the same as מְדָן; Medan, a son of Abraham; Medan.
Transliteration:Mᵉdân
Pronunciation:med-awn'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H4091}}` (Mᵉdân) is a proper noun, referring specifically to a son of Abraham by his wife Keturah. As a proper name, its primary "meaning" is its identification of a specific individual within the biblical narrative. While the etymology of proper nouns can sometimes offer insight, for `{{H4091}}`, the lexical definition points directly to the person "Medan." The name itself is often linked to the root `{{H1777}}` (dîn) or `{{H4079}}` (mādôn), conveying concepts of "strife," "contention," or "judgment." However, for a personal name, this etymological connection is not explicitly developed within the biblical text regarding Medan's character or destiny; rather, it primarily serves as a unique identifier for one of Abraham's numerous descendants.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Medan `{{H4091}}` appears in two primary biblical passages, both genealogical in nature:
* [[Genesis 25:2]]: This verse introduces Medan as one of the six sons born to Abraham through Keturah, following Sarah's death. The text states, "She bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah." This placement immediately after the account of Abraham's long life and the establishment of Isaac's lineage situates Medan within the broader scope of Abraham's extensive progeny. The subsequent verse, [[Genesis 25:6]], notes that Abraham gave gifts to these sons and sent them away from Isaac, eastward, to the "country of the East." This action highlights the separation of these lines from the primary covenant inheritance designated for Isaac.
* [[1 Chronicles 1:32]]: This passage reiterates Medan's inclusion in the genealogical records, stating, "The sons of Keturah, Abraham’s concubine: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah." The Chronicler's repetition of this list confirms Medan's historical identity as a direct descendant of Abraham, reinforcing his place within the expansive family tree of nations. The purpose of this genealogical entry in Chronicles is to trace the lineage from Adam through Abraham, establishing the historical continuity and divine plan for various peoples.
In both contexts, Medan is presented as one of the ancestral figures of various tribes or peoples who settled in the regions east of Canaan, distinct from the covenant line that passed through Isaac to Jacob.
### Related Words & Concepts
Medan `{{H4091}}` is intrinsically linked to several key biblical figures and concepts:
* **Abraham:** His father, the patriarch through whom all these lineages originate. Medan's existence testifies to the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding his multitudinous descendants, even those outside the direct covenant line.
* **Keturah:** His mother, a significant figure in Abraham's later life, whose sons expanded the patriarch's family tree.
* **Midian `{{H4080}}`:** Medan's brother, whose name is remarkably similar and often confused due to proximity in the biblical lists and potential ancient tribal connections. While distinct in the text, their names' resemblance and shared maternal lineage suggest a close relationship.
* **The Sons of Keturah:** Zimran, Jokshan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. These brothers collectively represent a significant branch of Abraham's descendants, often associated with the Arabian tribes. Their collective identity as those "sent eastward" establishes a geographical and genealogical distinction from the Israelites.
* **Ishmael and Isaac:** Medan's half-brothers. The biblical narrative carefully distinguishes the lines of Ishmael, Isaac, and the sons of Keturah, emphasizing the unique covenantal inheritance passing through Isaac.
* **"Country of the East":** This geographical designation for the settlement of Keturah's sons implies their role in the formation of various peoples in the Arabian Peninsula, contributing to the ethnological landscape of the ancient Near East.
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of Medan `{{H4091}}` in the biblical record, though brief, carries several theological implications:
* **Fulfillment of Abrahamic Promise:** Medan's existence, along with his brothers, underscores the divine promise to Abraham that he would be the "father of a multitude of nations" [[Genesis 17:4]]. Even those not directly in the covenant line of Isaac contribute to the vastness of Abraham's progeny, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His word.
* **Distinction of Covenant Line:** The explicit separation of Medan and his brothers from Isaac's inheritance (sending them "eastward" with gifts) highlights the unique and singular nature of the covenant established through Isaac and his descendants (Israel). This distinction emphasizes God's sovereign choice and the specificity of His redemptive plan.
* **Scope of Divine Sovereignty:** While the focus of salvation history is on Israel, the mention of Medan and other non-Israelite descendants of Abraham reminds us of God's overarching sovereignty over all nations and peoples. These lineages contribute to the broader tapestry of humanity, all of whom ultimately derive from the one Creator.
* **Historical-Redemptive Context:** Medan's presence in the genealogies provides historical depth to the biblical narrative, connecting the diverse peoples of the ancient world back to a common patriarchal ancestor. This reinforces the historical grounding of God's dealings with humanity.
### Summary
Medan `{{H4091}}` is identified in the biblical text as a son of Abraham by Keturah, listed in both [[Genesis 25:2]] and [[1 Chronicles 1:32]]. As a proper noun, its primary meaning is its designation of this specific individual within Abraham's extensive lineage. Medan, along with his brothers, represents a distinct branch of Abraham's descendants who were sent eastward, establishing various peoples in the Arabian region. Theologically, Medan's inclusion highlights the fulfillment of God's promise regarding Abraham's numerous progeny, while simultaneously underscoring the unique and separate covenantal line that passed through Isaac. His presence in the biblical record contributes to the historical and theological understanding of God's broad plan for humanity, encompassing both the chosen people and the wider family of nations.
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