King James Version

What Does Genesis 25:1 Mean?

Genesis 25:1 in the King James Version says “Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah.”

Genesis 25:1 · KJV

Context

1

Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah.

2

And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah.

3

And Jokshan begat Sheba, and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, and Letushim, and Leummim.

Read Genesis 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah.... This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.

Central themes include God's unconditional covenant promises (land, descendants, blessing to nations), the call to faith and obedience, the testing of faith through delays and impossibilities, the contrast between divine promises and human schemes, and God's gracious persistence despite human failures. Abraham emerges as the father of faith whose trust in God's promises becomes the model for all believers (Romans 4, Galatians 3, Hebrews 11).

Theologically, these narratives establish: (1) salvation by grace through faith rather than works; (2) covenant as God's gracious initiative binding Himself to His people; (3) the necessity of patient trust when promises seem impossible; (4) the consequences of attempting to fulfill God's promises through human effort; (5) the pattern of divine testing producing mature faith. The Abraham cycle foreshadows Christ as the ultimate seed through whom blessing extends to all nations (Galatians 3:16).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. What theological truths about Abraham's Death emerge from this passage?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וַיֹּ֧סֶף1 of 6

“Then again”

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

אַבְרָהָ֛ם2 of 6

“Abraham”

H85

abraham, the later name of abram

וַיִּקַּ֥ח3 of 6

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אִשָּׁ֖ה4 of 6

“a wife”

H802

a woman

וּשְׁמָ֥הּ5 of 6

“and her name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

קְטוּרָֽה׃6 of 6

“was Keturah”

H6989

keturah, a wife of abraham

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 25:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 25:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 1:32-33Genesis 23:1-2Genesis 28:1

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 25 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Genesis 25 with CommentaryAll Genesis ChaptersComplete Genesis QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes