Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah
Jump to: SubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah are the six sons of Abraham by his wife Keturah, as recorded in the Old Testament. Their mention is primarily found in the genealogical records, which highlight the expansive lineage of Abraham, a central patriarchal figure in the Bible.

Zimran
Zimran is the first son of Abraham and Keturah mentioned in Genesis 25:2. Little is known about Zimran beyond his inclusion in the genealogical lists. His descendants are not detailed in the biblical text, and his name does not appear elsewhere in Scripture. Some scholars suggest that Zimran's descendants may have settled in the Arabian Peninsula, contributing to the diverse ethnic groups in that region.

Jokshan
Jokshan is the second son of Abraham and Keturah. According to Genesis 25:3, Jokshan became the father of Sheba and Dedan. These names are significant as they are associated with regions and tribes known for trade and wealth, particularly in spices and precious goods. Sheba is often linked to the Sabeans, a people known for their prosperity and mentioned in other biblical contexts, such as the visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon (1 Kings 10:1-13).

Medan
Medan is the third son of Abraham and Keturah. Like Zimran, Medan's descendants are not detailed in the biblical narrative. His name appears only in the genealogical lists, and there is limited historical or archaeological evidence to provide further insight into his lineage or the region his descendants may have inhabited.

Midian
Midian is perhaps the most prominent of Keturah's sons due to the significant role his descendants play in biblical history. The Midianites are frequently mentioned throughout the Old Testament. They were a nomadic people who inhabited the region east of the Jordan River and the Sinai Peninsula. Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, was a priest of Midian (Exodus 3:1), and Moses spent forty years in Midian after fleeing Egypt. The Midianites were also involved in various conflicts with the Israelites, as seen in the account of Gideon (Judges 6-8).

Ishbak
Ishbak is the fifth son of Abraham and Keturah. Like Zimran and Medan, Ishbak's descendants are not elaborated upon in the biblical text. His name is mentioned only in the genealogical records, and there is little additional information about his lineage or the territories they may have occupied.

Shuah
Shuah is the sixth and final son of Abraham and Keturah. His name appears in the genealogical lists, but like several of his brothers, there is scant information about his descendants. However, the name Shuah is also associated with a region or people group in the ancient Near East, possibly linked to trade routes or settlements.

In Genesis 25:1-4 , the account of Keturah's sons is succinctly presented: "Now Abraham had taken another wife, named Keturah, and she bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. Jokshan was the father of Sheba and Dedan. The descendants of Dedan were the Asshurites, the Letushites, and the Leummites. The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were descendants of Keturah."

These sons of Keturah, though not as prominently featured as Isaac or Ishmael, contribute to the broader narrative of Abraham's legacy and the fulfillment of God's promise to make him "a father of many nations" (Genesis 17:4). Their inclusion in the genealogical records underscores the diverse and far-reaching impact of Abraham's descendants throughout the ancient world.
Subtopics

Zimran

Zimran: A Son of Abraham

Related Terms

Zimri's (2 Occurrences)

Moza (5 Occurrences)

Carmi (8 Occurrences)

Az'maveth (8 Occurrences)

Azmaveth (8 Occurrences)

Al'emeth (3 Occurrences)

Alemeth (5 Occurrences)

Tirzah (17 Occurrences)

Zabdi (17 Occurrences)

Omri (16 Occurrences)

Arza (1 Occurrence)

Baasha (26 Occurrences)

Zimran (2 Occurrences)

Elah (17 Occurrences)

Jeho'addah (1 Occurrence)

Jarah (1 Occurrence)

Jadah (1 Occurrence)

Jaarah (1 Occurrence)

Jehoadah (1 Occurrence)

Jehoaddah (1 Occurrence)

Gibbethon (5 Occurrences)

Twenty-seventh (6 Occurrences)

Tibni (2 Occurrences)

Midianitish (4 Occurrences)

Plotted (21 Occurrences)

Conspired (32 Occurrences)

Encamping (24 Occurrences)

Salu (1 Occurrence)

Kingdom (409 Occurrences)

Simeon (48 Occurrences)

Asa (54 Occurrences)

Zin (9 Occurrences)

Design (84 Occurrences)

Troops (92 Occurrences)

Commander (111 Occurrences)

Begat (112 Occurrences)

Ahaz (42 Occurrences)

Jehu (63 Occurrences)

Reigned (206 Occurrences)

Palace (194 Occurrences)

Camped (100 Occurrences)

Zambri

Zur (9 Occurrences)

Jezebel (20 Occurrences)

Gib'bethon (5 Occurrences)

Woman (4043 Occurrences)

Tirza

Treason (6 Occurrences)

Reigneth (54 Occurrences)

Ethan (9 Occurrences)

Drunkard (15 Occurrences)

Darda (2 Occurrences)

Destroyeth (38 Occurrences)

Dara (1 Occurrence)

Midianite (11 Occurrences)

Mid'ianite (5 Occurrences)

Midianitess (3 Occurrences)

Murdered (25 Occurrences)

Phinehas (24 Occurrences)

Baasa (26 Occurrences)

Ba'asha (26 Occurrences)

Castle (26 Occurrences)

Controller (10 Occurrences)

Conspiracy (17 Occurrences)

Citadel (20 Occurrences)

Cozbi (2 Occurrences)

Conspire (18 Occurrences)

Calcol (2 Occurrences)

Annals (41 Occurrences)

Murderer (17 Occurrences)

Simeonites (10 Occurrences)

Simeonite (3 Occurrences)

Samaria (123 Occurrences)

Succeeded (81 Occurrences)

Taker (26 Occurrences)

Slayer (23 Occurrences)

Seventh (123 Occurrences)

Media (14 Occurrences)

Zimran
Top of Page
Top of Page