### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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