בְּתוּאֵל (be.tu.el)
be.tu.el
Bethuel
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Bethuel is primarily identified as a patriarchal figure, the son of Nahor and Milcah, and the nephew of Abraham. He lived in Aram-Naharaim, a region also known as Paddan-Aram, where his family settled after leaving Ur. The name itself carries significant weight, generally interpreted as "God is my kinsman" or "dweller in God," reflecting the theological identity of the clan during this early period.
His most notable role in the biblical narrative is as the father of Rebekah, who becomes the wife of Isaac. Although he appears briefly in Genesis 22:22 and is mentioned again in genealogical records like 1 Chronicles 4:30, his presence anchors the lineage that connects Abraham to the next generation of promise. In some contexts, the name also refers to a town in the territory of Simeon, though this location remains unidentified.
While Bethuel does not drive major plot events, his inclusion in the family tree underscores the continuity of God's covenant through specific human lines. The sources highlight his position as a bridge between Abraham’s extended family and the immediate household of Isaac, ensuring that the promise continues within the designated kinship group.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Bethuel, meaning "God is my kinsman," appears in the background of Genesis as a quiet anchor for the family line leading to Isaac and Jacob. It reminds us that God’s promises are carried forward through real people and their connections. When Rebekah is identified as his daughter, it highlights how God works through family ties to bring about His purposes.
Though Bethuel himself does not drive the story, his presence in these verses shows the importance of kinship and divine guidance. In Genesis 24:50, he acknowledges that events proceed from Yahweh, pointing to a trust in God’s sovereignty even within human relationships. This word invites us to see our own connections as part of a larger, faithful narrative.
For your faith, this name encourages you to value the relationships God has placed in your life. Whether through family or community, these bonds are often where God’s guidance becomes visible. Trusting that He is your kinsman can bring comfort and clarity as you navigate your own journey.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Bethuel6×
- and/ Bethuel2×
- to/ Bethuel1×
- and/ in/ Bethuel1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּתוּאֵל֙3×
- לִ/בְתוּאֵ֣ל1×
- וּ/בִ/בְתוּאֵ֥ל1×
- וּ/בְתוּאֵל֙1×
- וּ/בְתוּאֵ֖ל1×
- בְּתוּאֵֽל\׃1×
- בְּתוּאֵ֖ל1×
- בְתוּאֵ֖ל1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 24:50
Then Laban and Bethuel answered, “The thing proceeds from Yahweh. We can’t speak to you bad or good.
Bethuel acknowledges that the arrangement for Rebekah to marry Isaac proceeds from Yahweh, showing his submission to divine guidance.
-
Genesis 24:15
Before he had finished speaking, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, with her pitcher on her shoulder.
Rebekah is introduced as the daughter of Bethuel, linking her directly to the family line and setting the stage for her role in God's plan.
-
Genesis 28:2
Arise, go to Paddan Aram, to the house of Bethuel your mother’s father. Take a wife from there from the daughters of Laban, your mother’s brother.
Isaac sends Jacob to the house of Bethuel, emphasizing the importance of returning to the family roots for marriage and continuity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Bethuel mean?
Who is Bethuel in the Bible?
Why is Bethuel significant in Genesis 24?
Every Occurrence (10 verses across 2 books)
Genesis 9 verses
Chesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph, and Bethuel.”
Genesis 22:23Bethuel became the father of Rebekah. These eight Milcah bore to Nahor, Abraham’s brother.
Genesis 24:15Before he had finished speaking, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of…
Genesis 24:24She said to him, “I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, whom she bore to Nahor.”
Genesis 24:47I asked her, and said, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ She said, ‘The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor’s son, whom Milcah bore to…
Genesis 24:50Then Laban and Bethuel answered, “The thing proceeds from Yahweh. We can’t speak to you bad or good.
Genesis 25:20Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Paddan Aram, the sister of Laban…
Genesis 28:2Arise, go to Paddan Aram, to the house of Bethuel your mother’s father. Take a wife from there from the daughters of…
Genesis 28:5Isaac sent Jacob away. He went to Paddan Aram to Laban, son of Bethuel the Syrian, the brother of Rebekah, Jacob’s and…