Genesis 25:16 - These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their villages, and by their encampments: twelve princes, according to their nations.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Genesis 25:16" mean?
Genesis 25:16 is a summary statement concluding the section on Ishmael and his descendants. It means the following:
"These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names...": This refers back to the list of Ishmael's twelve sons that was given in Genesis 25:13-15. It emphasizes that the following description pertains specifically to these named individuals.
"...by their villages, and by their encampments...": This indicates that the descendants of Ishmael settled in identifiable locations. "Villages" likely refers to more permanent settlements, while "encampments" suggests a more nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle. This reflects the realities of desert life in the ancient Near East, where some tribes settled in oases or agricultural areas, while others were more mobile.
"...twelve princes, according to their nations.": This is the key point of the verse. It states that each of Ishmael's twelve sons became a leader (a "prince") of a distinct "nation" or tribal group. The term "nations" here doesn't necessarily imply fully established kingdoms, but rather independent groups of people descended from and associated with each son of Ishmael. This emphasizes the large and influential nature of Ishmael's descendants. The number twelve is important as it parallels the twelve tribes of Israel descended from Jacob (Israel). This is an implicit acknowledgement of the role of the Ishmaelites, as descendants of Abraham, in God's plan.
Genesis 25:16 - These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their villages, and by their encampments: twelve princes, according to their nations.
What does "Genesis 25:16" mean?
Genesis 25:16 is a summary statement concluding the section on Ishmael and his descendants. It means the following:
"These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names...": This refers back to the list of Ishmael's twelve sons that was given in Genesis 25:13-15. It emphasizes that the following description pertains specifically to these named individuals.
"...by their villages, and by their encampments...": This indicates that the descendants of Ishmael settled in identifiable locations. "Villages" likely refers to more permanent settlements, while "encampments" suggests a more nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle. This reflects the realities of desert life in the ancient Near East, where some tribes settled in oases or agricultural areas, while others were more mobile.
"...twelve princes, according to their nations.": This is the key point of the verse. It states that each of Ishmael's twelve sons became a leader (a "prince") of a distinct "nation" or tribal group. The term "nations" here doesn't necessarily imply fully established kingdoms, but rather independent groups of people descended from and associated with each son of Ishmael. This emphasizes the large and influential nature of Ishmael's descendants. The number twelve is important as it parallels the twelve tribes of Israel descended from Jacob (Israel). This is an implicit acknowledgement of the role of the Ishmaelites, as descendants of Abraham, in God's plan.