Genesis 25:2

KJV

And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah.

KJV (with Strong's)

And she bare {H3205} him Zimran {H2175}, and Jokshan {H3370}, and Medan {H4091}, and Midian {H4080}, and Ishbak {H3435}, and Shuah {H7744}.

Complete Jewish Bible

She bore him Zimran, Yokshan, Medan, Midyan, Yishbak; and Shuach.

Berean Standard Bible

and she bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah.

American Standard Version

And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 25:2 meticulously records the birth of Abraham's first six sons by Keturah—Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. This enumeration, occurring after Sarah's death, signifies a continued expansion of Abraham's lineage, further illustrating God's faithfulness to His promise to make Abraham the father of many nations, even beyond the direct covenant line.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [Genesis 25:1](/genesis/25-1 "Abraham and Keturah"), which introduces Keturah as Abraham's new wife after the passing of Sarah, his primary covenant partner. The preceding chapters ([Genesis 23](/genesis/23 "Genesis 23 - Sarah's Death and Burial") and [Genesis 24](/genesis/24 "Genesis 24 - Isaac and Rebekah")) detail Sarah's death and burial, and Isaac's marriage to Rebekah, ensuring the continuation of the covenant line. The listing of Keturah's sons here serves to complete the record of Abraham's full progeny, demonstrating the breadth of his descendants while simultaneously distinguishing them from the singular covenant line through Isaac, as emphasized in [Genesis 21:12](/genesis/21-12 "God's Covenant through Isaac"). This careful distinction underscores the unique role of Isaac's lineage in God's redemptive plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, lineage and progeny were of paramount importance, signifying a man's legacy, wealth, and divine blessing. To have many sons was a sign of great favor. Abraham's ability to father more children in his old age, after Sarah's death, would have been seen as a remarkable testament to divine blessing, echoing the miraculous birth of Isaac. The names listed in this verse are understood to be the progenitors of various tribal groups that settled primarily in the Arabian Peninsula. These groups, particularly the Midianites, would later play significant roles in the history of Israel, often as nomadic traders or military adversaries, reflecting the complex interrelationships between early Israel and its surrounding peoples.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 25:2 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Divine Faithfulness** to God's promise to Abraham that he would be the [father of many nations](/genesis/17-5 "Abraham as Father of Many Nations"). Even in Abraham's old age, God continues to bless him with offspring, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His word. Secondly, it highlights the **Expansion of Abraham's Descendants**, illustrating how his progeny extended far beyond the primary covenant line of Isaac and the line of Ishmael, contributing to the diverse tapestry of nations. Lastly, this verse serves as a **Genealogical Foundation** for understanding the origins of various peoples who would later interact with Israel, particularly the Midianites, whose future encounters are detailed in books like [Exodus](/exodus/1 "The Book of Exodus") and [Numbers](/numbers/1 "The Book of Numbers").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **bare (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** From H3205, a primitive root meaning "to bear young; causatively, to beget." This word is fundamental to the biblical narrative of lineage and promise. In this context, it emphasizes Keturah's role in bringing forth Abraham's additional sons, highlighting the continuation and expansion of Abraham's family line, even in his advanced age. It signifies the active process of procreation and the fulfillment of the divine blessing of fruitfulness.
* **Zimran (Hebrew, _Zimrân'_):** From H2175, meaning "musical." As the first son listed, Zimran's name, though its meaning is "musical," primarily serves as a foundational ancestor for one of the tribal groups descended from Abraham through Keturah. The specific meaning of the name often foreshadows or reflects characteristics of the individual or their descendants, though in this case, its primary function is genealogical.
* **Midian (Hebrew, _Midyân'_):** From H4080, referring to "Midjan, a son of Abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants." Midian is arguably the most significant name in this list due to the prominent role his descendants, the Midianites, play throughout Israelite history. Their interactions range from trade to conflict, notably with Moses and during the period of the Judges, making this name a crucial link to future biblical narratives.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And she bare him":** This opening clause establishes Keturah as the mother and Abraham as the father of the ensuing list of sons. The verb "bare" (from _yâlad_) underscores the act of procreation and the continuation of Abraham's lineage, emphasizing the miraculous nature of his continued fertility in old age, a testament to God's ongoing blessing.
* **"Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah.":** This is a direct enumeration of the six sons born to Abraham through Keturah. Each name represents a distinct individual who would become the progenitor of a tribal group. The simple listing serves as a genealogical record, systematically documenting the expansion of Abraham's family tree. While all are Abraham's physical descendants, their distinct listing from Isaac's line implicitly differentiates their future roles in the divine plan, with Midian being particularly notable for his descendants' future interactions with Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [Genesis 25:2](/genesis/25-2 "Abraham's Sons by Keturah") is **Enumeration**, a straightforward listing of names. This device serves to provide a clear and concise genealogical record, systematically documenting the new branch of Abraham's family. Beyond mere listing, this enumeration functions as a **Genealogical Record**, emphasizing the importance of lineage and the fulfillment of God's promise to multiply Abraham's seed. The very act of naming each son reinforces their individual identities as founders of future peoples, highlighting the vast scope of Abraham's descendants. This simple yet profound listing also subtly employs **Foreshadowing**, particularly with the inclusion of Midian, whose descendants will play a significant and often challenging role in Israel's later history, hinting at future interactions and conflicts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The listing of Abraham's sons by Keturah in Genesis 25:2, though seemingly a mere genealogical detail, carries profound theological and thematic weight. It underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the promise to make Abraham the "father of many nations" ([Genesis 17:5](/genesis/17-5 "Abraham as Father of Many Nations")). Even after the primary covenant line through Isaac is established, God continues to bless Abraham with a vast progeny, demonstrating the expansive nature of His divine plan and the breadth of His blessing. This passage highlights that while God's redemptive plan has a specific, focused trajectory through Isaac and his descendants, His sovereign reach extends to encompass a multitude of peoples, all tracing their origins back to Abraham, thereby laying a foundational understanding for God's universal dealings with humanity.

* [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham")
* [Genesis 17:5](/genesis/17-5 "Abraham as Father of Many Nations")
* [Genesis 21:12](/genesis/21-12 "God's Covenant through Isaac")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 25:2, though brief, offers a powerful testament to the enduring faithfulness of God and the expansive nature of His promises. It reminds us that God's plans are often far grander and more intricate than we can initially perceive, unfolding across generations and impacting diverse peoples. For believers today, this verse serves as an encouragement that God is meticulously at work, fulfilling His word in ways that may extend beyond our immediate understanding or expectations. It highlights the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty in all aspects of life, from the grand sweep of history to the seemingly small details of lineage. Furthermore, it subtly points to the interconnectedness of humanity, tracing diverse groups back to a common patriarch blessed by God, fostering a perspective of shared origin under a sovereign Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the continued expansion of Abraham's family, even in his old age, deepen your understanding of God's faithfulness to His promises?**
* **In what ways does this verse, by listing the progenitors of various nations, challenge or expand your view of God's universal plan for humanity?**
* **What significance do you find in the Bible's careful documentation of genealogies, and how might this inform your understanding of God's attention to detail in His redemptive history?**

### FAQ
**Who was Keturah and what was her role?**

Answer: Keturah is introduced in [Genesis 25:1](/genesis/25-1 "Abraham and Keturah") as Abraham's wife after Sarah's death. While the Bible provides limited details about her background, her primary role was to bear Abraham six additional sons: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. These sons became the progenitors of various tribes primarily located in the Arabian Peninsula, contributing to the fulfillment of God's promise of a vast lineage for Abraham.

**Are these sons part of the covenant lineage through which the Messiah would come?**

Answer: No, the specific covenant promises, including the lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come, were established exclusively through Abraham's son [Isaac](/genesis/21-12 "God's Covenant through Isaac") ([Genesis 21:12](/genesis/21-12 "Covenant through Isaac")). While the sons born to Keturah were indeed Abraham's physical descendants and part of the broader fulfillment of God's promise to make him a "father of many nations," they were not heirs to the unique covenant promises that led to the nation of Israel and, ultimately, to Jesus Christ.

**What is the significance of the Midianites in biblical history?**

Answer: Midian, one of Keturah's sons, became the ancestor of the Midianites, a nomadic people who frequently interacted with ancient Israel. Their significance is notable throughout the Old Testament. For instance, [Moses](/exodus/2 "Moses in Midian") spent forty years in Midian after fleeing Egypt, marrying Zipporah, the daughter of a Midianite priest ([Exodus 2:15-22](/exodus/2-15-22 "Moses in Midian")). Later, the Midianites were instrumental in oppressing Israel during the period of the Judges, a period that culminated in their decisive defeat by [Gideon](/judges/7 "Gideon's Victory over Midian") ([Judges 6-8](/judges/6-8 "Gideon and the Midianites")). Their presence highlights the complex and often challenging relationships between Israel and its surrounding peoples.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While the sons listed in [Genesis 25:2](/genesis/25-2 "Abraham's Sons by Keturah") are not in the direct messianic line that leads to Christ through Isaac, their existence profoundly underscores the expansive nature of God's promise to Abraham to be the [father of many nations](/genesis/17-5 "Abraham as Father of Many Nations"). This multiplication of Abraham's seed, even beyond the specific covenant line, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate spiritual fulfillment found in Christ. Through His atoning work on the cross, Jesus breaks down the dividing wall of hostility and gathers people from [every nation, tribe, people, and language](/revelation/7-9 "Multitude from Every Nation") into God's family, as beautifully depicted in [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Worship of the Lamb"). Thus, the physical expansion of Abraham's family in Genesis 25:2 points to the universal scope of salvation offered through Jesus Christ, the true Seed of Abraham, who brings all believers, regardless of their earthly lineage, into a spiritual lineage far vaster and more glorious than any physical descent, fulfilling God's promise in a way that transcends ethnic boundaries ([Galatians 3:28-29](/galatians/3-28-29 "One in Christ")).

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

1 Chronicles 1:32

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.

1 Chronicles 1:33

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

Numbers 25:17

Vex the Midianites, and smite them:

Numbers 25:18

For they vex you with their wiles, wherewith they have beguiled you in the matter of Peor, and in the matter of Cozbi, the daughter of a prince of Midian, their sister, which was slain in the day of the plague for Peor's sake.

Exodus 2:15

Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well.

Exodus 2:16

¶ Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew [water], and filled the troughs to water their father's flock.

Genesis 36:35

And Husham died, and Hadad the son of Bedad, who smote Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his stead: and the name of his city [was] Avith.