Genesis 25:13
New International Version
These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, listed in the order of their birth: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam,

New Living Translation
Here is a list, by their names and clans, of Ishmael’s descendants: The oldest was Nebaioth, followed by Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam,

English Standard Version
These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, named in the order of their birth: Nebaioth, the firstborn of Ishmael; and Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam,

Berean Standard Bible
These are the names of the sons of Ishmael in the order of their birth: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam,

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

King James Bible
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,

New King James Version
And these were the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: The firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam,

New American Standard Bible
and these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, in the order of their birth: Nebaioth, the firstborn of Ishmael, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam,

NASB 1995
and these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, in the order of their birth: Nebaioth, the firstborn of Ishmael, and Kedar and Adbeel and Mibsam

NASB 1977
and these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, in the order of their birth: Nebaioth, the first-born of Ishmael, and Kedar and Adbeel and Mibsam

Legacy Standard Bible
and these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, in the order of their birth: Nebaioth, the firstborn of Ishmael, and Kedar and Adbeel and Mibsam

Amplified Bible
and these are the names of the [twelve] sons of Ishmael, named in the order of their births: Nebaioth, the firstborn of Ishmael, and Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam,

Berean Annotated Bible
These are the names of the sons of Ishmael (God hears) in the order of their birth: Nebaioth (heights) the firstborn of Ishmael, then Kedar (dark), Adbeel (chastened of God), Mibsam (sweet odor),

Christian Standard Bible
These are the names of Ishmael’s sons; their names according to the family records are Nebaioth, Ishmael’s firstborn, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
These are the names of Ishmael’s sons; their names according to the family records are: Nebaioth, Ishmael’s firstborn, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam,

American Standard Version
and these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the first-born of Ishmael, Nebaioth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,

Contemporary English Version
Ishmael had twelve sons, in this order: Nebaioth, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam,

English Revised Version
and these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
These are the names of the sons of Ishmael listed in the order of their birth: Nebaioth (Ishmael's firstborn), Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam,

Good News Translation
had the following sons, listed in the order of their birth: Nebaioth, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam,

International Standard Version
Here's a list of the names of Ishmael's sons, recorded by their names and descendants: Nebaioth was the firstborn, followed by Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam,

NET Bible
These are the names of Ishmael's sons, by their names according to their records: Nebaioth (Ishmael's firstborn), Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam,

New Heart English Bible
These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to the order of their birth: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam,

Webster's Bible Translation
And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: The first-born of Ishmael, Nebajoth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
These are the names of the sons of Ishmael in the order of their birth: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam,

World English Bible
These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to the order of their birth: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and these [are] the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their births: firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,

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

Young's Literal Translation
and these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their births: first-born of Ishmael, Nebajoth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,

Smith's Literal Translation
And the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names according their generations: the first-born of Ishmael, Nebajoth, and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And these are the names of his children according to their calling and generations. The firstborn of Ismael was Nabajoth, then Cedar, and Adbeel, and Mabsam.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And these are the names of his sons according to their language and generations. The firstborn of Ishmael was Nebaioth, then Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,

New American Bible
These are the names of Ishmael’s sons, listed in the order of their birth: Ishmael’s firstborn Nebaioth, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam,

New Revised Standard Version
These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, named in the order of their birth: Nebaioth, the firstborn of Ishmael; and Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the first-born of Ishmael, Nebioth, and Kedar, Arbal, and Mibsam,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And these are the names of the sons of Ishmayl by their names to their generations: the first born of Ishmayl, Nebiuth and Qedar and Arbal and Mabsam,
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the first-born of Ishmael, Nebaioth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And these are the names of the sons of Ismael, according to the names of their generations. The firstborn of Ismael, Nabaioth, and Kedar, and Nabdeel, and Massam,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Descendants of Ishmael
12This is the account of Abraham’s son Ishmael, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s maidservant, bore to Abraham. 13These are the names of the sons of Ishmael in the order of their birth: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, 14Mishma, Dumah, Massa,…

Cross References
These are the names of the sons of Ishmael in the order of their birth:

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.

Genesis 21:18
Get up, lift up the boy, and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.”

1 Chronicles 1:29-31
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.
Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael,

Genesis 16:12
He will be a wild donkey of a man, and his hand will be against everyone, and everyone’s hand against him; he will live in hostility toward all his brothers.”

Genesis 28:9
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.

Isaiah 60:7
All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered to you; the rams of Nebaioth will serve you and go up on My altar with acceptance; I will adorn My glorious house.
then Kedar,

Jeremiah 2:10
Cross over to the coasts of Cyprus and take a look; send to Kedar and consider carefully; see if there has ever been anything like this:

Psalm 120:5
Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech, that I live among the tents of Kedar!

Isaiah 42:11
Let the desert and its cities raise their voices; let the villages of Kedar cry aloud. Let the people of Sela sing for joy; let them cry out from the mountaintops.
Adbeel,

Psalm 83:6
the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites,

Isaiah 21:13
This is the burden against Arabia: In the thickets of Arabia you must lodge, O caravans of Dedanites.

Jeremiah 25:23
Dedan, Tema, Buz, and all who cut the corners of their hair;
Mibsam,

Ezekiel 27:21
Arabia and all the princes of Kedar were your customers, trading in lambs, rams, and goats.

Job 6:19-20
The caravans of Tema look for water; the travelers of Sheba hope to find it. / They are confounded because they had hoped; their arrival brings disappointment.

Genesis 21:20-21
And God was with the boy, and he grew up and settled in the wilderness and became a great archer. / And while he was dwelling in the Wilderness of Paran, his mother got a wife for him from the land of Egypt.
Genesis 36:3
and Basemath daughter of Ishmael and sister of Nebaioth.


Treasury of Scripture

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,

the names.

1 Chronicles 1:29-31
These are their generations: The firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth; then Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam, …

Nebajoth.

Genesis 36:3
And Bashemath Ishmael's daughter, sister of Nebajoth.

Isaiah 60:7
All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory.

Kedar.

Psalm 120:5
Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar!

Song of Solomon 1:5
I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.

Isaiah 21:16,17
For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Within a year, according to the years of an hireling, and all the glory of Kedar shall fail: …

Jump to Previous
Adbeel Birth Births First Firstborn First-Born Generations Ishmael Ish'mael Ishmael's Kedar Listed Mibsam Names Nebaioth Neba'ioth Nebajoth Order
Jump to Next
Adbeel Birth Births First Firstborn First-Born Generations Ishmael Ish'mael Ishmael's Kedar Listed Mibsam Names Nebaioth Neba'ioth Nebajoth Order
Genesis 25
1. The sons of Abraham by Keturah.
5. The division of his goods.
7. His age, death, and burial.
11. God blesses Isaac.
12. The generations of Ishmael.
17. His age and death.
19. Isaac prays for Rebekah, being barren.
22. The children strive in her womb.
24. The birth of Esau and Jacob.
27. Their different characters and pursuits.
29. Esau sells his birthright.












These are the names of the sons of Ishmael in the order of their birth:
This phrase introduces the genealogy of Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar. Genealogies in the Bible often serve to establish historical and familial connections, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promises. Ishmael's descendants are significant as they fulfill God's promise to Abraham that Ishmael would become a great nation (Genesis 17:20). The listing of names in birth order underscores the importance of lineage and inheritance in ancient Near Eastern cultures.

Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael,
Nebaioth is identified as the firstborn son of Ishmael. In biblical times, the firstborn held a place of prominence and often received a double portion of the inheritance. Nebaioth's descendants are believed to have settled in the region of northern Arabia. Isaiah 60:7 mentions Nebaioth in a prophecy concerning the future glory of Zion, indicating the continued significance of Ishmael's lineage.

then Kedar,
Kedar is the second son of Ishmael and is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a tribe known for its nomadic lifestyle and skill in archery (Isaiah 21:16-17). The descendants of Kedar are associated with the Arabian desert and are often depicted as living in tents. Kedar's mention in prophetic literature, such as Isaiah 42:11, highlights the inclusion of Gentile nations in God's redemptive plan.

Adbeel,
Adbeel is the third son of Ishmael. Little is known about Adbeel specifically, but his inclusion in the genealogy underscores the expansion of Ishmael's descendants. The name Adbeel may be linked to a tribe or region in northern Arabia, contributing to the broader understanding of Ishmael's influence in the area.

Mibsam,
Mibsam is the fourth son of Ishmael. Like Adbeel, specific details about Mibsam are scarce. However, the mention of Mibsam and his brothers illustrates the fulfillment of God's promise to Hagar that Ishmael would have numerous descendants (Genesis 16:10). The genealogical record serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in multiplying Ishmael's lineage.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ishmael
The firstborn son of Abraham and Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian maidservant. Ishmael is considered the ancestor of several Arab tribes.

2. Nebaioth
The firstborn son of Ishmael. His descendants are believed to have settled in the region that is now part of modern-day Saudi Arabia.

3. Kedar
The second son of Ishmael. The Kedarites were a nomadic tribe known for their flocks and tents, often mentioned in the context of trade and warfare.

4. Adbeel
The third son of Ishmael. Little is known about Adbeel, but his name is included in the genealogical records of Ishmael's descendants.

5. Mibsam
The fourth son of Ishmael. Like Adbeel, not much is detailed about Mibsam, but he is part of the lineage that fulfills God's promise to make Ishmael a great nation.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness to His Promises
God's promise to Abraham regarding Ishmael is fulfilled through the listing of his sons. This demonstrates God's faithfulness and reliability in keeping His word.

Significance of Genealogies
The genealogies in the Bible are not mere lists of names but are crucial for understanding God's unfolding plan and the fulfillment of His promises.

Legacy and Influence
Ishmael's descendants, though not part of the covenant line through Isaac, still play a significant role in history, showing that God's plans encompass all peoples.

Understanding Our Spiritual Heritage
Just as the descendants of Ishmael are part of God's broader account, believers today are encouraged to understand their place in God's account and live out their faith accordingly.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Genesis 25:13?

2. How does Genesis 25:13 demonstrate God's faithfulness to Ishmael's descendants?

3. What significance do Ishmael's sons hold in the broader biblical narrative?

4. How can understanding Ishmael's lineage enhance our comprehension of God's promises?

5. How does Genesis 25:13 connect with God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 17?

6. What lessons can we apply today from God's dealings with Ishmael's family?

7. What is the significance of Ishmael's descendants listed in Genesis 25:13 for biblical history?

8. How does Genesis 25:13 relate to God's promise to Abraham about Ishmael?

9. Why are Ishmael's sons named in Genesis 25:13, and what does it imply about their importance?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 25?

11. What was the identity of the Nabateans?

12. Who was Kedar in the Bible?

13. Who was Kedar in the Bible?

14. What does the Bible say about Arabs?
What Does Genesis 25:13 Mean
Nebaioth—the firstborn

“ ‘These are the names of the sons of Ishmael in the order of their birth: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael…’ ” (Genesis 25:13)

• Being named first confirms Nebaioth’s right of the firstborn, fulfilling God’s promise that Ishmael would become “a great nation” (Genesis 17:20; 21:13).

• Nebaioth later appears when Esau marries his sister Mahalath (Genesis 28:9), linking Ishmael’s line to Edom.

• Isaiah foresees Nebaioth’s flocks coming to honor the Lord (Isaiah 60:7), hinting that even desert tribes will one day worship Israel’s God.

1 Chronicles 1:29 repeats his name, underscoring the historical accuracy of the genealogy.


Kedar

“…then Kedar…” (Genesis 25:13)

• Kedar becomes a powerful Arabian tribe; their tents are proverbial for rugged nomadic life (Song of Songs 1:5).

• The prophet Isaiah pictures Kedar’s villages exalting the Lord (Isaiah 42:11) and their rams being accepted on God’s altar (Isaiah 60:7).

• Jeremiah targets Kedar for judgment (Jeremiah 49:28–32), showing that God deals with all nations according to their response to Him.

Psalm 120:5 laments dwelling “among the tents of Kedar,” illustrating spiritual darkness apart from covenant blessing.


Adbeel

“…Adbeel…” (Genesis 25:13)

• Though little is recorded beyond his name (repeated in 1 Chronicles 1:29), Adbeel’s inclusion shows every branch of Ishmael’s family mattered to God.

• The listing fulfills the word spoken to Hagar that Ishmael would father “twelve princes” (Genesis 17:20), emphasizing God’s meticulous faithfulness.


Mibsam

“…Mibsam,” (Genesis 25:13)

• Like Adbeel, Mibsam is otherwise unknown, yet Scripture preserves his name. God’s covenant dealings are not only with the prominent but with all descendants.

• This quiet mention reminds us that even obscure lives lie within the sweep of divine promise (compare Matthew 10:30, where every hair is numbered).


summary

Genesis 25:13 records the first four of Ishmael’s twelve sons, highlighting God’s precise fulfillment of His promise to multiply Ishmael. Nebaioth’s primacy, Kedar’s prominence, and the otherwise obscure Adbeel and Mibsam all testify that God’s Word captures both the famous and the forgotten, assuring us that His plans reach every corner of every family line.

Verse 13. - And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; - "Heights;" the Nabathaeans, a people of Northern Arabia, possessed of abundant flocks (Isaiah 9:7), and, according to Diodorus, living by merchandise and rapine (Gesenius). From Petraea they subsequently extended as far as Babylon (Keil) - and Kedar, - "Black Skin;" the Cedrei of Pliny (Gesenius, Keil, Rosen-mailer); characterized as good bowmen (Isaiah 21:17), and dwelling between Arabia Petraea and Babylon - and Adbeel, - "Miracle of God" (Gesenius); of whom nothing is known - and Mibsam, - "Sweet Odor" (Gesenius); equally uncertain.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
These
וְאֵ֗לֶּה (wə·’êl·leh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

are the names
שְׁמוֹת֙ (šə·mō·wṯ)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8034: A name

of the sons
בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Ishmael
יִשְׁמָעֵ֔אל (yiš·mā·‘êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3458: Ishmael -- 'God hears', the name of several Israelites

in the order of their birth:
לְתוֹלְדֹתָ֑ם (lə·ṯō·wl·ḏō·ṯām)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 8435: Descent, family, history

Nebaioth
נְבָיֹ֔ת (nə·ḇā·yōṯ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5032: Nebaioth -- oldest son of Ishmael, also his desc

the firstborn
בְּכֹ֤ר (bə·ḵōr)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1060: Firstborn, chief

of Ishmael,
יִשְׁמָעֵאל֙ (yiš·mā·‘êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3458: Ishmael -- 'God hears', the name of several Israelites

then Kedar,
וְקֵדָ֥ר (wə·qê·ḏār)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6938: Kedar -- perhaps 'swarthy', a son of Ishmael, also his desc

Adbeel,
וְאַדְבְּאֵ֖ל (wə·’aḏ·bə·’êl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 110: Adbeel -- 'disciplined of God', the third son of Ishmael

Mibsam,
וּמִבְשָֽׂם׃ (ū·miḇ·śām)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4017: Mibsam -- a son of Ishmael, also a Simeonite


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OT Law: Genesis 25:13 These are the names of the sons (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 25:12
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