נְבָיוֹת (ne.va.vot)
ne.va.vot
Nebaioth
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Nebaioth refers to the eldest son of Ishmael and a prominent ancestor of Arab tribes during the patriarchal era. Listed alongside brothers like Kedar and Adbeel in Genesis 25:13, the name itself suggests "heights," possibly reflecting the mountainous regions where these groups settled or their elevated social status among neighboring peoples.
While initially appearing as a personal name, the term often shifts to denote the people descended from him. In later prophetic literature, such as Isaiah 60:7 and 1 Chronicles 5:19, Nebaioth represents a distinct tribal entity known for its wealth in livestock and flocks. Some scholars connect these biblical figures with the Nabateans, an ancient civilization centered at Petra, though the text primarily uses the name to identify Ishmaelite lineage rather than providing detailed historical biography.
The word appears only five times in Scripture, serving as a marker of genealogical identity and geographic presence. Its usage highlights the significant role of Ishmael’s descendants in the ancient Near East, positioning them as neighbors and trading partners to Israel. The name anchors these tribal groups within the broader narrative of Abraham’s family, showing how his son’s lineage expanded into established communities across the desert regions.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Nebaioth appears in Scripture as the firstborn son of Ishmael, anchoring a lineage that stretches across the ancient Near East. While it begins as a record of family history in Genesis, showing how Abraham’s descendants spread into established communities, it later takes on a broader meaning. In prophetic passages like Isaiah 60, Nebaioth stands for a people known for their wealth and livestock, highlighting the significant role of these desert tribes as neighbors to Israel.
For your faith, this word reminds us that God’s plan includes many peoples beyond a single group. The imagery in Isaiah suggests a future where these distant relatives bring their flocks to Jerusalem as offerings. This paints a picture of unity and peace, showing how diverse backgrounds can come together in worship. It invites you to see the broader scope of God’s care for all nations.
Understanding Nebaioth helps ground your reading of the Bible in real history. These were not just names on a page but living communities with their own identity and resources. Recognizing this adds depth to stories of trade, conflict, and eventual reconciliation between Israel and its neighbors. It encourages an appreciation for the complex web of relationships that God wove into the ancient world.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Nebaioth4×
- [was] Nebaioth1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נְבָיֽוֹת\׃1×
- נְבָיֹ֔ת1×
- נְבָי֛וֹת1×
- נְבָי֖וֹת1×
- נְבָי֔וֹת1×
Key Verses
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Genesis 25:13
These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to the order of their birth: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam,
This verse establishes Nebaioth as the firstborn son of Ishmael, setting the genealogical foundation for his descendants.
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Isaiah 60:7
All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered together to you. The rams of Nebaioth will serve you. They will be accepted as offerings on my altar; and I will beautify my glorious house.
Here the name represents a tribal group whose rams are brought to God’s altar, symbolizing future worship and unity.
-
I Chronicles 1:29
These are their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth; then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam,
This passage repeats the lineage record, confirming Nebaioth’s status as the eldest in the list of Ishmael’s sons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Nebaioth mean?
Who was Nebaioth in the Bible?
Why is Nebaioth mentioned in Isaiah?
How is Nebaioth connected to Esau?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 3 books)
Genesis 3 verses
These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to the order of their birth: the firstborn of…
Genesis 28:9So Esau went to Ishmael, and took, in addition to the wives that he had, Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham’s…
Genesis 36:3and Basemath, Ishmael’s daughter, sister of Nebaioth.