Genesis 25:2 (KJV)

What does Genesis 25:2 mean?

Genesis 25:2 lists six sons born to Abraham by Keturah: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. This verse records part of Abraham’s family line, showing that he had children besides Isaac and Ishmael.

Genesis 25:2 appears in a section where the writer is summarizing Abraham’s later years and his descendants. The verse is a straightforward genealogy, naming the sons Keturah bore to Abraham. These names introduce family groups that will appear later in the Bible, especially Midian, whose descendants play a role in Israel’s history.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 25:2

• The word "bare" (יָלַד, yalad) means "to give birth" or "to bear children." This verb is used throughout genealogies to trace family lines and emphasizes Keturah’s role as the mother of these sons.
• The names Zimran (זִמְרָן, Zimran), Jokshan (יָקְשָׁן, Yokshan), Medan (מְדָן, Medan), Midian (מִדְיָן, Midyan), Ishbak (יִשְׁבָּק, Yishbak), and Shuah (שׁוּחַ, Shuach) are personal names. In Hebrew genealogies, these names often also refer to tribes or groups descended from these individuals, not just the people themselves.

Why Genesis 25:2 matters

• Genesis 25:2 clarifies that Abraham had more sons beyond Isaac and Ishmael, which helps explain the origins of other peoples mentioned later in the Bible.
• The mention of Midian is significant, as the Midianites become important in later biblical stories, such as those involving Moses.
• This verse helps set up the broader context of Abraham’s legacy and the spread of his descendants, which is a key theme in Genesis.