Genesis 25:4
New International Version
The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanok, Abida and Eldaah. All these were descendants of Keturah.

New Living Translation
Midian’s sons were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. These were all descendants of Abraham through Keturah.

English Standard Version
The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.

Berean Standard Bible
The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were descendants of Keturah.

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

New King James Version
And the sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abidah, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.

New American Standard Bible
The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All of these were the sons of Keturah.

NASB 1995
The sons of Midian were Ephah and Epher and Hanoch and Abida and Eldaah. All these were the sons of Keturah.

NASB 1977
And the sons of Midian were Ephah and Epher and Hanoch and Abida and Eldaah. All these were the sons of Keturah.

Legacy Standard Bible
And the sons of Midian were Ephah and Epher and Hanoch and Abida and Eldaah. All these were the sons of Keturah.

Amplified Bible
The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the sons of Keturah.

Christian Standard Bible
And Midian’s sons were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were sons of Keturah.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
And Midian’s sons were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were sons of Keturah.

American Standard Version
And the sons of Midian: Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.

Contemporary English Version
Midian also had five sons: Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. These were the descendants of Keturah.

Good News Translation
The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were Keturah's descendants.

International Standard Version
Midian's sons were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All of these were Keturah's descendants.

Majority Standard Bible
The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were descendants of Keturah.

NET Bible
The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were descendants of Keturah.

New Heart English Bible
The sons of Midian: Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abidah, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.

World English Bible
The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and 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 Translation
And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abidah, and Eldaah. All these the sons of Keturah.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But of Madian was born Epha, and Opher, and Henoch, and Abida, and Eldaa: all these were the children of Cetura.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And truly, from Midian was born Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the sons of Keturah.

New American Bible
The descendants of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All of these were descendants of Keturah.

New Revised Standard Version
The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the sons of Midian were Ephah, Haphar, Hanoch, Abidah, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Kenturah.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And 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 1917
And the sons of Midian: Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And 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 sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were descendants of Keturah. 5Abraham left everything he owned to Isaac.…

Cross References
1 Chronicles 1:32-33
The 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 21:13
But I will also make a nation of the slave woman’s son, because he is your offspring.”

Genesis 17:20
As 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 16:10-12
Then 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 28:9
Esau 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 36:3
and Basemath daughter of Ishmael and sister of Nebaioth.

Genesis 37:25-28
And 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 2:15
When 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 6:3
Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites, Amalekites, and other people of the east would come up and invade them,

1 Kings 11:18
Hadad 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 60:6-7
Caravans 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 25:23
Dedan, Tema, Buz, and all who cut the corners of their hair;

Ezekiel 27:21
Arabia and all the princes of Kedar were your customers, trading in lambs, rams, and goats.

Romans 9:7
Nor 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
Abida Children Descendants Eldaah Elda'ah Enoch Ephah Epher Hanoch Keturah Ketu'rah Midian Mid'ian Offspring
Jump to Next
Abida Children Descendants Eldaah Elda'ah Enoch Ephah Epher Hanoch Keturah Ketu'rah Midian Mid'ian Offspring
Genesis 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
The mention of Midian here is significant as it connects to the Midianites, a group that plays a notable role in later biblical narratives. Midian was one of the sons of Abraham through Keturah, and his descendants became a distinct people. The Midianites are often seen in the Bible as both allies and adversaries of Israel. The name "Midian" itself is derived from the Hebrew root "madad," meaning "to measure" or "to judge," which may reflect the role of the Midianites in the biblical narrative as a people who were often in conflict with Israel, serving as a measure of Israel's faithfulness to God.

Ephah
Ephah is the first son listed and his name is associated with a unit of measure, which is interesting given the agricultural and trade practices of the time. The name "Ephah" is also linked to a region or tribe, suggesting that his descendants may have established a significant settlement or community. This reflects the broader theme of God's promise to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, as even the sons of his concubine Keturah became progenitors of distinct groups.

Epher
The name Epher is less commonly referenced in the Bible, but it is believed to mean "a calf" or "young deer," which could symbolize strength and vitality. This name, like others in the list, underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding his descendants. The mention of Epher and his brothers highlights the spread of Abraham's lineage beyond Isaac and Ishmael, indicating the vastness of his progeny.

Hanoch
Hanoch, also spelled "Enoch" in some translations, means "dedicated" or "initiated." This name is shared with other notable biblical figures, such as Enoch, the ancestor of Noah who "walked with God." The repetition of this name in different contexts may suggest a theme of dedication to God or a life set apart for a specific purpose. In the context of Midian's sons, it may imply a continuation of a legacy of faith or a distinct role within the broader narrative of Abraham's descendants.

Abida
The name Abida means "my father knows" or "father of knowledge." This name reflects a theme of wisdom and understanding, which is a valued trait in biblical literature. The inclusion of Abida among Midian's sons may suggest that his descendants were known for their insight or leadership. It also reinforces the idea that the blessings and promises given to Abraham extended to all his children, not just those through Sarah.

Eldaah
Eldaah means "God has called" or "God is knowledge." This name emphasizes the divine involvement in the lives of Abraham's descendants. It suggests a recognition of God's sovereignty and the belief that God is the source of true wisdom. The presence of such a name among Midian's sons highlights the spiritual heritage passed down from Abraham, who was called by God to be the father of many nations.

All these were the sons of Keturah
This phrase serves as a reminder of Keturah's role in Abraham's life and the continuation of his lineage through her. Keturah, whose name means "incense" or "fragrance," symbolizes a new chapter in Abraham's life after Sarah's death. Her sons, including those of Midian, represent the fulfillment of God's promise to make Abraham the father of many nations. This underscores the theme of God's faithfulness and the expansive nature of His blessings, which extend beyond the immediate family of Isaac to include all of Abraham's offspring.

Verse 4. - And the sons of Midian; Ephah (vide Isaiah 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 sons
וּבְנֵ֣י (ū·ḇə·nê)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Midian
מִדְיָ֗ן (miḏ·yān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4080: Midian -- a son of Abraham and Keturah, also his descendants and the region where they settled

were Ephah,
עֵיפָ֤ה (‘ê·p̄āh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5891: Ephah -- two Israelites, also a Midianite

Epher,
וָעֵ֙פֶר֙ (wā·‘ê·p̄er)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6081: Epher -- two Israelites, also a Midianite

Hanoch,
וַחֲנֹ֔ךְ (wa·ḥă·nōḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2585: Enoch -- four Israelites, sons of Cain, Jered, Midian and Reuben

Abida,
וַאֲבִידָ֖ע (wa·’ă·ḇî·ḏā‘)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 28: Abida -- 'my father took knowledge', a son of Midian

and Eldaah.
וְאֶלְדָּעָ֑ה (wə·’el·dā·‘āh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 420: Eldaah -- 'God has called', a son of Midian

All
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

these
אֵ֖לֶּה (’êl·leh)
Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

were descendants
בְּנֵ֥י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Keturah.
קְטוּרָֽה׃ (qə·ṭū·rāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6989: Keturah -- a wife of Abraham


Links
Genesis 25:4 NIV
Genesis 25:4 NLT
Genesis 25:4 ESV
Genesis 25:4 NASB
Genesis 25:4 KJV

Genesis 25:4 BibleApps.com
Genesis 25:4 Biblia Paralela
Genesis 25:4 Chinese Bible
Genesis 25:4 French Bible
Genesis 25:4 Catholic Bible

OT Law: Genesis 25:4 The sons of Midian: Ephah Epher Hanoch (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 25:3
Top of Page
Top of Page