אֻמֹּתָֽ/ם
אֵ֣לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Pron
הֵ֞ם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
בְּנֵ֤י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׁמָעֵאל֙
Yishmâʻêʼl
H3458
Ishmael
N-proper
וְ/אֵ֣לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Conj | Pron
שְׁמֹתָ֔/ם
shêm
H8034
name
N-mp | Suff
בְּ/חַצְרֵי/הֶ֖ם
châtsêr
H2691
court
Prep | N-cp | Suff
וּ/בְ/טִֽירֹתָ֑/ם
ṭîyrâh
H2918
encampment
Conj | Prep | N-fp | Suff
שְׁנֵים
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
עָשָׂ֥ר
ʻâsâr
H6240
ten
Adj
נְשִׂיאִ֖ם
nâsîyʼ
H5387
leader
N-mp
לְ/אֻמֹּתָֽ/ם
ʼummah
H523
people
Prep | N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 25:16
אֵ֣לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
הֵ֞ם
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
בְּנֵ֤י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׁמָעֵאל֙
Yishmâʻêʼl
H3458
"Ishmael"
N-proper
Ishmael means God will hear, and refers to Abraham's son with Hagar, as well as several other Israelites. He is mentioned in Genesis and Ezra. Ishmael is considered the progenitor of the Arabian peoples.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.22 § Ishmael = "God will hear" 1) son of Abraham and Sarah's handmaid Hagar and the progenitor of the Arabian peoples 2) son of Nethaniah and the murderer of Gedaliah 3) a Benjamite, one of the sons of Azel a descendant of Saul through Meribbaal or Mephibosheth 4) a Judaite, father of Zebadiah 5) a Judaite, son of Johanan and one of the captains who aided Jehoiada in restoring Joash to the throne 6) a priest of the family of Pashur with a foreign wife whom he was forced to put away by Ezra
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: Ishmael. See also: Genesis 16:11; 2 Chronicles 19:11; Jeremiah 40:8.
וְ/אֵ֣לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
שְׁמֹתָ֔/ם
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
בְּ/חַצְרֵי/הֶ֖ם
châtsêr
H2691
"court"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
A village in the Bible is a small settlement surrounded by walls. In Matthew 21:2, Jesus sends his disciples to a village to find a donkey, while in Mark 6:6, Jesus travels from village to village teaching.
Definition: 1) court, enclosure 1a) enclosures 1b) court
Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: court, tower, village. See also: Genesis 25:16; 2 Chronicles 24:21; Psalms 10:8.
וּ/בְ/טִֽירֹתָ֑/ם
ṭîyrâh
H2918
"encampment"
Conj | Prep | N-fp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to an encampment, a fortress, or a small village, often surrounded by a wall for protection. It can also mean a row of stones or a palace. In the Bible, it is used to describe the dwelling places of kings and nobles.
Definition: 1) encampment, battlement 1a) encampment, tent camp 1b) walled dwelling places, battlement (metaph.) 1c) row (of stones)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: (goodly) castle, habitation, palace, row. See also: Genesis 25:16; Psalms 69:26; Ezekiel 46:23.
שְׁנֵים
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
עָשָׂ֥ר
ʻâsâr
H6240
"ten"
Adj
In Hebrew, this word means ten, and is used to form numbers like eleven or thirteen, as seen in Genesis 31:41. It is always used in combination with other numbers.
Definition: 1) ten, -teen (in combination with other numbers) 1a) used only in combination to make the numbers 11-19
Usage: Occurs in 292 OT verses. KJV: (eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-, six-, thir-) teen(-th), [phrase] eleven(-th), [phrase] sixscore thousand, [phrase] twelve(-th). See also: Genesis 5:8; Joshua 21:7; 1 Chronicles 25:27.
נְשִׂיאִ֖ם
nâsîyʼ
H5387
"leader"
N-mp
This word refers to a leader or a high-ranking official, like a king or a captain. It can also describe a rising mist, as seen in Isaiah 60:13. In the Bible, it often symbolizes power and authority.
Definition: one lifted up, chief, prince, captain, leader
Usage: Occurs in 120 OT verses. KJV: captain, chief, cloud, governor, prince, ruler, vapour. See also: Genesis 17:20; Numbers 34:26; Psalms 135:7.
לְ/אֻמֹּתָֽ/ם
ʼummah
H523
"people"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
Refers to a group of people or a community, like a nation or tribe. Used in Genesis to describe the people of Israel. It can also refer to a specific group of people with a shared identity or purpose.
Definition: people, tribe, nation Aramaic equivalent: um.mah (אֻמָּה "people" H0524)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: nation, people. See also: Genesis 25:16; Numbers 25:15; Psalms 117:1.
Study Notes — Genesis 25:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 25:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 25:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 25:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 25:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 25:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 25:16
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 25:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 25:16
- Sermons on Genesis 25:16
Context — The Descendants of Ishmael
14Mishma, Dumah, Massa,
15Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah.
16These were the sons of Ishmael, and these were their names by their villages and encampments—twelve princes of their tribes.
17Ishmael lived a total of 137 years. Then he breathed his last and died, and was gathered to his people. 18Ishmael’s descendants settled from Havilah to Shur, which is near the border of Egypt as you go toward Asshur. And they lived in hostility toward all their brothers.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 17:20 | As for Ishmael, I have heard you, and I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He will become the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation. |
| 2 | Genesis 17:23 | On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or purchased with his money—every male among the members of Abraham’s household—and he circumcised them, just as God had told him. |
Genesis 25:16 Summary
[Genesis 25:16 tells us about the sons of Ishmael, who were the son of Abraham and Hagar. These sons became leaders of their own tribes, with their own villages and encampments, just like the twelve tribes of Israel. This shows that God was faithful to His promise to make Ishmael a great nation, as He said in Genesis 17:20. As we read about the lives of Ishmael and his descendants, we can see how God works out His plans in the lives of all people, even those who may not be part of the main story of salvation.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the sons of Ishmael mentioned in Genesis 25:16?
The sons of Ishmael are listed in Genesis 25:13-15, and according to Genesis 25:16, they were twelve princes of their tribes, each with their own villages and encampments.
What does it mean that the sons of Ishmael were 'twelve princes of their tribes'?
This phrase indicates that the sons of Ishmael were leaders or rulers over their respective tribes, similar to how the twelve tribes of Israel were led by their own princes, as seen in Exodus 18:21 and Numbers 1:16.
How does Genesis 25:16 relate to the rest of the biblical narrative?
Genesis 25:16 provides an important connection to the broader story of the biblical patriarchs, highlighting the relationship between Ishmael and his descendants, as well as their place within the larger family of Abraham, as seen in Genesis 16:15 and Genesis 21:18.
What can we learn from the fact that Ishmael's sons had their own villages and encampments?
This detail suggests that the sons of Ishmael established their own distinct communities, which is consistent with God's promise to make Ishmael a great nation, as stated in Genesis 17:20 and Genesis 21:13.
Reflection Questions
- How does the fact that the sons of Ishmael were twelve princes of their tribes challenge or affirm my understanding of God's plan for the nations?
- In what ways can I see God's sovereignty and provision in the lives of Ishmael and his descendants, even if they are not part of the main covenant line?
- What does this verse reveal about the importance of family and tribal identity in the biblical world, and how can I apply this to my own life and relationships?
- How can I balance the reality of human sin and rebellion, as seen in the hostility between Ishmael's descendants and their brothers, with the promise of God's redemption and restoration?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 25:16
These [are] the sons of Ishmael,.... The twelve before mentioned, Genesis 25:13: these [are] their names, by their towns and by their castles; their towns and their castles being called after their
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 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.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 25:16
Genesis 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.Ver. 16. These are their names by their towns.] Which they called after their own names, as Cain did, that first built the city Enoch, after his son’ s name; that he might be styled "Lord Enoch of Enoch." So, the many Alexandrias, Caesareas, Augustas, &c. See Psalms 49:11.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 25:16
(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 Psalms 10:8·, Isaiah 42:11.) It was, however, a settled and permanent place of dwelling. The other word rendered here castle, but used as the equivalent of tent in Psalms 69:25, is really a cluster of tents, the encampment of a tribe, and movable. It occurs in Numbers 31:10; 1 Chronicles 6:54; Ezekiel 25:4. As is well known, the Arabs are divided into two classes—the dwellers in tents, who are ever moving from station to station, within certain limits, nevertheless, which they seldom pass over; and the agricultural class, who have fixed habitations, are looked upon as inferiors, and probably are the remains of a conquered race. To this day they pay a sort of rent, or black-mail, to the nobler Arabs. We find, then, this distinction already existing when this Tôldôth was drawn up; the agricultural Arabs dwelling in unwalled villages, while the nomad tribes pitched now here, and now there, their clusters of black camels’-hair tents. And thus we have in these words proof that Ishmael and his subjects were not all upon the same level; for while he, his sons, and his noblest retainers would dwell in tents, the inhabitants of the villages would be men of inferior origin, compelled to submit themselves to him.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 25:16
Verse 16. These are their names] By which their descendants were called. Their towns - places of encampment in the wilderness, such as have been used by the Arabs from the remotest times. Their castles, טירתם tirotham, their towers, probably mountain tops, fortified rocks, and fastnesses of various kinds in woods and hilly countries.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 25:16
16. by their villages, and … encampments] The distinction is, probably, between settled habitations in open unwalled villages, and circles of black tents in which the Bedouins dwell. This distinction between the permanent and the movable dwellings of the Ishmaelites is not reproduced in the versions. LXX ἐνταῖςσκηναῖς … ἐνταῖςἐπαύλεσιν, Lat. per castella et oppida. See, also, for “encampments,” the tξrτth of the Midianites (Numbers 31:10) and of “the children of the east” (Ezekiel 25:4). twelve princes] See note on Genesis 25:2. The fulfilment of Gen 17:20 (P). The “princes” are “leaders,” or Sheikhs, of clans. nations] A technical term for “clan” (’ummah = ’ummat in Arabic); cf. Psalms 117:1 : elsewhere only Numbers 25:15 = “a father’s house.”
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 25:16
16. By their towns, and… castles — Rather, in their village and in their encampment.
Sermons on Genesis 25:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Have You Been Circumcised? by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch delves into the significance of circumcision in the Old Testament as a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham, emphasizing that while it was not a condition for e |
|
Instant Obedience by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman emphasizes the importance of instant obedience to God's call, highlighting that delayed obedience is disobedience. He stresses that every time God calls us to a d |