Genesis 25:4

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּנֵ֥י
All these were the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#2
מִדְיָ֗ן
of Midian
midjan, a son of abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants
#3
עֵיפָ֤ה
Ephah
ephah, the name of a son of midian, and of the region settled by him; also of an israelite and of an israelitess
#4
וָעֵ֙פֶר֙
and Epher
epher, the name of an arabian and of two israelites
#5
וַֽחֲנֹ֔ךְ
and Hanoch
chanok, an antediluvian patriach
#6
וַֽאֲבִידָ֖ע
H28
and Abida
abida, a son of abraham by keturah
#7
וְאֶלְדָּעָ֑ה
and Eldaah
eldaah, a son of midian
#8
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
אֵ֖לֶּה
these or those
#10
בְּנֵ֥י
All these were the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#11
קְטוּרָֽה׃
of Keturah
keturah, a wife of abraham

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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