These are the names of the sons … order of birth: if the translator has followed the model suggested for verse 12, verse 13 may begin “The names of Ishmael’s sons are listed here in the order in which they were born.”

Nebaioth: in 28.9 and 36.3, Esau married Mahalath and Basemath, who are said to be the sisters of Nebaioth. The name occurs in Isa 60.7, but nothing more is known about it.

The first-born of Ishmael: this information has already been given in named in the order of their birth. However, the repetition of it calls special attention to the firstborn. Translations like Good News Translation do not repeat it.

Kedar is also mentioned in Isa 60.7 as an ethnic group. It is also named in Psa 120.5; Isa 21.16-17; 42.11; Jer 2.10; 49.28. The name is mentioned in cuneiform texts as the name of an Arabian tribe.

Adbeel occurs only here and in 1 Chr 1.29.

Mibsam and Mishma are mentioned in 1 Chr 4.25 as the names of sons of Simeon.

Dumah occurs in Isa 21.11. This is said by Speiser to be connected with an oasis in the Syrian desert.

Massa is a name mentioned in Pro 31.1.

Hadad occurs only here and is unknown.

Tema is identified by some scholars with the place by that name in Arabia. The name occurs along with Dedan in Jer 25.23 and with Sheba in Job 6.19. The name also occurs in Isa 21.14 along with Dumah, Dedan, and Kedar.

Jetur and Naphish occur in 1 Chr 5.19 as tribes located somewhere east of the Jordan, and who were engaged in battles with some of the tribes of Israel.

Kedemah occurs only here and is unknown.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .