Genesis 25:14 (KJV)

What does Genesis 25:14 mean?

Genesis 25:14 lists the names Mishma, Dumah, and Massa as part of a genealogy. These are three of the sons of Ishmael, mentioned in the order given, and are part of a longer list describing Ishmael’s descendants.

This verse is part of a passage where the writer, traditionally understood as Moses, records the names of Ishmael’s sons for the people of Israel. The setting is a straightforward genealogical record, showing the family lines that came from Abraham’s son Ishmael, which helps trace the origins of various tribes known in the ancient Near East.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 25:14

• מִשְׁמָע (Mishma, transliterated "Mishma") means “hearing” or “report.” This name may suggest a characteristic or hoped-for trait in the person or tribe.
• דּוּמָה (Dumah, transliterated "Dumah") means “silence.” The name could reflect a quality, a location, or a tradition associated with the tribe.
• מַשָּׂא (Massa, transliterated "Massa") means “burden” or “oracle.” This name might hint at a role or reputation the group had in the region.

Why Genesis 25:14 matters

• Genesis 25:14 helps clarify the family tree of Ishmael, which is important for understanding the relationships between different peoples mentioned later in the Bible and in history.
• The verse emphasizes that Ishmael’s descendants became distinct tribes, some of which are referenced elsewhere in Scripture and ancient records.
• By listing these names, the passage shows that God’s promise to Abraham about Ishmael becoming the father of many nations was being fulfilled.