Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Keturah is a significant yet often understated figure in the Hebrew Bible, known primarily as the wife of Abraham after the death of Sarah. Her account is briefly mentioned in the Book of Genesis, where she is introduced as Abraham's wife who bore him several children. The account of Keturah is found in Genesis 25:1-4, which states: "Now Abraham had taken another wife, named Keturah, and she bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah." Lineage and Descendants Keturah's children with Abraham are significant in the biblical narrative as they represent the extension of Abraham's lineage beyond Isaac, the child of promise. Her sons are considered the progenitors of various tribes and peoples. For instance, Midian, one of Keturah's sons, is the ancestor of the Midianites, a group frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. The Midianites play various roles in the biblical narrative, including interactions with Moses and the Israelites. Role and Significance Keturah's role as Abraham's wife after Sarah's death highlights the continuation of Abraham's legacy and God's promise to make him a father of many nations. While Isaac remains the primary heir through whom the covenantal promises are fulfilled, Keturah's children are also blessed and become nations in their own right. This is consistent with God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 17:4: "As for Me, this is My covenant with you: You will be the father of a multitude of nations." Cultural and Historical Context In the cultural and historical context of the ancient Near East, Keturah's marriage to Abraham and the subsequent birth of their children would have been seen as a continuation of Abraham's household and influence. Her children, through their own descendants, would have contributed to the spread of Abraham's lineage across the region, fulfilling the divine promise of numerous descendants. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, Keturah's account underscores the theme of God's faithfulness to His promises. While the primary covenantal line is through Isaac, the inclusion of Keturah and her children in the biblical narrative demonstrates God's broader plan for humanity and the fulfillment of His promises through multiple lines. It also reflects the biblical theme of God's blessing extending beyond the immediate covenant family to encompass a wider array of peoples and nations. References in Other Biblical Texts Keturah is also mentioned in 1 Chronicles 1:32-33, which reiterates her role as Abraham's wife and lists her children. This genealogical record serves to affirm her place in the lineage of Abraham and the broader narrative of the Israelite people. In summary, Keturah, though a relatively minor figure in the biblical text, plays a crucial role in the expansion of Abraham's family and the fulfillment of God's promises. Her descendants contribute to the complex tapestry of nations and peoples that interact with the Israelites throughout the biblical narrative. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary Keturahthat makes the incense to fume Smith's Bible Dictionary Keturah(incense), the wife of Abraham after the death of Sarah. (Genesis 25:1; 1 Chronicles 1:32) (B.C. 1860.) ATS Bible Dictionary KeturahThe wife of Abraham, after the death of Sarah, Genesis 25:1-6. Though she is called a "concubine," this may have been to distinguish her sons as well as Ishmael from Isaac the son of promise, Genesis 25:6; 1 Chronicles 1:32; Galatians 4:22,30. Her sons were the ancestors of many Arabian tribes. Easton's Bible Dictionary Incense, the wife of Abraham, whom he married probably after Sarah's death (Genesis 25:1-6), by whom he had six sons, whom he sent away into the east country. Her nationality is unknown. She is styled "Abraham's concubine" (1 Chronicles 1:32). Through the offshoots of the Keturah line Abraham became the "father of many nations." International Standard Bible Encyclopedia KETURAHke-tu'-ra, ke-too'-ra (qeTurah; Chettoura, "incense"): The second wife of Abraham (Genesis 25:1 1 Chronicles 1:32 f). According to the Biblical tradition, he contracted this second marriage after the death of Sarah (compare Genesis 23), and very likely after the marriage of Isaac (compare Genesis 24). It is not improbable that, as some writers have suggested, this change in the life of his son prompted Abraham to remarry in order to overcome the feeling of lonesomeness caused by Isaac's entering the state of matrimony. Strong's Hebrew 3912. Letushim -- "hammered ones," descendant of Abraham and ...... Letushim. 3913 . "hammered ones," descendant of Abraham and Keturah. Transliteration: Letushim Phonetic Spelling: (let-oo-sheem') Short Definition: Letushim. ... /hebrew/3912.htm - 6k 4080. Midyan -- a son of Abraham and Keturah, also his desc. and ... 3435. Yishbaq -- a son of Abraham and Keturah 7744. Shuach -- a son of Abraham and Keturah. 4091. Medan -- a son of Abraham and Keturah 3370. Yoqshan -- a son of Abraham and Keturah 6989. Qeturah -- a wife of Abraham 28. Abida -- "my father took knowledge," a son of Midian 2175. Zimran -- a son of Abraham Library What is Meant by Abraham's Marrying Keturah after Sarah's Death. How the Nation of the Troglodytes were Derived from Abraham by ... Of the Change of Name in Abraham and Sarah, who Received the Gift ... On the Road to Jerusalem Book 12 Footnotes The Israelites Chapter xxv A Prince's Bride The Antiquities of the Jews False Civilization Thesaurus Keturah (4 Occurrences)... She is styled "Abraham's concubine" (1 Chronicles 1:32). Through the offshoots of the Keturah line Abraham became the "father of many nations.". Int. ...KETURAH. ... /k/keturah.htm - 9k Ketu'rah (4 Occurrences) Epher (4 Occurrences) Medan (2 Occurrences) Abida (2 Occurrences) Zimran (2 Occurrences) Jokshan (3 Occurrences) Ishbak (2 Occurrences) Dedan (10 Occurrences) Shuah (5 Occurrences) Resources Who was Keturah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgHow many wives did Abraham have? | GotQuestions.org How many sons did Abraham have? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Keturah (4 Occurrences)Genesis 25:1 Genesis 25:4 1 Chronicles 1:32 1 Chronicles 1:33 Subtopics Keturah: Wife (Concubine) of Abraham Related Terms |