TRV
Translation
King James Version
And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.
Complete Jewish Bible
The sons of Midyan were 'Eifah, 'Efer, Hanokh, Avida and Elda'ah. All these were descendants of K'turah.
Berean Standard Bible
The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were descendants of Keturah.
American Standard Version
And the sons of Midian: Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.
World English Bible Messianic
The sons of Midian: Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Also the sonnes of Midian were Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abida, and Eldaah all these were the sonnes of Keturah.
Young's Literal Translation
and the sons of Midian are Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abidah, and Eldaah: all these are sons of Keturah.
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In the KJVVerse 663 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Genesis 25 verses 1–10
1 ¶ Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah.
2 And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah.
3 And Jokshan begat Sheba, and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, and Letushim, and Leummim.
4 And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.
5 And Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac.
6 But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived, eastward, unto the east country.
7 And these are the days of the years of Abraham's life which he lived, an hundred threescore and fifteen years.
8 Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.
9 And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre;
10 The field which Abraham purchased of the sons of Heth: there was Abraham buried, and Sarah his wife.
Abraham lived, after the marriage of Isaac, thirty-five years, and all that is recorded concerning him during the time lies here in a very few verses. We hear no more of God's extraordinary appearances to him or trials of him; for all the days, even of the best and greatest saints, are not eminent days, some slide on silently, and neither come nor go with observation; such were these last days of Abraham. We have here,
I. An account of his children by Keturah, another wife whom he married after the death of Sarah. He had buried Sarah and married Isaac, the two dear companions of his life, and was now solitary. He wanted a nurse, his family wanted a governess, and it was not good for him to be thus alone. He therefore marries Keturah, probably the chief of his maid-servants, born in his house or bought with money. Marriage is not forbidden to old age. By her he had six sons, in whom the promise made to Abraham concerning the great increase of his posterity was in part fulfilled, which, it is likely, he had an eye to this marriage. The strength he received by the promise still remained in him, to show how much the virtue of the promise exceeds the power of nature.
II. The disposition which Abraham made of his estate, Gen 25:5, Gen 25:6. After the birth of these sons, he set his house in order, with prudence and justice. 1. He made Isaac his heir, as he was bound to do, in justice to Sarah his first and principal wife, and to Rebekah who married Isaac upon the assurance of it, Gen 24:36. In this all, which he settled upon Isaac, are perhaps included the promise of the land of Canaan, and the entail of the covenant. Or, God having already made him the heir of the promise, Abraham therefore made him heir of his estate. Our affection and gifts should attend God's. 2. He gave portions to the rest of his children, both to Ishmael, though at first he was sent empty away, and to his sons by Keturah. It was justice to provide for them; parents that do not imitate him in this are worse than infidels. It was prudence to settle them in places distant from Isaac, that they might not pretend to divide the inheritance with him, nor be in any way a care or expense to him. Observe, He did this while he yet lived, lest it should not be done, or not so well done, afterwards. Note, In many cases it is wisdom for men to make their own hands their executors, and what they find to do to do it while they live, as far as they can. These sons of the concubines were sent into the country that lay east from Canaan, and their posterity were called the children of the east, famous for their numbers, Jdg 6:5, Jdg 6:33. Their great increase was the fruit of the promise made to Abraham, that God would multiply his seed. God, in dispensing his blessings, does as Abraham did; common blessings he gives to the children of this world, as to the sons of the bond-woman, but covenant-blessings he reserves for the heirs of promise. All that he has is theirs, for they are his Isaacs, from whom the rest shall be for ever separated.
III. The age and death of Abraham, Gen 25:7, Gen 25:8. He lived 175 years, just 100 years after he came to Canaan; so long he was a sojourner in a strange country. Though he lived long and lived well, though he did good and could ill be spared, yet he died at last. Observe how his death is here described. 1. He gave up the ghost. Hes life was not extorted from him, but he cheerfully resigned it; into the hands of the Father of spirits he committed his spirit. 2. He died in a good old age, an old man; so God had promised him. His death was his discharge from the burdens of his age: an old man would not so live always. It was also the crown of the glory of his old age. 3. He was full of years, or full of life (as it might be supplied), including all the conveniences and comforts of life. He did not live till the world was weary of him, but till he was weary of the world; he had had enough of it, and desired no more. Vixi quantum satis est - I have lived long enough. A good man, though he should not die old, dies full of days, satisfied with living here, and longing to live in a better place. 4. He was gathered to his people. His body was gathered to the congregation of the dead, and his soul to the congregation of the blessed. Note, Death gathers us to our people. Those that are our people while we live, whether the people of God or the children of this world, are the people to whom death will gather us.
IV. His burial, Gen 25:9, Gen 25:10. Here is nothing recorded of the pomp or ceremony of his funeral; only we are told, 1. Who buried him: His sons Isaac and Ishmael. It was the last office of respect they had to pay to their good father. Some distance there had formerly been between Isaac and Ishmael; but it seems either that Abraham had himself brought them together while he lived, or at least that his death reconciled them. 2. Where they buried him: in his own burying-place, which he had purchased, and in which he had buried Sarah. Note, Those that in life have been very dear to each other may not only innocently, but laudably, desire to be buried together, that in their deaths they may not be divided, and in token of their hopes of rising together.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–10. 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 25:4 meticulously records the five sons of Midian—Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah—thereby detailing a significant branch of Abraham's extensive lineage through his later wife, Keturah. This precise genealogical entry not only underscores the historical veracity of the biblical narrative but also powerfully illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises of multiplying Abraham's descendants into a vast multitude.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Genesis 25:4 is Genealogy, which is a pervasive feature throughout the book of Genesis. This verse, like many others, functions as part of a larger genealogical record, meticulously tracing the lineage of key figures and the origins of various peoples. The use of Enumeration is also evident, as the verse explicitly lists the five sons by name. This precise listing serves to establish historical accuracy and to provide a clear record of the family's expansion. While seemingly straightforward, these devices are crucial for the biblical narrative's foundational claims, demonstrating the fulfillment of divine promises and establishing the historical context for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through specific family lines.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 25:4, though a brief genealogical entry, carries profound theological weight, reinforcing the unwavering faithfulness of God to His covenant promises. The meticulous recording of Abraham's diverse progeny, extending even through Keturah, demonstrates God's commitment to fulfilling His word to multiply Abraham's descendants beyond measure, a promise made when Abraham was childless and old. This verse highlights that God's plan is comprehensive, encompassing not only the direct line of promise through Isaac but also the broader family of Abraham, from whom many nations would emerge. It underscores the historical reality of the biblical narrative, where divine promises are concretely manifested in the formation of real peoples and tribes, providing a tangible foundation for the unfolding of redemptive history.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Even in what might appear to be a simple list of names, Genesis 25:4 offers rich ground for reflection. It reminds us that God's faithfulness is not limited to the grand, dramatic moments of salvation history, but extends to the meticulous details of lineage and the quiet unfolding of His promises over generations. This verse underscores the value God places on every individual and every family line, demonstrating His sovereign hand in orchestrating the origins of nations and peoples. It challenges us to see the divine purpose in seemingly ordinary or overlooked aspects of life, recognizing that God works through diverse means to accomplish His overarching plan. Just as God meticulously recorded the descendants of Abraham, He is intimately involved in the details of our lives, faithfully guiding and fulfilling His purposes for us, even when we cannot fully discern them.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does the Bible include such detailed genealogies for seemingly minor figures?
Answer: Genealogies like Genesis 25:4 serve several crucial purposes. They establish historical accuracy and verify the fulfillment of God's promises, particularly regarding Abraham's numerous descendants, as promised in Genesis 15:5. They also trace the origins of various nations and tribes, providing essential context for their later interactions with Israel, such as the Midianites' encounters with Moses in Exodus 2:15 and Gideon in Judges 6:1. Ultimately, these meticulous records meticulously trace the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come, affirming the historical reality of God's redemptive plan.
Who were the Midianites and what was their significance?
Answer: The Midianites were a nomadic people descended from Abraham through his son Midian, whose sons are listed in Genesis 25:4. They were significant because they frequently interacted with Israel throughout biblical history. Sometimes they were allies, as seen with Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, in Exodus 3:1. However, they often acted as adversaries, notably oppressing Israel during the time of the Judges before being decisively defeated by Gideon, as recounted in Judges 7:16-25. Their story illustrates God's sovereign control over all nations and their roles in His unfolding plan for His chosen people.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 25:4 focuses on a branch of Abraham's descendants not directly in the Messianic line, it powerfully contributes to the overarching narrative of God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, which ultimately culminates in Christ. The meticulous recording of Abraham's vast progeny, even through Keturah's sons, underscores the historical reality and divine precision with which God prepared the world for the coming of the Savior. It demonstrates God's capacity to bring forth a multitude from one man, foreshadowing the spiritual multitude of believers from every nation, tribe, people, and language who would be brought into God's family through Christ. As the ultimate "seed" of Abraham, Jesus fulfills the promise that through Abraham, all the families of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:3). Through faith in Him, both Jew and Gentile become spiritual descendants of Abraham, heirs according to the promise, as articulated in Galatians 3:7-9 and Romans 4:16-17. Thus, this seemingly minor genealogical detail points to the expansive, global reach of God's redemptive plan in Jesus Christ, the true and final fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant.