Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These are the sons of Ishmael.

1 CHRONICLES 1:31KJV
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1 Chronicles 1:31 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 1:31 mean?

1 Chronicles 1:31 lists three names—Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah—and states that these are sons of Ishmael. The verse is part of a genealogy showing the descendants of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, as recorded in the historical records of Israel.

This verse appears in a section where the writer of 1 Chronicles is carefully listing out family lines, starting from Adam and moving through key figures in Israel’s history. The names Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah are included to show the specific branches of Ishmael’s family, which would have been recognized as distinct tribes or groups in the ancient world. The chronicler is not making a theological point here but simply recording the lineage for historical and genealogical purposes.

Where else these words appear

“Kedemah” Hebrew H6929 · used in 2 verses

“Jetur” Hebrew H3195 · used in 3 verses

  • Genesis 25:15 Hadar, and Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah:
  • 1 Chronicles 5:19 And they made war with the Hagarites, with Jetur, and Nephish, and Nodab.

“Naphish” Hebrew H5305 · used in 3 verses

  • Genesis 25:15 Hadar, and Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah:
  • 1 Chronicles 5:19 And they made war with the Hagarites, with Jetur, and Nephish, and Nodab.

“Ishmael” Hebrew H3458 · used in 44 verses

  • Genesis 16:11 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction.
  • Genesis 36:3 And Bashemath Ishmael's daughter, sister of Nebajoth.
  • Jeremiah 41:1 Now it came to pass in the seventh month, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah the son of Elishama, of the seed royal, and the princes of the king, even ten men with him, came unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam to Mizpah; and there they did eat bread together in Mizpah.