# What does Genesis 25:16 mean?

> Genesis 25:16 in plain, modern English from the Modern Text Bible.

> These were Ishmael’s sons, and these are the names of their settlements and camps, twelve tribal leaders, each with their own territory.
>
> — Genesis 25:16, Modern Text Bible

## Commentary

Ishmael’s family forms twelve tribes, echoing the promise that he would father a great people.