New International VersionThe sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanok, Abida and Eldaah. All these were descendants of Keturah.
New Living TranslationMidian’s sons were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. These were all descendants of Abraham through Keturah.
English Standard VersionThe sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.
Berean Standard BibleThe sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were descendants of Keturah.
King James BibleAnd the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.
New King James VersionAnd the sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abidah, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.
New American Standard BibleThe sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All of these were the sons of Keturah.
NASB 1995The sons of Midian were Ephah and Epher and Hanoch and Abida and Eldaah. All these were the sons of Keturah.
NASB 1977And the sons of Midian were Ephah and Epher and Hanoch and Abida and Eldaah. All these were the sons of Keturah.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd the sons of Midian were Ephah and Epher and Hanoch and Abida and Eldaah. All these were the sons of Keturah.
Amplified BibleThe sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the sons of Keturah.
Christian Standard BibleAnd Midian’s sons were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were sons of Keturah.
Holman Christian Standard BibleAnd Midian’s sons were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were sons of Keturah.
American Standard VersionAnd the sons of Midian: Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.
Contemporary English VersionMidian also had five sons: Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah.
English Revised VersionAnd the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThe sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. These were the descendants of Keturah.
Good News TranslationThe sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were Keturah's descendants.
International Standard VersionMidian's sons were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All of these were Keturah's descendants.
NET BibleThe sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were descendants of Keturah.
New Heart English BibleThe sons of Midian: Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abidah, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were descendants of Keturah.
World English BibleThe sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the sons of Midian [are] Ephah, and Epher, and Enoch, and Abidah, and Eldaah: all these [are] sons of Keturah.
Young's Literal Translation and the sons of Midian are Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abidah, and Eldaah: all these are sons of Keturah.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abidah, and Eldaah. All these the sons of Keturah. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut of Madian was born Epha, and Opher, and Henoch, and Abida, and Eldaa: all these were the children of Cetura.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd truly, from Midian was born Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the sons of Keturah.
New American BibleThe descendants of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All of these were descendants of Keturah.
New Revised Standard VersionThe sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the sons of Midian were Ephah, Haphar, Hanoch, Abidah, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Kenturah.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd the sons of Median: Epha and Khaphar and Khanuk and Abeeda and Eldaa; all of these are the sons of Qentura. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the sons of Midian: Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd the sons of Madiam were Gephar and Aphir, and Enoch, and Abeida, and Eldaga; all these were sons of Chettura.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Abraham and Keturah… 3Jokshan was the father of Sheba and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were the Asshurites, the Letushites, and the Leummites. 4The sonsof Midianwere Ephah,Epher,Hanoch,Abida,and Eldaah.Allthesewere descendantsof Keturah.5Abraham left everything he owned to Isaac.…
Cross References 1 Chronicles 1:32-33The sons born to Keturah, Abraham’s concubine: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. The sons of Jokshan: Sheba and Dedan. / The sons of Midian: Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All of these were Keturah’s sons.
Genesis 21:13But I will also make a nation of the slave woman’s son, because he is your offspring.”
Genesis 17:20As for Ishmael, I have heard you, and I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He will become the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation.
Genesis 16:10-12Then the angel added, “I will greatly multiply your offspring so that they will be too numerous to count.” / The angel of the LORD proceeded: “Behold, you have conceived and will bear a son. And you shall name him Ishmael, for the LORD has heard your cry of affliction. / He will be a wild donkey of a man, and his hand will be against everyone, and everyone’s hand against him; he will live in hostility toward all his brothers.”
Genesis 28:9Esau went to Ishmael and married Mahalath, the sister of Nebaioth and daughter of Abraham’s son Ishmael, in addition to the wives he already had.
Genesis 36:3and Basemath daughter of Ishmael and sister of Nebaioth.
Genesis 37:25-28And as they sat down to eat a meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were carrying spices, balm, and myrrh on their way down to Egypt. / Then Judah said to his brothers, “What profit will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? / Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay a hand on him; for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And they agreed. ...
Genesis 46:3“I am God,” He said, “the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there.
Exodus 2:15When Pharaoh heard about this matter, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian, where he sat down beside a well.
Judges 6:3Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites, Amalekites, and other people of the east would come up and invade them,
1 Kings 11:18Hadad and his men set out from Midian and went to Paran. They took men from Paran with them and went to Egypt, to Pharaoh king of Egypt, who gave Hadad a house and land and provided him with food.
Isaiah 60:6-7Caravans of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah, and all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the LORD. / All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered to you; the rams of Nebaioth will serve you and go up on My altar with acceptance; I will adorn My glorious house.
Jeremiah 25:23Dedan, Tema, Buz, and all who cut the corners of their hair;
Ezekiel 27:21Arabia and all the princes of Kedar were your customers, trading in lambs, rams, and goats.
Romans 9:7Nor because they are Abraham’s descendants are they all his children. On the contrary, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.”
Treasury of Scripture And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abidah, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah. A. Isaiah 60:6 The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD. Jump to Previous AbidaChildrenDescendantsEldaahElda'ahEnochEphahEpherHanochKeturahKetu'rahMidianMid'ianOffspringJump to Next AbidaChildrenDescendantsEldaahElda'ahEnochEphahEpherHanochKeturahKetu'rahMidianMid'ianOffspringGenesis 25 1.The sons of Abraham by Keturah.5.The division of his goods.7.His age, death, and burial.11.God blesses Isaac.12.The generations of Ishmael.17.His age and death.19.Isaac prays for Rebekah, being barren.22.The children strive in her womb.24.The birth of Esau and Jacob.27.Their different characters and pursuits.29.Esau sells his birthright.The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah.Midian was one of the sons of Abraham through Keturah, his concubine, as mentioned in Genesis 25:1-2. The Midianites, descendants of Midian, played a significant role in biblical history, often interacting with the Israelites. Ephah is noted in Isaiah 60:6, where his descendants are associated with bringing gold and incense, symbolizing wealth and worship. Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah are less prominently mentioned in the Bible, but their inclusion signifies the spread of Abraham's lineage. The Midianites were known for their nomadic lifestyle and were involved in trade, as seen in the story of Joseph being sold to Midianite traders in Genesis 37:28. This connection highlights the broader influence of Abraham's descendants across the region. All these were descendants of Keturah.
Keturah is identified as Abraham's wife or concubine, depending on the translation, and her children represent a branch of Abraham's lineage distinct from Isaac, the child of promise. The descendants of Keturah, including the Midianites, settled in various regions, contributing to the ethnic and cultural diversity of the ancient Near East. This phrase underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations (Genesis 17:4). The mention of Keturah's descendants also serves to highlight the theme of God's providence and the unfolding of His plan through various lineages, ultimately leading to the coming of Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham. Persons / Places / Events 1. MidianMidian is one of the sons of Abraham through Keturah, his wife after Sarah's death. The Midianites, his descendants, play a significant role in later biblical accounts. 2. EphahEphah is one of Midian's sons. His name is often associated with a region or a tribe, and he is mentioned in prophetic literature as a symbol of wealth and trade. 3. EpherAnother son of Midian, Epher's name is less frequently mentioned, but he is part of the lineage that contributes to the broader account of the descendants of Abraham. 4. HanochHanoch, also a son of Midian, shares a name with other biblical figures, indicating a commonality in naming and possibly cultural or familial significance. 5. Abida and EldaahThese sons of Midian are mentioned together, rounding out the list of Midian's offspring. Their names contribute to the genealogical record that underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham to make him a father of many nations. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness to His PromisesThe genealogy of Keturah's sons demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to Abraham to make him a father of many nations. This encourages believers to trust in God's promises in their own lives. The Complexity of God's PlanThe descendants of Keturah, including the Midianites, show that God's plan includes a wide array of people and nations, some of whom play both positive and negative roles in the biblical account. This complexity invites believers to consider how God might be working in unexpected ways in their own lives. Legacy and InfluenceThe mention of these descendants highlights the importance of legacy and influence. Believers are encouraged to consider the impact of their lives and how they contribute to God's overarching account. Cultural and Familial ConnectionsThe shared names and connections among biblical figures remind us of the importance of family and cultural heritage. Believers are encouraged to honor their own heritage while recognizing their place in God's family. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Genesis 25:4?
2.How does Genesis 25:4 demonstrate God's faithfulness to Abraham's descendants?
3.What significance do Midian's sons hold in the broader biblical narrative?
4.How can we trace God's promises through the lineage mentioned in Genesis 25:4?
5.What lessons on God's providence can we learn from Genesis 25:4?
6.How does Genesis 25:4 encourage us to trust God's plans for our families?
7.What is the significance of Genesis 25:4 in the lineage of Abraham's descendants?
8.How does Genesis 25:4 contribute to understanding God's promise to Abraham?
9.Why are the descendants listed in Genesis 25:4 important in biblical history?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 25?
11.What is the identity of the Midianites?
12.What evidence supports or challenges the historical existence of the tribes mentioned in Genesis 25:1-4?
13.Why does Galatians 4:22-23, referring to Abraham's two sons, contradict other accounts of their significance in Genesis?
14.Who was Seth in the Bible?What Does Genesis 25:4 Mean The sons of MidianGenesis 25:4 opens by reminding us that Midian, one of Abraham’s later sons (Genesis 25:2), became the father of a distinct line. Scripture consistently treats Midian as a real historical person whose tribe would influence Israel’s story (Exodus 2:15;Judges 6:1). God’s faithfulness to multiply Abraham’s offspring is on full display here, exactly as promised inGenesis 17:4–6.
Ephah• His name reappears in1 Chronicles 1:33, confirming the literal continuity of the genealogy. •Isaiah 60:6 foresees caravans “of Midian and Ephah” bringing wealth to Zion, showing that this clan became known for trade and camels. • Through Ephah, we see God using even distant relatives of Israel to serve His redemptive purposes.
Epher• Listed again in1 Chronicles 1:33, underscoring the reliability of Moses’ record. • Though another Epher of Manasseh surfaces in1 Chronicles 5:24, Scripture differentiates lines while keeping the history precise. • Epher’s inclusion reminds us that every branch of Abraham’s family tree mattered to God’s unfolding plan.
Hanoch• Not to be confused with Reuben’s descendant Hanoch (Genesis 46:9), this Midianite Hanoch shows how names repeat yet lineages stay distinct. •Numbers 26:5–6 charts Reuben’s Hanoch separately, demonstrating Scripture’s careful accuracy. • Such precision assures us we can trust the biblical record in all its details.
Abida• Apart fromGenesis 25:4 and1 Chronicles 1:33, Abida is not mentioned elsewhere, but his presence here proves that even lesser-known clans were seen and recorded by God. • This affirms verses likePsalm 147:4—He “determines the number of the stars; He calls them each by name.” Every family, every name counts.
Eldaah• Like Abida, Eldaah surfaces only in the genealogies (Genesis 25:4;1 Chronicles 1:33). • The silence about his later history does not diminish his significance; it magnifies God’s vast knowledge of all peoples (Acts 17:26). • The genealogical note also guards the promise that Abraham would become “father of many nations” (Genesis 17:5).
All these were descendants of Keturah• Keturah, introduced inGenesis 25:1, bore Abraham six sons, Midian being one (1 Chronicles 1:32). • By attributing these five grandsons to her line, Scripture clarifies that God’s covenantal blessings flowed beyond Isaac without diluting Isaac’s unique role (Genesis 17:19–21). • Later Midianite interactions—both hostile (Numbers 31:1–3) and helpful (Exodus 18:1–12 through Jethro)—trace back to this statement, displaying God’s sovereignty over family histories and national destinies.
summaryGenesis 25:4 records five grandsons of Abraham through Midian—Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah—and roots them firmly in Keturah’s line. Each name, preserved again in1 Chronicles 1:33, verifies Scripture’s meticulous accuracy and God’s faithfulness to multiply Abraham’s offspring. These clans later weave into Israel’s story in varied ways, illustrating that every branch of Abraham’s family, whether prominent like Ephah inIsaiah 60 or obscure like Eldaah, serves God’s broader redemptive purposes. Verse 4. - And the sons of Midian; Ephah ( videIsaiah 60:6), and Epher (Bent Ghifar in Hejas), and Hanoch (Hanakye, three days north of Medinah), and Abidah, and Eldaah - the tribes of Abide and Vadaa in the neighborhood of Asir. Keil adds that all these identifications are uncertain. All these were the children of Keturah - six sons, seven grandsons, three great grandsons; in all sixteen descendants.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew The sonsוּבְנֵ֣י(ū·ḇə·nê)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A sonof Midianמִדְיָ֗ן(miḏ·yān)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4080:Midian -- a son of Abraham and Keturah, also his descendants and the region where they settledwere Ephah,עֵיפָ֤ה(‘ê·p̄āh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5891:Ephah -- two Israelites, also a MidianiteEpher,וָעֵ֙פֶר֙(wā·‘ê·p̄er)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6081:Epher -- two Israelites, also a MidianiteHanoch,וַחֲנֹ֔ךְ(wa·ḥă·nōḵ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2585:Enoch -- four Israelites, sons of Cain, Jered, Midian and ReubenAbida,וַאֲבִידָ֖ע(wa·’ă·ḇî·ḏā‘)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 28:Abida -- 'my father took knowledge', a son of Midianand Eldaah.וְאֶלְדָּעָ֑ה(wə·’el·dā·‘āh)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 420:Eldaah -- 'God has called', a son of MidianAllכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everytheseאֵ֖לֶּה(’êl·leh)Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428:These, thosewere descendantsבְּנֵ֥י(bə·nê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A sonof Keturah.קְטוּרָֽה׃(qə·ṭū·rāh)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6989:Keturah -- a wife of Abraham
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OT Law: Genesis 25:4 The sons of Midian: Ephah Epher Hanoch (Gen. Ge Gn) |
