TRV
Translation
King James Version
And his concubine, whose name was Reumah, she bare also Tebah, and Gaham, and Thahash, and Maachah.
Complete Jewish Bible
His concubine, whose name was Re'umah, bore children also: Tevach, Gacham, Tachash and Ma'akhah.
Berean Standard Bible
Moreover, Nahor’s concubine, whose name was Reumah, bore Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maacah.
American Standard Version
And his concubine, whose name was Reumah, she also bare Tebah, and Gaham, and Tahash, and Maacah.
World English Bible Messianic
His concubine, whose name was Reumah, also bore Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maacah.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And his concubine called Reumah, she bare also Tebah, and Gahan, and Thahash and Maachah.
Young's Literal Translation
and his concubine, whose name is Reumah, she also hath borne Tebah, and Gaham, and Tahash, and Maachah.
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In the KJVVerse 572 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Genesis 22 verses 20–24
20 ¶ And it came to pass after these things, that it was told Abraham, saying, Behold, Milcah, she hath also born children unto thy brother Nahor;
21 Huz his firstborn, and Buz his brother, and Kemuel the father of Aram,
22 And Chesed, and Hazo, and Pildash, and Jidlaph, and Bethuel.
23 And Bethuel begat Rebekah: these eight Milcah did bear to Nahor, Abraham's brother.
24 And his concubine, whose name was Reumah, she bare also Tebah, and Gaham, and Thahash, and Maachah.
This is recorded here, 1. To show that though Abraham saw his own family highly dignified with peculiar privileges, admitted into covenant, and blessed with the entail of the promise, yet he did not look with contempt and disdain upon his relations, but was glad to hear of the increase and prosperity of their families. 2. To make way for the following story of the marriage of Isaac to Rebekah, a daughter of this family.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 20–24. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Genesis 22:24 concludes the genealogical record of Abraham's brother Nahor, specifically detailing the four sons—Tebah, Gaham, Thahash, and Maachah—born to him by his concubine, Reumah. This seemingly minor detail, immediately following the profound account of Abraham's test of faith, expands the understanding of Abraham's extended kinship network, establishing connections that would prove significant in future biblical narratives and underscore God's meticulous orchestration of human history within His unfolding covenant plan.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: The placement of Genesis 22:20-24 immediately after the climactic narrative of Abraham's near-sacrifice of Isaac on Mount Moriah is significant. While the preceding verses focus on the ultimate test of Abraham's faith and God's reaffirmation of the covenant, this short genealogical interlude shifts the focus to Abraham's wider family. Genesis 22:20-23 enumerates the children of Nahor and his primary wife, Milcah, notably including Bethuel, who becomes the father of Rebekah. Verse 24 then completes Nahor's lineage by listing the children born to his concubine, Reumah. This meticulous record-keeping serves to broaden the narrative scope beyond Abraham's immediate household, providing essential background for future interactions and demonstrating the comprehensive nature of the biblical account.
Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, genealogies were not mere lists of names but vital documents establishing identity, lineage, inheritance rights, and tribal affiliations. The practice of concubinage, as seen with Reumah, was a recognized social institution in patriarchal societies, though concubines held a status lower than a primary wife. Children born to a concubine were generally considered legitimate heirs, albeit often with a lesser share or status compared to those born of the primary wife. This verse reflects the social norms of the time, where expanding one's family through multiple women was a means of ensuring progeny and securing one's legacy. The mention of specific names, even those of lesser prominence, grounds the narrative in historical reality and reflects the importance of family connections in the ancient world.
Key Themes: This verse, as part of the broader genealogical record of Nahor, contributes to several key themes within Genesis. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of God's Sovereignty and Providence, demonstrating His meticulous orchestration of human history and family lines, even those seemingly peripheral to the main covenant narrative. Secondly, it highlights the Importance of Lineage and Descendants, a central theme throughout Genesis, as God's covenant promises are intrinsically tied to Abraham's "seed" (e.g., Genesis 12:7 and Genesis 17:7). While Reumah's sons are not directly in the covenant line, their inclusion provides a comprehensive picture of the broader family network that would interact with Abraham's descendants. Finally, it subtly touches upon Social Structures of the Patriarchal Age, illustrating the accepted practices like concubinage that formed the backdrop of the patriarchs' lives.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 22:24 states: "And his concubine, whose name [was] Reumah, she bare also Tebah, and Gaham, and Thahash, and Maachah." This verse completes the family tree of Nahor, Abraham's brother, by detailing the children born to him by his concubine.
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Genesis 22:24 is Genealogy, specifically a List of descendants. Genealogies in the Bible serve multiple purposes: they establish historical continuity, confirm lineage for covenant promises, and define family and tribal relationships. This verse, as part of a larger genealogical section, functions as a detailed record, emphasizing the expansion of Nahor's family. The meticulous naming of each son, even those who do not feature prominently later, highlights the biblical author's commitment to comprehensive historical documentation. While not a direct Foreshadowing, the inclusion of this broader kinship network subtly sets the stage for future interactions, such as the eventual marriage of Isaac to Rebekah, who descends from Nahor's other wife, reinforcing the interconnectedness of these early patriarchal families.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The inclusion of seemingly minor genealogical details like those in Genesis 22:24 underscores a profound theological truth: God's intricate involvement in human history and His meticulous attention to the details of lineage. While these specific sons of Reumah do not directly impact the main covenant line, their mention contributes to the broader tapestry of Abraham's extended family, demonstrating God's sovereign orchestration of all human lives and relationships. Every name, every family connection, no matter how brief its mention, plays a part in the unfolding divine plan, laying the groundwork for future interactions and ultimately contributing to the historical framework through which God's redemptive purposes are realized. This highlights the faithfulness of God in preserving and guiding the lineage that would eventually lead to the Messiah.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 22:24, a simple list of names, invites us to reflect on the profound truth that every individual, every family, and every detail of history matters to God. In a world that often values only the prominent and the powerful, this verse reminds us that God's plan encompasses even those who appear to be on the periphery. It encourages us to recognize the significance of our own place within God's grand narrative, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant our contributions may seem. Just as God meticulously recorded the lineage of Nahor's concubine, He is intimately aware of every detail of our lives, orchestrating circumstances and connections to fulfill His purposes. This should inspire humility, trust in His sovereign hand, and a renewed appreciation for the interconnectedness of all humanity within His design. Our lives, our families, and our histories are all part of His unfolding story.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is this genealogy included after Abraham's test?
Answer: The strategic placement of Nahor's genealogy immediately following Abraham's profound test of faith on Mount Moriah serves multiple purposes. It broadens the narrative scope beyond Abraham's immediate family, connecting him to his wider kinship network. This is crucial for establishing the lineage of individuals who will become important later, such as Rebekah, who descends from Nahor's primary wife, Milcah. This interlude provides necessary background for future interactions and reinforces the comprehensive understanding of the family lines that intertwine with the covenant promise, demonstrating God's meticulous planning.
What was the status of a concubine in ancient Near Eastern society?
Answer: In the ancient Near East, a concubine (Hebrew: pilegesh) was a woman who lived with a man as a secondary wife, often without the full legal or social status of a primary wife. While her status was lower than a wife, her children were generally considered legitimate heirs of the father, though they might have received a lesser inheritance or social standing. The practice was common in patriarchal societies and is recorded in the Bible as a historical reality of the time, reflecting the social structures and norms of that era, particularly concerning the importance of progeny and family lineage.
Do any of Reumah's sons play a significant role later in the biblical narrative?
Answer: Unlike some of Nahor's children by Milcah (e.g., Bethuel, father of Rebekah), the sons born to Reumah—Tebah, Gaham, Thahash, and Maachah—do not appear to play significant individual roles in the subsequent biblical narrative. Their primary purpose in Genesis 22:24 is to complete the genealogical record of Nahor's family, demonstrating the Bible's meticulous attention to lineage and providing a comprehensive family tree for Abraham's extended kin. Their inclusion reinforces the historical depth and realism of the biblical account, showing that God's plan involves a vast network of individuals, even those not directly in the main covenant spotlight.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 22:24 is a genealogical record seemingly far removed from direct messianic prophecy, it contributes to the overarching biblical narrative that culminates in Christ. The meticulous preservation of family lines, even those of Abraham's extended kin like Nahor's descendants through Reumah, underscores God's sovereign control over human history and His faithfulness in preparing the way for the Messiah. Every name in the biblical genealogies, whether prominent or obscure, points to the intricate tapestry of God's plan to bring forth the Seed of the woman (Genesis 3:15), the descendant of Abraham (Genesis 12:3), and the Son of David (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Ultimately, Christ is the fulfillment of all genealogies, in whom all the families of the earth are blessed (Galatians 3:8), and through whom God's promises find their ultimate "Yes" and "Amen" (2 Corinthians 1:20). His coming validates the historical integrity of these records, showing that God works through real people and real history to achieve His redemptive purposes, culminating in the redemption offered through Jesus Christ (Revelation 5:9).