מְדָן (me.dan)
me.dan
Medan
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Medan is a proper name found in two verses, Genesis 25:2 and 1 Chronicles 1:32. The sources identify him as a son of Abraham and Keturah, making him a half-brother to Isaac and Ishmael. His name appears in genealogical records that trace the descendants of the patriarchs.
The etymology provided links Medan to the Hebrew root meaning "contention." This linguistic connection suggests a thematic link to the family dynamics of Abraham’s household, where rivalry and division were significant themes. The sources note he is also called Mede in some traditions, though this variation is less common in standard biblical texts.
Medan’s role in Scripture is primarily genealogical. He represents one branch of Abraham’s extended family through Keturah, highlighting the breadth of his lineage beyond the covenant line of Isaac. His inclusion in Chronicles underscores the importance of recording all descendants, even those not central to the main narrative of salvation history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Medan appears in Scripture as a son of Abraham and Keturah, making him a half-brother to Isaac. His name is linked to a root meaning contention, which reflects the complex family dynamics within Abraham’s household. While he does not play a central role in the main narrative of salvation history, his inclusion in the genealogies highlights the breadth of Abraham’s lineage.
For your faith, this detail reminds us that God’s plans often extend beyond our immediate understanding. The recording of Medan’s name shows that every branch of Abraham’s family is part of a larger story. It invites you to trust that God sees and remembers all His children, even those whose stories are brief.
This genealogical record encourages patience and hope. Just as Medan’s line was preserved in Scripture, so too is every life known to God. You can find comfort in knowing that your place in God’s family is secure, regardless of how prominent your story may seem to others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Medan1×
- Medan1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְדָ֖ן1×
- וּ/מְדָ֥ן1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 25:2
She bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah.
This verse lists Medan among the sons born to Abraham and Keturah, establishing his place in the patriarchal family tree.
-
I Chronicles 1:32
The sons of Keturah, Abraham’s concubine: she bore Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. The sons of Jokshan: Sheba and Dedan.
The Chronicler repeats this genealogy to emphasize the full scope of Abraham’s descendants, including those from Keturah.