Genesis 25:12 Meaning and Explanation
“Now these are the generations of Ishmael, Abraham's son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah's handmaid, bare unto Abraham:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The genealogy of Ishmael, Abraham's son by Hagar, begins.
The Context of Genesis 25:12
The genealogy of Ishmael, son of Hagar, is now recorded.
What Does Genesis 25:12 Mean?
The narrative now turns to record Ishmael's line in detail. Though Ishmael is not the heir of the covenant promise, he is still Abraham's son and receives a complete genealogy in Scripture. The mention of Hagar as 'the Egyptian' and 'Sarah's handmaid' recalls the history of Ishmael's birth—how God intervened in Sarah and Abraham's attempt to fulfill the promise through human means, and how Hagar herself encountered God in the wilderness.
This genealogical turn honors Ishmael's significance. God had promised to make Ishmael a great nation as well, and this record preserves that promise. Though the covenant promise flows through Isaac, Ishmael's descendants are not forgotten by God or by the biblical narrative. Both sons receive blessing, though through different paths.
Genesis 25:12 in the Original Language
generations (תּוֹלְדוֹת), 'generations' or 'account of' — a structural marker in Genesis introducing the family history and lineage of a patriarch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 25:12
What does Genesis 25:12 mean?
The genealogy of Ishmael, Abraham's son by Hagar, begins.
What is the context of Genesis 25:12?
The genealogy of Ishmael, son of Hagar, is now recorded.