### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper name **Mᵉdân**, represented by `{{H4091}}`, identifies **Medan, a son of Abraham**. The name appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses**. It is used to list one of the sons born to Abraham through Keturah, existing solely within genealogical records.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4091}}` appears exclusively in genealogical records that establish the lineage of Abraham's{H85} descendants. In [[Genesis 25:2]], Medan is named as one of the six sons born to Abraham by Keturah{H6989}, alongside Zimran{H2175}, Jokshan{H3370}, Midian{H4080}, Ishbak{H3435}, and Shuah{H7744}. This account is paralleled in [[1 Chronicles 1:32]], which identifies these same individuals as the sons{H1121} of Keturah, who is specified in this passage as Abraham's concubine{H6370}.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for Medan's place in the biblical record:
* `{{H85}}` **ʼAbrâhâm** (Abraham): As the "father of a multitude", he is the patriarch from whom Medan descends [[1 Chronicles 1:32]].
* `{{H6989}}` **Qᵉṭûwrâh** (Keturah): Defined as "perfumed; Keturah, a wife of Abraham", she is the mother who bare{H3205} Medan and his brothers [[1 Chronicles 1:32]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): This word, meaning "a son (as a builder of the family name)", is central to the genealogical lists where Medan is found, establishing his place in Abraham's lineage [[1 Chronicles 1:32]].
* `{{H4080}}` **Midyân** (Midian): Listed as one of Medan's brothers, his name is also used to identify "his country and (collectively) his descendants," the Midianites [[Genesis 25:2]].
* `{{H3370}}` **Yoqshân** (Jokshan): Another of Medan's brothers, whose own sons{H1121}, Sheba{H7614} and Dedan{H1719}, are also listed, continuing the family line [[1 Chronicles 1:32]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of Medan is tied to his position within Abraham's family history.
* **Abrahamic Posterity:** Medan's inclusion in the genealogy demonstrates the expansion of Abraham's{H85} family. His birth is part of the record of the "sons{H1121} of the concubines{H6370}" to whom Abraham gave gifts before sending them away from his son Isaac [[Genesis 25:6]].
* **Genealogical Marker:** The primary role of Medan's name is to serve as a marker in the historical and genealogical records of the Old Testament. He is part of the lineage that connects various regional peoples back to the patriarch Abraham.
* **Fraternal Connection to Midian:** Medan is consistently listed alongside his brother Midian{H4080} ([[Genesis 25:2]], [[1 Chronicles 1:32]]). While Midian's descendants become a prominent nation, Medan's name does not appear again, highlighting the different historical paths of the sons of Keturah.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4091}}` **Mᵉdân** is the proper name for a son of Abraham and Keturah. His appearances are brief and confined to two genealogical passages ([[Genesis 25:2]], [[1 Chronicles 1:32]]). While he himself is not a central figure, his inclusion is significant for tracing the descendants of Abraham{H85} and situating various peoples within this patriarchal line. The record of his birth contributes to the broader narrative of Abraham's expansive family, distinct from the covenant lineage of Isaac.
TRV