King James Version

What Does Genesis 25:2 Mean?

Genesis 25:2 in the King James Version says “And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Genesis 25:2 · 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.

4

And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.

Read Genesis 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah.... 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 does this passage challenge modern cultural assumptions about identity, purpose, or morality?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַתֵּ֣לֶד1 of 14

“And she bare”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

ל֗וֹ2 of 14
H0
אֶת3 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

זִמְרָן֙4 of 14

“him Zimran”

H2175

zimran, a son of abraham by keturah

וְאֶת5 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יָקְשָׁ֔ן6 of 14

“and Jokshan”

H3370

jokshan, an arabian patriarch

וְאֶת7 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מְדָ֖ן8 of 14

“and Medan”

H4091

medan, a son of abraham

וְאֶת9 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִדְיָ֑ן10 of 14

“and Midian”

H4080

midjan, a son of abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants

וְאֶת11 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יִשְׁבָּ֖ק12 of 14

“and Ishbak”

H3435

jishbak, a son of abraham

וְאֶת13 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שֽׁוּחַ׃14 of 14

“and Shuah”

H7744

shuach, a son 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 25:2 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 25:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 1:32-33Numbers 25:17-18Genesis 36:35Numbers 31:2Job 2:11Jeremiah 25:25

Test Your Knowledge

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

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