# As for [Ishmael](rc://en/tw/dict/bible/names/ishmael)

The words "As for" show that God is switching from talking about the baby that would be born to talking about [Ishmael](rc://en/tw/dict/bible/names/ishmael).

# Behold

"Look" or "Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"

# will make him fruitful

This is an idiom that means "will cause him to have many children." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

# will multiply him abundantly

"I will cause him to have many descendants"

# leaders of tribes

"chiefs" or "rulers." These leaders are not the twelve sons and grandsons of Jacob that will lead the twelve tribes of Israel.