Genesis 25:15

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Hadar {H2316}, and Tema {H8485}, Jetur {H3195}, Naphish {H5305}, and Kedemah {H6929}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Hadad, Teima, Y'tur, Nafish and Kedmah.

Berean Standard Bible

Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 25:15 meticulously lists five of Ishmael's twelve sons—Hadar, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah—completing the enumeration of Abraham's firstborn son's lineage through Hagar. This seemingly simple genealogical entry is profoundly significant, serving as a tangible testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His specific promise to Abraham that Ishmael would indeed become the father of twelve princes and a great nation, even as the redemptive covenant line continued through Isaac.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 25:15 is situated within the broader narrative of [Genesis 25:12-18](/genesis/25-12-18 "The Generations of Ishmael"), a distinct section dedicated to the descendants of Ishmael. This segment immediately follows the account of Abraham's death and burial, providing a concluding summary of his first son's progeny before the narrative shifts entirely to the generations of Isaac and Jacob in [Genesis 25:19](/genesis/25-19 "The Generations of Isaac"). The inclusion of Ishmael's genealogy, mirroring the structure often used for significant patriarchal figures, underscores his importance in the broader divine plan, even though he is not the heir of the covenant promise. It functions as a fulfillment statement, demonstrating God's meticulous attention to all His declarations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, genealogies were far more than mere lists of names; they served as crucial documents establishing identity, lineage, inheritance rights, and tribal affiliations. For nomadic and semi-nomadic peoples like the early Ishmaelites, these lists provided a framework for understanding their origins, territorial claims, and relationships with neighboring groups. The concept of "twelve princes" (Hebrew: *nesi'im*) signifies the formation of distinct, organized tribal entities, each with its own leadership and sphere of influence. Historically, many of these Ishmaelite tribes, such as Tema and Jetur, are identifiable with later historical groups that inhabited the Arabian Peninsula, the Sinai, and parts of the Levant, interacting significantly with the nascent Israelite nation, as seen in passages like [1 Chronicles 5:19](/1_chronicles/5-19 "War against the Hagarites, Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab").
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of Ishmael's genealogy, contributes to several overarching themes in Genesis. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His word, even to promises made outside the primary covenant line, such as His declaration concerning Ishmael in [Genesis 17:20](/genesis/17-20 "God's Promise to Bless Ishmael"). It also highlights the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as the enumeration of twelve sons directly corresponds to God's promise of twelve princes. Furthermore, it subtly introduces the theme of **God's Universal Providence**, showing that while His redemptive plan is focused on a specific lineage, His care and blessing extend to all peoples and nations, acknowledging the diverse origins of humanity within His creation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 25:15 concludes the enumeration of Ishmael's twelve sons, specifically naming Hadar, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These names, along with the seven preceding them in [Genesis 25:13-14](/genesis/25-13-14 "Ishmael's First Seven Sons"), represent the progenitors of distinct tribal groups that would settle across the Arabian Peninsula, the Sinai, and parts of the Levant.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tema (Hebrew, _Têymâʼ'_):** This name is described as "probably of foreign derivation" and refers to "a son of Ishmael, and the region settled by him." This connection to a specific geographical region (modern Tayma in northern Arabia, a significant oasis city and trade route stop) underscores the historical reality and influence of Ishmael's descendants, indicating their establishment as identifiable peoples with settled territories.
* **Jetur (Hebrew, _Yᵉṭûwr'_):** Meaning "encircled (i.e. inclosed)," this name is often associated with the Ituraeans, a people known for their martial prowess, who inhabited the region of Iturea (modern Golan Heights and parts of Syria and Lebanon) during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The meaning "encircled" could allude to their fortified settlements or their tribal boundaries.
* **Kedemah (Hebrew, _Qêdᵉmâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "precedence," this name suggests "eastern" or "ancient." It likely indicates a tribe that settled to the east of the primary Israelite territories or one with a venerable, perhaps "ancient," origin. This name, like the others, points to the establishment of distinct tribal identities and geographical dispersion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hadar,"**: The first name listed in this verse, Hadar (or Chadar), is one of the less historically identifiable Ishmaelite tribes, though some traditions link them to regions in the Arabian desert. Its inclusion completes the count of Ishmael's sons.
* **"and Tema,"**: This name is strongly associated with the ancient oasis city of Tema (modern Tayma) in northern Arabia, a crucial hub on ancient trade routes. This connection highlights the historical and geographical reality of Ishmael's descendants, who established significant settlements and played a role in regional commerce and politics.
* **"Jetur,"**: The descendants of Jetur are widely identified with the Ituraeans, a prominent people in the Hellenistic and Roman periods, known for their military strength and inhabiting areas northeast of Israel. Their mention here provides an ancestral link to a historically recognized group.
* **"Naphish,"**: The Naphishites are mentioned elsewhere in the Old Testament, specifically in [1 Chronicles 5:19](/1_chronicles/5-19 "War against the Hagarites, Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab"), where they are depicted in conflict with Israelite tribes. This direct biblical reference outside of Genesis further solidifies the historical reality of these Ishmaelite descendants.
* **"and Kedemah:"**: The final son listed in this verse, Kedemah, whose name means "eastern" or "ancient," suggests a tribe that settled to the east of the promised land or had deep historical roots. Its placement concludes the list of Ishmael's twelve sons, fulfilling the divine promise.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Genesis 25:15, and indeed the broader passage, is **Enumeration** within a **Genealogy**. This meticulous listing of names serves not only to record lineage but also to emphasize the **Fulfillment Narrative**. The precise number of twelve sons directly corresponds to God's promise to Abraham that Ishmael would father "twelve princes," transforming a divine declaration into a historical reality. The very act of naming each son, even those who might seem peripheral to the main covenant line, highlights God's comprehensive knowledge and sovereign oversight over all peoples. Furthermore, the names themselves carry subtle **Symbolism**, often reflecting the character, location, or destiny of the tribes they represent, such as Tema's association with a prominent city or Kedemah's "eastern" orientation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 25:15, while a simple list of names, carries profound theological weight. It stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to His promises, demonstrating that even declarations made outside the direct covenant line leading to Israel were meticulously brought to pass. This meticulous fulfillment underscores the reliability of God's word and His sovereign control over history, shaping the destinies of nations according to His divine declarations. It reminds us that God's plan is vast, encompassing not only the chosen people but also the broader tapestry of humanity, each lineage playing a role in the unfolding of His global purposes.

* [Genesis 17:20](/genesis/17-20 "God's Promise to Bless Ishmael"): "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."
* [1 Chronicles 5:19](/1_chronicles/5-19 "War against the Hagarites, Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab"): "And they made war with the Hagarites, with Jetur, and Naphish, and Nodab."
* [Numbers 1:44](/numbers/1-44 "The Number of the Tribes"): "These are those that were numbered, which Moses and Aaron numbered, and the princes of Israel, being twelve men, each one was for the house of his fathers." (Illustrates the significance of "twelve princes" for tribal organization, mirroring Israel's structure).

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous recording of Ishmael's descendants in Genesis 25:15 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Just as God faithfully fulfilled His specific promises to Ishmael, even outside the direct covenant line, we can confidently trust that His promises to us—especially those concerning salvation, redemption, and future hope in Christ—are absolutely sure and will be brought to fruition. This passage also encourages us to recognize the breadth of God's providential care, which extends to all peoples and nations, fostering a perspective that values diversity and acknowledges the common human lineage under God's creative hand. It reminds us that every life, regardless of its perceived centrality to the grand narrative, is seen, known, and accounted for by God, emphasizing His comprehensive love and sovereign oversight. Our faith is grounded in a God who keeps His word, even in the details.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's faithfulness to Ishmael's lineage deepen your trust in His promises to you, particularly those found in the New Testament?**
* **In what ways does recognizing God's providential care for all nations, as seen in this genealogy, challenge or expand your understanding of His global mission?**
* **How might the historical fulfillment of these ancient prophecies encourage you to look for God's hand at work in the seemingly mundane details of your own life?**

### FAQ
**Why is a genealogy of Ishmael's sons included in the biblical narrative, which primarily focuses on the line of Isaac?**

Answer: The inclusion of Ishmael's genealogy, including the names in Genesis 25:15, serves several crucial purposes. Primarily, it demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His specific promise to Abraham concerning Ishmael in [Genesis 17:20](/genesis/17-20 "God's Promise to Bless Ishmael"), where God declared that Ishmael would become the father of twelve princes and a great nation. This section thus acts as a divine "report card," confirming that God's word is always true. It also provides essential historical context for the origins of various peoples in the ancient Near East, many of whom would interact with the Israelites, sometimes as adversaries (e.g., [1 Chronicles 5:19](/1_chronicles/5-19 "War against the Hagarites, Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab")) and sometimes as trading partners. Furthermore, it highlights the breadth of God's plan, which, while focused on the covenant through Isaac, still encompasses and blesses other nations, showing His universal sovereignty.

**Does the mention of "princes" for Ishmael's sons imply they were of equal status or importance to the Israelite tribes?**

Answer: The term "princes" (Hebrew: *nesi'im*) indicates that Ishmael's sons founded significant tribal groups or nations, each with its own leadership and territory, fulfilling God's promise of their prominence and distinct identity. While they were indeed significant and powerful in their own right, their role was distinct from the covenant line that led to the nation of Israel and, ultimately, to Christ. The biblical narrative clearly distinguishes between the unique covenant blessings and redemptive purposes passed through Isaac and the general blessings and national formations extended to Ishmael. The "twelve princes" of Ishmael parallel the "twelve tribes" of Israel, indicating a similar structure of tribal organization and significance, but not an equivalent spiritual or covenantal status within salvation history.

**What is the significance of the specific names listed in Genesis 25:15?**

Answer: The names listed in Genesis 25:15 (Hadar, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah), like the other sons of Ishmael, are significant because they represent the progenitors of distinct tribal groups that became identifiable nations or peoples in the ancient Near East. Some of these names, such as Tema, are strongly associated with known historical cities or regions (modern Tayma in northern Arabia), while others, like Jetur, are linked to historical peoples (the Ituraeans) who interacted with Israel. Naphish is explicitly mentioned in [1 Chronicles 5:19](/1_chronicles/5-19 "War against the Hagarites, Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab") as a tribe that fought against the Israelites. Their mention underscores the historical reality of these descendants and the precise fulfillment of God's promise to Ishmael, providing tangible evidence of the biblical narrative's historical grounding and God's faithfulness to His word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 25:15 details the genealogy of Ishmael's sons, a lineage distinct from the direct messianic line, it indirectly points to Christ by demonstrating the overarching faithfulness of God to all His promises. God's meticulous fulfillment of His word concerning Ishmael, even outside the primary covenant line, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of His ultimate and perfect faithfulness in bringing forth the Messiah through the line of Isaac, Judah, and David. This passage reminds us that the God who keeps His word to Ishmael is the same God who sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to fulfill the greater promise made to Abraham that "all the families of the earth shall be blessed" through his Seed ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "God's Promise to Abraham")). Christ's redemptive work extends beyond any single lineage or nation, ultimately encompassing all peoples—including the spiritual descendants of Ishmael and every other nation—who come to Him by faith, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility and creating one new humanity in Himself ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Christ Our Peace")). Thus, even in a seemingly peripheral genealogy, we glimpse the steadfast character of the God whose plan of salvation is universally expansive, drawing people "from every nation, tribe, people and language" into His eternal kingdom ([Revelation 7:9](/rev/7-9 "The Great Multitude in White Robes")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 5:19

And they made war with the Hagarites, with Jetur, and Nephish, and Nodab.

Job 2:11

¶ Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him.