1 Chronicles 1:32

KJV

Now the sons of Keturah, Abraham's concubine: she bare Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah. And the sons of Jokshan; Sheba, and Dedan.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now the sons {H1121} of Keturah {H6989}, Abraham's {H85} concubine {H6370}: she bare {H3205} Zimran {H2175}, and Jokshan {H3370}, and Medan {H4091}, and Midian {H4080}, and Ishbak {H3435}, and Shuah {H7744}. And the sons {H1121} of Jokshan {H3370}; Sheba {H7614}, and Dedan {H1719}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of K'turah Avraham's concubine: she bore Zimran, Yokshan, Medan, Midyan, Yishbak and Shuach. The sons of Yokshan: Sh'va and D'dan.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons born to Keturah, Abraham’s concubine: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. The sons of Jokshan: Sheba and Dedan.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Keturah, Abraham’s concubine: she bare Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah. And the sons of Jokshan: Sheba, and Dedan.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 1:32 meticulously records the descendants of Abraham through Keturah, identified here as his concubine, listing her six immediate sons—Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah—and then further detailing the two sons of Jokshan, Sheba and Dedan. This verse, embedded within the extensive opening genealogies of Chronicles, underscores the vastness of Abraham's progeny beyond the covenant line of Isaac, highlighting the Chronicler's commitment to a comprehensive historical record that establishes the interconnectedness of various ancient Near Eastern peoples with the broader Abrahamic family.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles opens with an unparalleled nine chapters of genealogies, tracing humanity from Adam through the patriarchs, the tribes of Israel, and eventually to the Davidic monarchy. This meticulous record serves as the foundational bedrock for the Chronicler's theological and historical narrative. [1 Chronicles 1:32](/1_chronicles/1-32 "1 Chronicles 1:32 - Abraham's Descendants through Keturah") is situated within the Abrahamic section, specifically following the enumeration of Ishmael's descendants in [1 Chronicles 1:29-31](/1_chronicles/1-29 "1 Chronicles 1:29-31 - The Sons of Ishmael") and preceding the lineage of Esau in [1 Chronicles 1:34](/1_chronicles/1-34 "1 Chronicles 1:34 - The Sons of Esau"). By including Keturah's children alongside those of Sarah and Hagar, the Chronicler presents a comprehensive view of Abraham's full progeny, not solely focusing on the covenant line through Isaac, thereby emphasizing the vastness of the patriarch's offspring as promised by God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The audience for the Chronicler's work was the post-exilic community in Judah, recently returned from Babylon. For them, these genealogies were not mere lists but vital affirmations of their identity, heritage, and continuity with the pre-exilic nation and the promises of God. The term "concubine" (Hebrew: _pilagesh_) used for Keturah here, as opposed to "wife" (_ishshah_) in [Genesis 25:1](/genesis/25-1 "Genesis 25:1 - Abraham and Keturah"), reflects a nuanced understanding of ancient Near Eastern marital customs, where a concubine's children were legitimate but typically held different inheritance rights than those of a primary wife. The tribes descended from Keturah's sons, such as Midian, Sheba, and Dedan, were significant peoples in the Arabian Peninsula, often interacting with Israel throughout its history, sometimes as trading partners and other times as adversaries, underscoring the historical and geographical relevance of these lineages.

* **Key Themes:** This seemingly simple genealogical entry contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **God's Covenant Faithfulness** to Abraham's promise of innumerable descendants, as articulated in passages like [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham") and [Genesis 22:17](/genesis/22-17 "Genesis 22:17 - God's Oath to Abraham"). While the covenant line passes through Isaac, the inclusion of Keturah's sons demonstrates the vast scope of Abraham's fatherhood. Secondly, the verse reinforces the Chronicler's commitment to **Comprehensive History and Identity**, providing a meticulous record that grounds the post-exilic community in their ancestral past and establishes their connections to surrounding peoples. Finally, it subtly points to **Divine Sovereignty in Lineage**, showing how God's broader plan incorporates not only the chosen covenant line but also other peoples and nations who would play roles, both positive and negative, in the unfolding drama of salvation history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Keturah (Hebrew, _qetura'_):** This name, possibly meaning "incense" or "perfumed," is given to Abraham's final wife/concubine after Sarah's death. While her personal history is not detailed, her name might subtly hint at her status or the pleasantness of her presence. The Chronicler's inclusion of her descendants underscores the vastness of Abraham's progeny, fulfilling God's promise to make him the father of many nations.
* **Concubine (Hebrew, _pilagesh'_):** The term _pilagesh_ denotes a legitimate secondary wife, distinct from a primary wife (_ishshah_) or a mere slave. Children born to a concubine were recognized as legitimate descendants of the father, though their inheritance rights might be limited compared to those of a primary wife's children (cf. [Genesis 25:6](/genesis/25-6 "Genesis 25:6 - Abraham's Gifts to Keturah's Sons")). The Chronicler's use of this term here, while Genesis calls her a "wife," highlights the legal and social distinctions within Abraham's household that were relevant to the post-exilic audience's understanding of lineage and inheritance.
* **Midian (Hebrew, _midyan'_):** Meaning "strife" or "contention," Midian is one of Keturah's most prominent sons, becoming the progenitor of the Midianites. This nomadic people inhabited areas in the Sinai Peninsula and northern Arabia and played significant roles in Israel's history, from offering refuge to Moses ([Exodus 2:15](/exodus/2-15 "Exodus 2:15 - Moses Flees to Midian")) to later becoming formidable adversaries during the period of the Judges ([Judges 6:1-6](/judges/6-1 "Judges 6:1-6 - Midian Oppresses Israel")). Their inclusion here roots their origins firmly within the broader Abrahamic family.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the sons of Keturah, Abraham's concubine:"**: This opening clause precisely identifies the lineage being presented, establishing Keturah's relationship to Abraham and affirming the legitimacy of her children within the patriarchal family structure. The designation "concubine" is a specific legal and social term in ancient Israel, distinguishing her status while still acknowledging her offspring as Abraham's rightful sons.
* **"she bare Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah."**: This segment lists the six direct sons born to Keturah and Abraham. Each name represents the progenitor of a distinct tribal group that would populate regions primarily to the east and south of Canaan, contributing to the diverse tapestry of peoples in the ancient Near East. Their inclusion underscores the vast fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding his numerous descendants.
* **"And the sons of Jokshan; Sheba, and Dedan."**: This final clause provides a further, more detailed expansion of the lineage through one of Keturah's sons, Jokshan. Sheba and Dedan were well-known Arabian tribes, often associated with rich trade routes and valuable commodities (e.g., spices, gold, frankincense). Their specific mention highlights their importance and connection to the broader Abrahamic family, illustrating the branching and spreading of Abraham's progeny across the ancient world.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [1 Chronicles 1:32](/1_chronicles/1-32 "1 Chronicles 1:32 - Abraham's Descendants through Keturah"), characteristic of the opening chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a dry list of names but a foundational literary structure that establishes identity, continuity, and historical claims for the post-exilic community. Within this genealogical framework, **Enumeration** and **Listing** are prominent techniques, meticulously presenting each name to emphasize completeness and precision in the historical record. The text also exhibits remarkable **Conciseness**, conveying a wealth of historical and relational information in a remarkably terse and factual manner, allowing the sheer accumulation of names to convey the vastness of Abraham's descendants and the intricate web of ancient peoples.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The inclusion of Abraham's descendants through Keturah in the Chronicler's genealogies serves a profound theological purpose beyond mere historical record-keeping. It vividly illustrates the expansive nature of God's promise to Abraham that he would become the "father of a multitude of nations" ([Genesis 17:4](/genesis/17-4 "Genesis 17:4 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). While the covenant line of salvation flows exclusively through Isaac and Jacob, this verse reminds us that God's blessing on Abraham was indeed far-reaching, establishing numerous peoples who would populate the ancient world and interact, sometimes profoundly, with the chosen nation of Israel. It underscores God's meticulous attention to every detail of history and His faithfulness in fulfilling His word, even in ways that extend beyond the immediate focus of the covenant community. For the post-exilic community, these connections would have provided a sense of rootedness not only within Israel but also within the broader tapestry of humanity, affirming God's universal sovereignty.

* [Genesis 25:1-6](/genesis/25-1 "Genesis 25:1-6 - Abraham's Sons by Keturah")
* [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham to Make Him a Great Nation")
* [Romans 4:16](/romans/4-16 "Romans 4:16 - Abraham, Father of All Who Believe")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
At first glance, a list of names like those in [1 Chronicles 1:32](/1_chronicles/1-32 "1 Chronicles 1:32 - Abraham's Descendants through Keturah") might seem distant and irrelevant to contemporary life. However, its inclusion in the inspired Word of God compels us to look deeper. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of intricate detail and comprehensive fulfillment. Just as He meticulously recorded the lineages of ancient peoples, He is intimately aware of every detail of our lives, our heritage, and our future. This verse encourages us to trust in His faithfulness, knowing that His promises, though sometimes unfolding over generations and in unexpected ways, are always brought to fruition. Furthermore, it challenges us to consider our own place within the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan. While we may not be part of a physical genealogy recorded in Scripture, we are invited into a spiritual lineage through faith in Christ, becoming "offspring" of Abraham in a spiritual sense ([Galatians 3:7](/galatians/3-7 "Galatians 3:7 - Children of Abraham by Faith")). This should inspire us to live with intentionality, recognizing that our lives, like those ancient names, contribute to a larger story orchestrated by a sovereign God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, like this one, speak to God's character and His involvement in human history?**
* **In what ways does the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, even through unexpected lineages, encourage your faith in God's promises for your own life?**
* **How can understanding the historical connections between ancient peoples, even those outside the direct covenant line, deepen your appreciation for the Bible's narrative complexity?**

### FAQ
**Why does 1 Chronicles call Keturah a "concubine" when Genesis 25:1 calls her a "wife"?**

Answer: The terms "wife" (_ishshah_) and "concubine" (_pilagesh_) in ancient Hebrew texts, while sometimes used interchangeably in a broad sense, often indicate a distinction in legal status and inheritance rights. [Genesis 25:1](/genesis/25-1 "Genesis 25:1 - Abraham Takes Keturah as a Wife") states Abraham "again took a wife, whose name was Keturah." However, [Genesis 25:6](/genesis/25-6 "Genesis 25:6 - Abraham's Gifts to Keturah's Sons") notes that Abraham gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them away from Isaac, suggesting a lesser inheritance status than Isaac, the son of the primary wife, Sarah. The Chronicler, writing for a post-exilic audience concerned with precise lineage and legal standing, likely uses "concubine" in [1 Chronicles 1:32](/1_chronicles/1-32 "1 Chronicles 1:32 - Abraham's Descendants through Keturah") to clarify Keturah's specific legal and social position within Abraham's household, emphasizing that her children, while legitimate, were not in the primary line of inheritance that passed through Isaac. This distinction was crucial for establishing the proper lineage of Israel.

**What is the significance of including these non-Israelite lineages in the book of Chronicles?**

Answer: The inclusion of Abraham's descendants through Keturah, as well as Ishmael and Esau, serves several significant purposes for the Chronicler's post-exilic audience. Firstly, it demonstrates the comprehensive fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that he would be the "father of a multitude of nations" ([Genesis 17:4](/genesis/17-4 "Genesis 17:4 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). Secondly, it provides a broader historical and geographical context for Israel, showing their ancestral connections to surrounding peoples like the Midianites, Shebans, and Dedanites, who frequently interacted with Israel throughout biblical history. This comprehensive view helped the returned exiles understand their place in the larger divine plan and the interconnectedness of humanity, all stemming from a common patriarchal root. It underscores the Chronicler's commitment to presenting a complete and accurate historical record, affirming God's sovereignty over all nations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Chronicles 1:32](/1_chronicles/1-32 "1 Chronicles 1:32 - Abraham's Descendants through Keturah") is a genealogical record of Abraham's physical descendants through Keturah, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the expansion of Abraham's spiritual family through faith in Jesus Christ. The promise to Abraham was not merely about a multitude of physical offspring, but about a blessing that would extend to "all the families of the earth" ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - God's Blessing on All Families")). This universal scope finds its ultimate realization in Christ, who, as the true descendant of Abraham ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Promise to Abraham and His Seed")), breaks down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile. Through His atoning work, all who believe, regardless of their ethnic or genealogical background, become "children of Abraham" by faith ([Galatians 3:7](/galatians/3-7 "Galatians 3:7 - Children of Abraham by Faith")) and co-heirs with Christ ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). Thus, the seemingly dry list of names in Chronicles foreshadows the infinitely vast and diverse family of God, drawn from every tribe and nation, united in Christ, fulfilling Abraham's prophetic destiny as the father of a multitude of spiritual nations ([Romans 4:16](/romans/4-16 "Romans 4:16 - Abraham, Father of All Who Believe")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.