King James Version

What Does Genesis 25:13 Mean?

Genesis 25:13 in the King James Version says “And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,”

Genesis 25:13 · KJV

Context

11

And it came to pass after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac; and Isaac dwelt by the well Lahairoi.

12

Now these are the generations of Ishmael, Abraham's son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah's handmaid, bare unto Abraham:

13

And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,

14

And Mishma, and Dumah, and Massa,

15

Hadar, and Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah: Hadar: or, Hadad

Read Genesis 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the ... This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.

Central themes include God's unconditional covenant promises (land, descendants, blessing to nations), the call to faith and obedience, the testing of faith through delays and impossibilities, the contrast between divine promises and human schemes, and God's gracious persistence despite human failures. Abraham emerges as the father of faith whose trust in God's promises becomes the model for all believers (Romans 4, Galatians 3, Hebrews 11).

Theologically, these narratives establish: (1) salvation by grace through faith rather than works; (2) covenant as God's gracious initiative binding Himself to His people; (3) the necessity of patient trust when promises seem impossible; (4) the consequences of attempting to fulfill God's promises through human effort; (5) the pattern of divine testing producing mature faith. The Abraham cycle foreshadows Christ as the ultimate seed through whom blessing extends to all nations (Galatians 3:16).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְאֵ֗לֶּה1 of 12
H428

these or those

בִּשְׁמֹתָ֖ם2 of 12

“And these are the names”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

בְּנֵ֣י3 of 12

“of the sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׁמָעֵאל֙4 of 12

“of Ishmael”

H3458

jishmael, the name of abraham's oldest son, and of five israelites

בִּשְׁמֹתָ֖ם5 of 12

“And these are the names”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

לְתֽוֹלְדֹתָ֑ם6 of 12

“according to their generations”

H8435

(plural only) descent, i.e., family; (figuratively) history

בְּכֹ֤ר7 of 12

“the firstborn”

H1060

first-born; hence, chief

יִשְׁמָעֵאל֙8 of 12

“of Ishmael”

H3458

jishmael, the name of abraham's oldest son, and of five israelites

נְבָיֹ֔ת9 of 12

“Nebajoth”

H5032

nebajoth, a son of ismael, and the country settled by him

וְקֵדָ֥ר10 of 12

“and Kedar”

H6938

kedar, a son of ishmael; also (collectively) bedouin (as his descendants or representatives)

וְאַדְבְּאֵ֖ל11 of 12

“and Adbeel”

H110

adbeel, a son of ishmael

וּמִבְשָֽׂם׃12 of 12

“and Mibsam”

H4017

mibsam, the name of an ishmaelite and of an israelite

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 25:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 25:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 1:29-31Isaiah 60:7Isaiah 42:11Psalms 120:5Song of Solomon 1:5Genesis 36:3

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