Genesis 25:13

Authorized King James Version

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,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֵ֗לֶּה
these or those
#2
בִּשְׁמֹתָ֖ם
And these are the names
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#3
בְּנֵ֣י
of the sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#4
יִשְׁמָעֵאל֙
of Ishmael
jishmael, the name of abraham's oldest son, and of five israelites
#5
בִּשְׁמֹתָ֖ם
And these are the names
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#6
לְתֽוֹלְדֹתָ֑ם
according to their generations
(plural only) descent, i.e., family; (figuratively) history
#7
בְּכֹ֤ר
the firstborn
first-born; hence, chief
#8
יִשְׁמָעֵאל֙
of Ishmael
jishmael, the name of abraham's oldest son, and of five israelites
#9
נְבָיֹ֔ת
Nebajoth
nebajoth, a son of ismael, and the country settled by him
#10
וְקֵדָ֥ר
and Kedar
kedar, a son of ishmael; also (collectively) bedouin (as his descendants or representatives)
#11
וְאַדְבְּאֵ֖ל
and Adbeel
adbeel, a son of ishmael
#12
וּמִבְשָֽׂם׃
and Mibsam
mibsam, the name of an ishmaelite and of an israelite

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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