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.
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.
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.
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.
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