The Hebrew name Qᵉṭûwrâh, represented by H6989, means perfumed. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible. The name belongs to a specific individual in the patriarchal narrative, a woman who became a wife of Abraham.
In the biblical narrative, H6989 is used exclusively to identify Keturah. Genesis introduces her as the wife that Abraham H85 took after the death of Sarah Genesis 25:1. The primary role of Keturah in the text is genealogical. She is the mother of six sons: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah 1 Chronicles 1:32. The lineages are further detailed through her sons, such as the sons of Midian and Jokshan, who are also listed as "the children of Keturah" Genesis 25:4 and "the sons of Keturah" 1 Chronicles 1:33. Notably, while Genesis calls her a wife, the book of Chronicles refers to her as Abraham's "concubine" 1 Chronicles 1:32.
Several related words clarify the context of Keturah's story:
- H85 ʼAbrâhâm (Abraham): As the "father of a multitude," his connection to Keturah is central. He is the one who took H3947 Keturah as a wife H802 and fathered children with her Genesis 25:1.
- H802 ʼishshâh (wife): This word defines Keturah's status in the Genesis account, where it states that Abraham took her as his wife Genesis 25:1.
- H6370 pîylegesh (concubine): This term presents a different perspective on Keturah's status. In Chronicles, she is identified as Abraham's concubine 1 Chronicles 1:32, and the text makes a distinction between the son of his wife, Isaac, and the sons of the concubines Genesis 25:6.
- H3947 lâqach (to take): This verb describes the action that established the relationship between Abraham and Keturah. The scripture states that Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah Genesis 25:1.
The narrative placement of H6989 highlights several key themes:
- Genealogical Expansion: Keturah is the matriarch of several lines of descendants. Her sons and grandsons, including peoples like Midian and Sheba, are carefully recorded, illustrating the broad expansion of Abraham's family (1 Chronicles 1:32, Genesis 25:4). This occurs separately from the covenant line of Isaac, as Abraham sent the sons of the concubines "eastward" Genesis 25:6.
- Ambiguity of Status: The use of both wife H802 in Genesis and concubine H6370 in Chronicles to describe Keturah demonstrates the complexity of familial and social structures in the patriarchal era. Her status is presented differently depending on the context and focus of the specific biblical text.
In summary, H6989 is the proper name of a significant figure in Abraham's later life. While not part of the primary covenant lineage through Isaac, Keturah plays a crucial role in the biblical genealogies. Her story, defined by her relationship to Abraham H85 and her dual identification as both wife H802 and concubine H6370, serves to document the fulfillment of Abraham becoming the "father of a multitude" and to establish the origins of several other peoples.
TRV