1 Chronicles 1:33

KJV

And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Henoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these [are] the sons of Keturah.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Midian {H4080}; Ephah {H5891}, and Epher {H6081}, and Henoch {H2585}, and Abida {H28}, and Eldaah {H420}. All these are the sons {H1121} of Keturah {H6989}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Midyan: 'Eifah, 'Efer, Hanokh, Avida and Elda'ah. These were all descendants of K'turah.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Midian: Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All of these were Keturah’s sons.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Midian: Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the sons of Keturah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 1:33 meticulously records the five direct sons of Midian—Ephah, Epher, Henoch, Abida, and Eldaah—who were the children of Abraham through his wife Keturah. This verse serves as a precise genealogical entry within the extensive opening chapters of Chronicles, affirming the specific lineage of these individuals and their connection to the broader family tree stemming from the patriarch Abraham, thereby establishing their place within the historical and covenantal narrative of God's people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the exhaustive genealogical records that comprise the first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles. The Chronicler begins with Adam and meticulously traces the lineage through Noah, Shem, Abraham, and his various descendants. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 1:28-34 details Abraham's offspring, not only through Isaac (the covenant line) but also through Ishmael and Keturah. The inclusion of Midian's sons here highlights the Chronicler's comprehensive approach to establishing the origins of various peoples connected to Israel, even those who would later become adversaries. This careful enumeration underscores the importance of lineage and identity for the post-exilic community for whom the book was primarily written.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely composed in the post-exilic period (c. 450-400 BC), a time when the Jewish community was re-establishing its identity, temple worship, and national life in Judah. For this community, genealogies were not mere lists; they were vital documents that affirmed tribal land rights, priestly succession, and the legitimacy of their claim as God's chosen people. The inclusion of Midian's sons, though not part of the covenant line through Isaac, acknowledges Abraham's broader progeny and the historical reality of these nations. The Midianites, descendants of Midian, would later play significant roles in Israel's history, often as antagonists (e.g., in [Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - Baal of Peor") and [Judges 6](/judges/6 "Judges 6 - Gideon and the Midianites")). The Chronicler's attention to such details provides a comprehensive historical backdrop for understanding the later interactions between Israel and its neighbors.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing in 1 Chronicles 1:33 contributes to several overarching themes in the book and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Genealogical Preservation**, emphasizing the divine and human commitment to maintaining accurate records of lineage, which was crucial for establishing identity, inheritance, and the fulfillment of promises. Secondly, it illustrates **Abraham's Extensive Descendants**, demonstrating how God's promise to Abraham that he would be the "[father of many nations](/genesis/17-5 "Genesis 17:5 - Abraham, Father of Many Nations")" began to unfold not just through Isaac, but also through his other children, even if the covenant line was exclusive. Lastly, this verse contributes to the theme of **Historical Continuity**, providing an unbroken chain of human history from creation to the Chronicler's present, affirming God's sovereign hand in shaping nations and preparing the way for His redemptive plan, which is ultimately focused on the lineage of David and the Messiah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Midian (מִדְיָן, _Miḏyān'_):** Son of Abraham by Keturah (Genesis 25:2). He is the progenitor of the Midianites, a significant people group in the ancient Near East who would frequently interact with Israel, sometimes peacefully (e.g., Moses' father-in-law Jethro in [Exodus 2](/exodus/2 "Exodus 2 - Moses Flees to Midian")) and often antagonistically (e.g., [Numbers 31](/numbers/31 "Numbers 31 - Vengeance on Midian")). His inclusion here establishes the origin of this important nation.
* **Keturah (קְטוּרָה, _Qəṭūrāh'_):** Abraham's wife after Sarah's death (Genesis 25:1). Her name means "incense" or "perfume," possibly indicating her role or status. She bore Abraham six sons, including Midian, thus expanding Abraham's progeny significantly beyond the covenant line of Isaac. Her mention emphasizes Abraham's extensive family and the fulfillment of God's promise of numerous descendants.
* **Sons (בְּנֵי, _bəney'_):** This plural noun for "sons" or "children of" is crucial in genealogical lists. It signifies direct male descendants and is foundational to establishing lineage, tribal identity, and the transmission of heritage. In this context, it clearly delineates the specific individuals who comprise Midian's direct offspring, ensuring the accuracy of the record.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Henoch, and Abida, and Eldaah."**: This clause precisely identifies the five direct male descendants of Midian. The listing of each name individually underscores the meticulous nature of the genealogical record. Each name represents a distinct individual who would contribute to the Midianite tribal structure. The Chronicler's purpose is to be exhaustive in detailing the family lines connected to Abraham.
* **"All these [are] the sons of Keturah."**: This concluding affirmation serves as a summary statement, explicitly linking all the previously named individuals (Ephah, Epher, Henoch, Abida, and Eldaah) back to Keturah, Abraham's wife. While they are immediately identified as Midian's sons, the Chronicler ensures that their ultimate maternal lineage through Keturah is also clearly stated, reinforcing their place within Abraham's broader family and the divine promise of numerous descendants. The phrase "all these" provides a definitive and conclusive seal on the preceding enumeration.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 1:33, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list of names but a structured record designed to establish lineage, identity, and historical continuity. The specific technique of **Enumeration** is evident in the precise listing of each of Midian's five sons, highlighting the Chronicler's commitment to detail and completeness. The concluding statement, "All these [are] the sons of Keturah," functions as an **Affirmation** or **Recapitulation**, serving to confirm and consolidate the preceding information, ensuring clarity regarding the familial relationships. This meticulous record-keeping underscores the theological importance of heritage and the unfolding of God's promises through specific, identifiable families and individuals.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 1:33, though a seemingly simple genealogical entry, is rich with theological significance. It demonstrates God's meticulous attention to detail in the unfolding of human history and His sovereign oversight of all nations, not just Israel. The inclusion of Abraham's non-covenantal descendants through Keturah highlights the expansive nature of God's initial promise to Abraham that he would be the "father of many nations" ([Genesis 17:5](/genesis/17-5 "Genesis 17:5 - Abraham, Father of Many Nations")), even as the covenant line was narrowed through Isaac. This verse reminds us that God's plan encompasses a vast tapestry of humanity, within which Israel plays a unique, central role, but not an exclusive one in terms of divine knowledge and historical interaction. The preservation of these records also underscores the importance of lineage for the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, culminating in the Messiah.

* [Genesis 25:1-2](/genesis/25-1 "Genesis 25:1-2 - Abraham's Sons by Keturah")
* [Numbers 25:17-18](/numbers/25-17 "Numbers 25:17-18 - Hostility with Midian")
* [Judges 6:1-6](/judges/6-1 "Judges 6:1-6 - Midianite Oppression")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of names might appear dry, 1 Chronicles 1:33 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order and precision, intimately involved in the details of history and the lives of individuals. This meticulous record-keeping underscores the reliability of Scripture and the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises across generations. For us, it highlights the importance of understanding our spiritual heritage—the long line of faith that precedes us—and recognizing that every person, no matter how seemingly minor, plays a part in God's grand narrative. It encourages us to appreciate the intricate tapestry of God's plan, where even those outside the immediate covenant line contribute to the broader historical context in which God's purposes unfold. Our lives, too, are part of a larger story, meticulously known and orchestrated by God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, like this one, impact your understanding of God's character and His involvement in history?**
* **In what ways does understanding your spiritual heritage (your place in God's story) provide you with a sense of identity or purpose today?**
* **How might the inclusion of nations like the Midianites, who were not part of the covenant line, challenge or expand your view of God's sovereignty over all peoples?**

### FAQ
**Why are these specific names and genealogies so important in the Bible, especially in a book like 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: These genealogies are critically important for several reasons. First, for the original post-exilic audience of 1 Chronicles, they served as a vital record for re-establishing the identity, land claims, and priestly succession of the returning Jewish community. They provided a tangible link to their past, affirming their heritage as God's covenant people. Second, they demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, particularly the promise to Abraham that his descendants would be numerous ([Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham")). Third, these detailed records establish the historical continuity of God's redemptive plan, meticulously tracing the lineage that would eventually lead to the Messiah. Even seemingly minor figures or collateral lines like Midian's sons contribute to the comprehensive historical backdrop against which the main narrative of Israel's covenant relationship with God unfolds, showing God's sovereign hand over all nations and peoples.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 1:33 focuses on Abraham's descendants through Keturah, a non-covenantal line, it subtly contributes to the grand Christ-centered narrative by emphasizing the meticulous preservation of lineage. The Chronicler's exhaustive genealogical record, starting from Adam and meticulously tracing through Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and ultimately David, underscores the divine precision with which God orchestrates history to bring about His redemptive purposes. Every name listed, even those outside the direct messianic line, speaks to God's sovereign control over the unfolding of human generations. This careful record-keeping ultimately culminates in the New Testament genealogies of Jesus Christ, found in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus"), which meticulously trace His lineage back through Abraham and even to Adam, proving His rightful claim as the promised Messiah. Thus, 1 Chronicles 1:33, by affirming Abraham's expansive progeny and the divine attention to historical detail, foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in the person of Jesus, the [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Jesus, Son of David"), who came to redeem all nations, not just one.

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.

Cross-References

Isaiah 60:6

The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD.