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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 25:16 These were the sons of Ishmael, and these were their names by their villages and encampments--twelve princes of their tribes.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/25-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/01_Gen_25_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 25:16 - The Descendants of Ishmael" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="These were the sons of Ishmael, and these were their names by their villages and encampments--twelve princes of their tribes." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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twelve princes according to their nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/25.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />These <i>were</i> the sons of Ishmael and these <i>were</i> their names, by their towns and their settlements, twelve princes according to their nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/25.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />These are the sons of Ishmael and these are their names, by their villages, and by their camps; twelve princes according to their tribes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/25.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />These are the sons of Ishmael and these are their names, by their villages, and by their camps; twelve princes according to their tribes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/25.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />These are the sons of Ishmael and these are their names, by their villages, and by their camps; twelve princes according to their tribes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/25.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />These are the sons of Ishmael and these are their names, by their villages, and by their camps; twelve princes according to their tribes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/25.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />These are the sons of Ishmael and these are their names, by their settlements, and by their encampments (sheepfolds); twelve princes (sheiks) according to their tribes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/25.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />These are Ishmael’s sons, and these are their names by their settlements and encampments: twelve leaders of their clans.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/25.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />These are Ishmael&#8217s sons, and these are their names by their villages and encampments: 12 leaders of their clans.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/25.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />these are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their villages, and by their encampments; twelve princes according to their nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/25.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Each of Ishmael's sons was a tribal chief, and a village was named after each of them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/25.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />these are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their villages, and by their encampments; twelve princes according to their nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/25.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />These are the sons of Ishmael and their names listed by their settlements and camps-12 leaders of their tribes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/25.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />They were the ancestors of twelve tribes, and their names were given to their villages and camping places. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/25.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />These were Ishmael's children, listed by their names according to their villages and their camps. There were a total of twelve tribal chiefs, according to their clans. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/25.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />These were the sons of Ishmael, and these were their names by their villages and encampments?twelve princes of their tribes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/25.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names by their settlements and their camps--twelve princes according to their clans. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/25.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their villages, and by their encampments: twelve princes, according to their clans.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/25.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their towns, and by their castles; twelve princes according to their nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/25.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their villages, and by their encampments: twelve princes, according to their nations. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/25.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />these are sons of Ishmael, and these [are] their names, by their villages, and by their towers; twelve princes according to their peoples.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/25.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> these are sons of Ishmael, and these their names, by their villages, and by their towers; twelve princes according to their peoples.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/25.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />These the sons of Ishmael, and these their names, in their villages, and in their fortresses; twelve princes, according to their nation.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/25.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />These are the sons of Ismael: and these are their names by their castles and towns, twelve princes of their tribes. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/25.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />These are the sons of Ishmael. And these are their names throughout their fortresses and towns: the twelve princes of their tribes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/25.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />These are the sons of Ishmael, their names by their villages and encampments; twelve chieftains of as many tribal groups.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/25.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />These are the sons of Ishmael and these are their names, by their villages and by their encampments, twelve princes according to their tribes.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/25.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names by their villages and by their sheepfolds, twelve princes according to their nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/25.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />These are the sons of Ishmayl, and these are their names in their habitations and in their sheepfolds, twelve Princes to their people.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/25.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />these are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their villages, and by their encampments; twelve princes according to their nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/25.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />These <i>are</i> the sons of Ismael, and these are their names in their tents and in their dwellings, twelve princes according to their nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/25-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=5860" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/25.htm">The Descendants of Ishmael</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/428.htm" title="428: êl·leh (Pro-cp) -- These. Prolonged from 'el; these or those.">These</a> <a href="/hebrew/1992.htm" title="1992: hêm (Pro-3mp) -- They. Or hemmah; masculine plural from halak; they.">were</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">the sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/3458.htm" title="3458: yiš·mā·‘êl (N-proper-ms) -- From shama' and 'el; God will hear; Jishmael, the name of Abraham's oldest son, and of five Israelites.">of Ishmael,</a> <a href="/hebrew/428.htm" title="428: wə·’êl·leh (Conj-w:: Pro-cp) -- These. Prolonged from 'el; these or those.">and these</a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: šə·mō·ṯām (N-mpc:: 3mp) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">were their names</a> <a href="/hebrew/2691.htm" title="2691: bə·ḥaṣ·rê·hem (Prep-b:: N-cpc:: 3mp) -- A yard, a hamlet.">by their villages</a> <a href="/hebrew/2918.htm" title="2918: ū·ḇə·ṭî·rō·ṯām (Conj-w, Prep-b:: N-fpc:: 3mp) -- Encampment, battlement. Feminine of tuwr; a wall; hence, a fortress or a hamlet.">and encampments—</a> <a href="/hebrew/8147.htm" title="8147: šə·nêm- (Number-md) -- Two (a card. number). Dual of sheniy; feminine shttayim; two; also twofold.">twelve</a> <a href="/hebrew/6240.htm" title="6240: ‘ā·śār (Number-ms) -- Ten. For eser; ten, i.e. -teen; also -teenth."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5387.htm" title="5387: nə·śî·’im (N-mp) -- Or nasi'; from nasa'; properly, an exalted one, i.e. A king or sheik; also a rising mist.">princes</a> <a href="/hebrew/523.htm" title="523: lə·’um·mō·ṯām (Prep-l:: N-fpc:: 3mp) -- A tribe, people. From the same as 'em; a collection, i.e. Community of persons.">of their tribes.</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>Ishmael lived a total of 137 years. Then he breathed his last and died, and was gathered to his people.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/17-20.htm">Genesis 17:20</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/21-13.htm">Genesis 21:13</a></span><br />But I will also make a nation of the slave woman’s son, because he is your offspring.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/28-9.htm">Genesis 28:9</a></span><br />Esau went to Ishmael and married Mahalath, the sister of Nebaioth and daughter of Abraham’s son Ishmael, in addition to the wives he already had.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/36-3.htm">Genesis 36:3</a></span><br />and Basemath daughter of Ishmael and sister of Nebaioth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/37-25.htm">Genesis 37:25-28</a></span><br />And as they sat down to eat a meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were carrying spices, balm, and myrrh on their way down to Egypt. / Then Judah said to his brothers, “What profit will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? / Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay a hand on him; for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And they agreed. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/15-15.htm">Exodus 15:15</a></span><br />Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; trembling will seize the leaders of Moab; those who dwell in Canaan will melt away,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/1-1.htm">Numbers 1:1-16</a></span><br />On the first day of the second month of the second year after the Israelites had come out of the land of Egypt, the LORD spoke to Moses in the Tent of Meeting in the Wilderness of Sinai. He said: / “Take a census of the whole congregation of Israel by their clans and families, listing every man by name, one by one. / You and Aaron are to number those who are twenty years of age or older by their divisions—everyone who can serve in Israel’s army. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/2-1.htm">Numbers 2:1-34</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron: / “The Israelites are to camp around the Tent of Meeting at a distance from it, each man under his standard, with the banners of his family. / On the east side, toward the sunrise, the divisions of Judah are to camp under their standard: The leader of the Judahites is Nahshon son of Amminadab, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/25-14.htm">Numbers 25:14-18</a></span><br />The name of the Israelite who was slain with the Midianite woman was Zimri son of Salu, the leader of a Simeonite family. / And the name of the slain Midianite woman was Cozbi, the daughter of Zur, a tribal chief of a Midianite family. / And the LORD said to Moses, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/2-4.htm">Deuteronomy 2:4-5</a></span><br />and command the people: ‘You will pass through the territory of your brothers, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. They will be afraid of you, so you must be very careful. / Do not provoke them, for I will not give you any of their land, not even a footprint, because I have given Mount Seir to Esau as his possession.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/1-29.htm">1 Chronicles 1:29-31</a></span><br />These are their genealogies: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, / Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, / Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These were the sons of Ishmael.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/21-13.htm">Isaiah 21:13-17</a></span><br />This is the burden against Arabia: In the thickets of Arabia you must lodge, O caravans of Dedanites. / Bring water for the thirsty, O dwellers of Tema; meet the refugees with food. / For they flee from the sword—the sword that is drawn—from the bow that is bent, and from the stress of battle. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/25-23.htm">Jeremiah 25:23-24</a></span><br />Dedan, Tema, Buz, and all who cut the corners of their hair; / all the kings of Arabia, and all the kings of the mixed tribes who dwell in the desert;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/25-13.htm">Ezekiel 25:13-14</a></span><br />therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: I will stretch out My hand against Edom and cut off from it both man and beast. I will make it a wasteland, and from Teman to Dedan they will fall by the sword. / I will take My vengeance on Edom by the hand of My people Israel, and they will deal with Edom according to My anger and wrath. Then they will know My vengeance, declares the Lord GOD.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/obadiah/1-6.htm">Obadiah 1:6-9</a></span><br />But how Esau will be pillaged, his hidden treasures sought out! / All the men allied with you will drive you to the border; the men at peace with you will deceive and overpower you. Those who eat your bread will set a trap for you without your awareness of it. / In that day, declares the LORD, will I not destroy the wise men of Edom and the men of understanding in the mountains of Esau? ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their towns, and by their castles; twelve princes according to their nations.</p><p class="hdg">castles.</p><p class="hdg">twelve.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/17-20.htm">Genesis 17:20,23</a></b></br> And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/11-34.htm">Camps</a> <a href="/hosea/8-14.htm">Castles</a> <a href="/revelation/6-15.htm">Chiefs</a> <a href="/luke/21-20.htm">Encampments</a> <a href="/nehemiah/11-30.htm">Hamlets</a> <a href="/genesis/25-13.htm">Ishmael</a> <a href="/genesis/25-13.htm">Ish'mael</a> <a href="/genesis/25-13.htm">Names</a> <a href="/genesis/22-18.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/genesis/25-8.htm">Peoples</a> <a href="/genesis/17-20.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/genesis/17-20.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-13.htm">Settlements</a> <a href="/ezekiel/25-4.htm">Tent-Circles</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-5.htm">Towers</a> <a href="/genesis/19-29.htm">Towns</a> <a href="/joshua/22-14.htm">Tribal</a> <a href="/revelation/21-12.htm">Tribes</a> <a href="/genesis/17-20.htm">Twelve</a> <a href="/acts/8-25.htm">Villages</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/32-2.htm">Camps</a> <a href="/numbers/31-10.htm">Castles</a> <a href="/genesis/36-15.htm">Chiefs</a> <a href="/numbers/24-5.htm">Encampments</a> <a href="/numbers/32-41.htm">Hamlets</a> <a href="/genesis/25-17.htm">Ishmael</a> <a href="/genesis/25-17.htm">Ish'mael</a> <a href="/genesis/26-18.htm">Names</a> <a href="/genesis/25-23.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/genesis/25-17.htm">Peoples</a> <a href="/exodus/1-11.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/genesis/47-6.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/genesis/36-43.htm">Settlements</a> <a href="/numbers/13-19.htm">Tent-Circles</a> <a href="/numbers/31-10.htm">Towers</a> <a href="/genesis/35-5.htm">Towns</a> <a href="/numbers/4-18.htm">Tribal</a> <a href="/genesis/49-16.htm">Tribes</a> <a href="/genesis/35-22.htm">Twelve</a> <a href="/exodus/8-13.htm">Villages</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 25</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/25-1.htm">The sons of Abraham by Keturah.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/25-5.htm">The division of his goods.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/25-7.htm">His age, death, and burial.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/25-11.htm">God blesses Isaac.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/25-12.htm">The generations of Ishmael.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/25-17.htm">His age and death.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/25-19.htm">Isaac prays for Rebekah, being barren.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/25-22.htm">The children strive in her womb.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/25-24.htm">The birth of Esau and Jacob.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/25-27.htm">Their different characters and pursuits.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/25-29.htm">Esau sells his birthright.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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Ishmael is a significant figure in biblical history as he is considered the ancestor of many Arab tribes. His story is found in <a href="/genesis/16.htm">Genesis 16 and 21</a>, where God promises to make him a great nation. This fulfillment of God's promise is evident in the listing of his sons.<p><b>and these were their names</b><br>The naming of Ishmael's sons is significant as it reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to Hagar in <a href="/genesis/16-10.htm">Genesis 16:10</a>, where He assures her that her offspring will be too numerous to count. The names of Ishmael's sons are listed in <a href="/genesis/25-13.htm">Genesis 25:13-15</a>, and each name carries cultural and historical significance, often reflecting the characteristics or the destiny of the tribe they founded.<p><b>by their villages and encampments</b><br>This phrase indicates the semi-nomadic lifestyle of Ishmael's descendants, who lived in villages and encampments. This lifestyle is typical of many ancient Near Eastern peoples, who often moved with their herds and flocks. The mention of villages and encampments suggests a structured society with established settlements, which aligns with archaeological findings of ancient nomadic tribes in the Arabian Peninsula.<p><b>twelve princes of their tribes</b><br>The reference to "twelve princes" highlights the organized tribal structure among Ishmael's descendants. This mirrors the twelve tribes of Israel, suggesting a parallel between Ishmael's and Isaac's lineages. The number twelve often symbolizes completeness or divine order in the Bible. The establishment of these tribes fulfills God's promise to Abraham in <a href="/genesis/17-20.htm">Genesis 17:20</a>, where He assures that Ishmael will be the father of twelve rulers and a great nation. This tribal structure also foreshadows the later development of the Arab nations.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/i/ishmael.htm">Ishmael</a></b><br>The first son of Abraham, born to Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian maidservant. Ishmael is considered the ancestor of several Arab tribes.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/sons_of_ishmael.htm">Sons of Ishmael</a></b><br>The twelve sons of Ishmael, who became leaders of their own tribes and nations. Their names and roles are significant in understanding the fulfillment of God's promise to Ishmael.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/v/villages_and_encampments.htm">Villages and Encampments</a></b><br>These terms refer to the settlements and nomadic camps where Ishmael's descendants lived, indicating a structured society.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/twelve_princes.htm">Twelve Princes</a></b><br>The leaders of the twelve tribes descended from Ishmael, fulfilling God's promise to make Ishmael a great nation.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/n/nations.htm">Nations</a></b><br>The various tribes and peoples that descended from Ishmael's sons, each forming their own distinct group.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_to_his_promises.htm">God's Faithfulness to His Promises</a></b><br><a href="/genesis/25-16.htm">Genesis 25:16</a> demonstrates that God fulfills His promises, as seen in the establishment of Ishmael's descendants as twelve princes. Believers can trust in God's faithfulness in their own lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/significance_of_lineage_and_heritage.htm">Significance of Lineage and Heritage</a></b><br>The detailed account of Ishmael's descendants underscores the importance of lineage in biblical history. It reminds us of the value of understanding our spiritual heritage and identity in Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/diversity_in_god's_plan.htm">Diversity in God's Plan</a></b><br>The formation of different nations from Ishmael's sons illustrates the diversity within God's creation. This diversity is part of God's plan and should be celebrated within the body of Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_responsibility.htm">Leadership and Responsibility</a></b><br>The mention of twelve princes highlights the role of leadership and the responsibility that comes with it. Christians are called to lead with integrity and serve others in their communities.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_25.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 25</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'rod_and_staff_comfort'_mean.htm">Who are the descendants of Ishmael?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_ishmael's_genealogy_differ.htm">Why does Ishmael’s genealogy (Genesis 25:12–18) differ from other references to his descendants? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_ishmael's_lineage_claim.htm">Is there historical or archaeological evidence supporting the lineage claim of Ishmael (Genesis 16:10–11)? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_galatians_4_22-23_and_genesis_differ.htm">Why does Galatians 4:22-23, referring to Abraham's two sons, contradict other accounts of their significance in Genesis?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/25.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) <span class= "bld">By their towns, and by their castles.</span>--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 <a href="/leviticus/25-31.htm" title="But the houses of the villages which have no wall round about them shall be counted as the fields of the country: they may be redeemed, and they shall go out in the jubilee.">Leviticus 25:31</a>, where it is exactly described; also <a href="/psalms/10-8.htm" title="He sits in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places does he murder the innocent: his eyes are privately set against the poor.">Psalm 10:8</a><span class= "ital">�, </span><a href="/isaiah/42-11.htm" title="Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar does inhabit: let the inhabitants of the rock sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains.">Isaiah 42:11</a>.) It was, however, a settled and permanent place of dwelling. The other word rendered here castle, but used as the equivalent of <span class= "ital">tent </span>in <a href="/psalms/69-25.htm" title="Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents.">Psalm 69:25</a>, is really a cluster of tents, the encampment of a tribe, and movable. It occurs in <a href="/numbers/31-10.htm" title="And they burnt all their cities wherein they dwelled, and all their goodly castles, with fire.">Numbers 31:10</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/6-54.htm" title="Now these are their dwelling places throughout their castles in their coasts, of the sons of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites: for theirs was the lot.">1Chronicles 6:54</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/25-4.htm" title="Behold, therefore I will deliver you to the men of the east for a possession, and they shall set their palaces in you, and make their dwellings in you: they shall eat your fruit, and they shall drink your milk.">Ezekiel 25:4</a>. 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 <span class= "ital">Toldoth </span>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. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/25.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their towns</span>, - unwalled encampments, from <span class="accented">hatzar</span>, to surround; used of the movable villages of nomadic tribes (cf. <a href="/isaiah/42-11.htm">Isaiah 42:11</a>) - <span class="cmt_word">and by their castles;</span> - fortified keeps (Murphy); tent villages (Keil); nomadic camps (Kalisch). Cf. <a href="/numbers/31-10.htm">Numbers 31:10</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/6-39.htm">1 Chronicles 6:39</a>; <a href="/psalms/69-26.htm">Psalm 69:26</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/25-4.htm">Ezekiel 25:4</a>) - <span class="cmt_word">twelve princes</span> - this does not imply that Ishmael had only twelve sons, like Israel - a very suspicious circumstance (De Wette); but only that these twelve became phylarchs (Havernick). The Egyptian dedecarchy rested on a like earlier division of names. Homer mentions a similar case among the Phoenicians (Odyss., 8. 390); Thucydides another in ancient Attica (2. 15); <span class="accented">vide</span> Havernick's 'Introch,' § 18 - <span class="cmt_word">according to their nations</span> (or tribe divisions). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/25-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">These</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵ֣לֶּה</span> <span class="translit">(êl·leh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_428.htm">Strong's 428: </a> </span><span class="str2">These, those</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were</span><br /><span class="heb">הֵ֞ם</span> <span class="translit">(hêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> </span><span class="str2">They</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the sons</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּנֵ֤י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Ishmael,</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׁמָעֵאל֙</span> <span class="translit">(yiš·mā·‘êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3458.htm">Strong's 3458: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ishmael -- 'God hears', the name of several Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and these</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאֵ֣לֶּה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’êl·leh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_428.htm">Strong's 428: </a> </span><span class="str2">These, those</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were their names</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁמֹתָ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(šə·mō·ṯām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> </span><span class="str2">A name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by their villages</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּחַצְרֵיהֶ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḥaṣ·rê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2691.htm">Strong's 2691: </a> </span><span class="str2">A yard, a hamlet</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and encampments—</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבְטִֽירֹתָ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇə·ṭî·rō·ṯām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2918.htm">Strong's 2918: </a> </span><span class="str2">A wall, a fortress, a hamlet</span><br /><br /><span class="word">twelve</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁנֵים־</span> <span class="translit">(šə·nêm-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - md<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8147.htm">Strong's 8147: </a> </span><span class="str2">Two (a cardinal number)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">princes</span><br /><span class="heb">נְשִׂיאִ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(nə·śî·’im)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5387.htm">Strong's 5387: </a> </span><span class="str2">An exalted one, a king, sheik, a rising mist</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of their tribes.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְאֻמֹּתָֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·’um·mō·ṯām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_523.htm">Strong's 523: </a> </span><span class="str2">A collection, community of persons</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/25-16.htm">Genesis 25:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/25-16.htm">Genesis 25:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/25-16.htm">Genesis 25:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/25-16.htm">Genesis 25:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/25-16.htm">Genesis 25:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/25-16.htm">Genesis 25:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/25-16.htm">Genesis 25:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/25-16.htm">Genesis 25:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/25-16.htm">Genesis 25:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/25-16.htm">Genesis 25:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/25-16.htm">OT Law: Genesis 25:16 These are the sons of Ishmael (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/25-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 25:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 25:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/25-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 25:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 25:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>