But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived, eastward, unto the east country.

GENESIS 25:6KJV
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Genesis 25:6 (KJV)

What does Genesis 25:6 mean?

Genesis 25:6 describes how Abraham gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them away to the east, separating them from his main heir, Isaac, while Abraham was still alive. This action made it clear that Isaac would be the primary inheritor of Abraham’s estate and legacy.

In this verse, Abraham is making practical arrangements for his family before his death. The “sons of the concubines” refers to the children Abraham had with women other than Sarah, such as Hagar and Keturah. By giving these sons gifts and sending them eastward, Abraham provided for them but ensured that Isaac, his son with Sarah, remained the central figure in the family line and inheritance.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 25:6

  • “Concubines” (פִּילֶגֶשׁ, pilegesh): This word refers to women who were not full wives but had a recognized relationship with Abraham and bore him children. The use of the plural suggests Abraham had more than one such relationship.
  • “Gifts” (מַתָּנָה, mattanah): This word means presents or offerings, showing that Abraham gave tangible provisions to these sons, but not the main inheritance.
  • “Eastward” (קֵדְמָה, qedmah) and “east” (קֶדֶם, qedem): Both words point to a direction away from Canaan, the land promised to Isaac. This emphasizes the physical and symbolic separation of these sons from Isaac’s inheritance.

Why Genesis 25:6 matters

  • Genesis 25:6 clarifies that Abraham intentionally distinguished Isaac as the main heir, which helps explain later family dynamics and the unfolding of the biblical story.
  • The verse shows Abraham’s care in providing for all his children, not just Isaac, but also his commitment to God’s promise regarding Isaac’s unique role.
  • By sending the other sons eastward, Genesis 25:6 sets up the origins of various peoples and nations mentioned later in the Bible, connecting Abraham’s family to a broader historical context.

Where else these words appear

“gifts” Hebrew H4979 · used in 17 verses

  • Exodus 28:38 And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.
  • Deuteronomy 16:17 Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee.
  • Ecclesiastes 7:7 Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart.

“concubines” Hebrew H6370 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 22:24 And his concubine, whose name was Reumah, she bare also Tebah, and Gaham, and Thahash, and Maachah.
  • Judges 19:29 And when he was come into his house, he took a knife, and laid hold on his concubine, and divided her, together with her bones, into twelve pieces, and sent her into all the coasts of Israel.
  • 2 Samuel 21:11 And it was told David what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done.

“eastward” Hebrew H6924 · used in 83 verses

  • Genesis 2:8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
  • Joshua 19:12 And turned from Sarid eastward toward the sunrising unto the border of Chislothtabor, and then goeth out to Daberath, and goeth up to Japhia,
  • Psalms 143:5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.

“Isaac” Hebrew H3327 · used in 101 verses

  • Genesis 17:19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.
  • Genesis 26:16 And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we.
  • Genesis 35:28 And the days of Isaac were an hundred and fourscore years.