קְטוּרָה (qe.tu.rah)
qe.tu.rah
Keturah
N:N-F-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-F-P
Word Overview
The name Qeturah, meaning "incense," identifies a woman who became a wife to Abraham following the death of Sarah. She is introduced in Genesis 25:1 as someone Abraham took to himself, and she bore him six sons: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. This list of descendants highlights her significant role in expanding the patriarchal family line during this later period of Abraham’s life.
The connection between her name and incense is often viewed as symbolic, suggesting a life characterized by sweetness or favor, though the biblical text itself does not elaborate on this metaphor. Her primary narrative function is genealogical, serving to record the origins of several tribes associated with the Arabian peninsula. The Chronicler mentions her again in 1 Chronicles 1:32, reaffirming her status as Abraham’s wife and mother of these specific children.
While Sarah is remembered as the mother of Isaac and the covenant line, Qeturah represents a secondary branch of Abraham’s offspring. The text notes that while Isaac received the primary inheritance, Abraham gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them away from Isaac toward the east. This distinction clarifies the family structure without diminishing the historical reality of Qeturah’s marriage and motherhood.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read about Abraham taking Keturah as a wife after Sarah’s death, it is easy to feel like this is just a list of names in a family tree. Yet her name means "incense," which suggests something fragrant and pleasant rising up. In the midst of grief and changing circumstances, God continued to work through Abraham’s life, bringing new relationships and new descendants into the world.
This story reminds us that God’s plan often extends beyond our primary expectations. While Isaac carried the main covenant promise, the children of Keturah became ancestors of many tribes. It shows that God’s blessing is not limited to one line or one moment. Even in later chapters of life, there is room for new beginnings and continued fruitfulness.
We can take comfort in knowing that God sees all parts of our story. Whether we are in a season of primary calling or a time of secondary branches, He is present. His grace covers the whole family, and His purposes unfold across generations, bringing peace and connection to many people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Keturah3×
- [was] Keturah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קְטוּרָֽה\׃2×
- קְטוּרָֽה\׃\ \ס1×
- קְטוּרָ֜ה1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 25:1
Abraham took another wife, and her name was Keturah.
This verse introduces Keturah by name, marking a new chapter in Abraham’s life after the loss of Sarah.
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Genesis 25:4
The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.
It lists the sons of Midian, showing how Keturah’s lineage expanded into distinct tribal groups.
-
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 reaffirms her role as Abraham’s concubine and mother of six specific sons, preserving the genealogy for later readers.