Keturah
Keturah in the Bible — Abraham's second wife after Sarah died (GEN 25:1). Referenced in 8 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “that makes the incense to fume”
Profile
- Gender
- female
- Scripture References
- 8 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 7 connections
Biography
Keturah is a female figure in Scripture known primarily as Abraham's second wife after the death of Sarah (GEN 25:1). The biblical text does not assign her to a specific tribe or surname. Her role is significant in the continuation of Abraham's lineage beyond the covenant line through Isaac.
Names & Titles
The name Keturah means "incense" or "scented one," reflecting a possible symbolic significance in Hebrew culture. This proper name is not indicated as being given directly by God (GEN 25:1).
Family
Keturah was married to Abraham and bore him six sons: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah (GEN 25:1-2). These relationships highlight her role as a mother to important descendants of Abraham.
Significance
Keturah's importance lies in her position as Abraham's wife after Sarah's death and the mother of six sons who became progenitors of various Arabian tribes. Abraham's decision to give gifts to her sons and send them eastward ensured that Isaac remained the sole heir of the covenant promise. This arrangement illustrates God's faithfulness to the covenant through Isaac while also fulfilling the promise that Abraham would be the father of many nations through other descendants.
Key Events
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- קְטוּרָֽה
- Transliteration
- qəturah
- Meaning
- incense, scented one
- Greek
- Χεττουρα
- Reference
- GEN 25:1
- Strong's
- H6989
Family & Relationships (7)
wife
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Keturah in the Bible?
Keturah is a female figure in Scripture known primarily as Abraham's second wife after the death of Sarah (GEN 25:1). The biblical text does not assign her to a specific tribe or surname. Her role is significant in the continuation of Abraham's lineage beyond the covenant line through Isaac.
What does the name Keturah mean?
The name Keturah means “that makes the incense to fume” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.