Genesis 25:1–3 – Meaning, Explanation, and Related Bible Verses

Verses: Genesis 25:1–3
Theme: Legacy, New Beginnings, and the Faithfulness of God Across Generations

Then again Abraham took a wife and her name was Keturah. And she bare him Zimran and Jokshan and Medan and Midian and Ishbak and Shuah. And Jokshan begat Sheba and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim and Letushim and Leummim
— Genesis 25:1–3, King James Version (KJV)

Abraham took another wife whose name was Keturah. 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 Letushites and Leummites
— Genesis 25:1–3, New International Version (NIV)

Now Abraham took another wife whose name was Keturah. She gave birth to Zimran Jokshan Medan Midian Ishbak and Shuah. Jokshan fathered Sheba and Dedan and the sons of Dedan were Asshurim Letushim and Leummim
— Genesis 25:1–3, New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Abraham married another wife whose name was Keturah. She gave birth to Zimran Jokshan Medan Midian Ishbak and Shuah. Jokshan fathered Sheba and Dedan. Dedan’s sons were the Asshurim Letushim and Leummim
— Genesis 25:1–3, Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

Meaning of Genesis 25:1–3

Genesis 25:1–3 may seem like a simple genealogical record, but it is far more than a list of names. It is a window into the continued fruitfulness and legacy of Abraham, even in the latter years of his life. After the death of Sarah, Abraham marries Keturah and has six more sons, expanding the scope of his family and deepening the impact of his legacy.

These verses prove that Abraham’s life did not end in sorrow after Sarah. God was not finished with him. This new marriage and the children that came from it show us that purpose and productivity do not have an expiration date in God’s kingdom. The children of Keturah would go on to be part of nations and peoples that played critical roles in the unfolding biblical story.

Midian, one of the sons listed here, later becomes the father of the Midianites, from whom Moses would take a wife and with whom Israel would often interact. Sheba and Dedan are referenced in prophetic books such as Ezekiel and Isaiah. These are not forgotten names. They are footprints of divine orchestration in history.

This passage also highlights God’s faithfulness to Abraham. God had promised to make him a father of many nations. Through Isaac and Ishmael, and now through Keturah’s children, we see the multilayered fulfillment of that promise. Genesis 25:1–3 reveals that when God blesses someone with a legacy, that legacy flows through multiple streams.

Popular Words of Wisdom from Genesis 25:1–3

God never stops using a surrendered life no matter how old or overlooked it may seem
— Dr. Charles Stanley, Founder of In Touch Ministries

Legacy is not just what you leave for people. It is what you leave in people across generations
— T.D. Jakes, Bishop and Founder of The Potter’s House

The fact that Abraham had more sons after Isaac does not diminish Isaac’s significance. It only proves that God’s blessings are never limited to one channel
— Christine Caine, Evangelist and Founder of A21 Campaign

Keturah came after Sarah not as a replacement but as a reminder that God still brings new beginnings
— Priscilla Shirer, Bible Teacher and Author of Fervent

When your life is yielded to God even your later years can become your most fruitful ones
— Francis Chan, Pastor and Author of Crazy Love

Every name in Scripture carries weight because every name is a thread in the larger tapestry of redemption
— Tim Keller, Pastor and Author of The Meaning of Marriage

God does not retire His servants. He repurposes them for continued impact
— Jackie Hill Perry, Author and Christian Speaker

Abraham’s sons with Keturah remind us that even the so-called footnotes in our lives can be part of God’s headline
— Lisa Bevere, Author and Co-founder of Messenger International

Old age is not a sunset in the kingdom. It is often the backdrop for some of God’s brightest moments
— Dr. Tony Evans, Pastor and President of The Urban Alternative

Your legacy is not measured in how many years you live but in how many lives your obedience touches
— C.S. Lewis, Christian Apologist and Author

Explaining the Context of Genesis 25:1–3

Genesis 25 comes at the closing chapter of Abraham’s life. By this time, Sarah has died, Isaac has married Rebekah, and the promised child has become the carrier of the covenant. Yet Scripture reveals that Abraham marries again. The woman’s name is Keturah. Though not much is known about her, she becomes the mother of six sons, who themselves become patriarchs of peoples and regions.

This moment is not a romantic subplot. It is a theological statement. God’s promises to Abraham were not limited to Isaac alone. While Isaac carried the covenantal blessing, Abraham’s other children were still part of God’s wider purposes. Abraham’s legacy was both spiritual and historical.

It is also worth noting that these genealogical details set the stage for the rest of the Old Testament narrative. The sons and grandsons mentioned in this passage would appear in multiple contexts throughout the Bible. From the Midianites in Exodus to the Sheba of Solomon’s day, these verses echo across time.

The context also reminds us of Abraham’s humanity. He continued to live, marry, and parent even after walking through loss. His story did not freeze with Sarah’s death. God continued writing. So it is with us. Even after grief, there is still purpose. Even after chapters close, new ones begin.

Explaining the Key Parts of Genesis 25:1–3

Then Again Abraham Took a Wife

This indicates a new phase in Abraham’s life. It was not an act of replacing Sarah but of moving forward. God’s blessing continued into this new chapter.

And Her Name Was Keturah

Keturah is not just a passing mention. Her name, which means “incense” or “fragrance,” symbolizes a new sweetness and peace in Abraham’s later years.

She Bare Him Zimran and Jokshan and Medan and Midian and Ishbak and Shuah

Six sons are listed. They are not incidental. These sons would father nations and tribes that would impact future generations. God was not just expanding Abraham’s family. He was expanding His reach.

Jokshan Begat Sheba and Dedan

This line is critical because Sheba and Dedan are referenced multiple times in prophetic Scriptures. They become symbolic of wealth, power, and later interaction with the Israelites.

The Sons of Dedan Were Asshurim and Letushim and Leummim

Even the grandchildren are named. This is rare and intentional. These names remind us that God sees generations, not just individuals.

Lessons to Learn from Genesis 25:1–3

1. God’s Purposes Continue Beyond Our Pain

Sarah’s death could have marked the end of Abraham’s story. But God wrote another chapter with Keturah. Pain is not the conclusion when God is your author.

2. Fruitfulness Is Not Limited by Age

Abraham’s life reminds us that as long as God grants you breath, He can still birth purpose through you. Age is no obstacle to impact.

3. Every Child Has a Purpose

While Isaac was the promised seed, Keturah’s children were not forgotten. Their mention shows that every life in God’s story has significance.

4. New Beginnings Are Holy Too

Abraham marrying Keturah shows that moving forward is not a betrayal of the past. It is obedience to the present grace of God.

5. God Thinks in Generations

This passage is a reminder that God’s vision is generational. He is not just working in you but also in those who come after you.

6. Legacy Is Broader Than You Realize

Abraham’s legacy was not confined to Isaac. God used every part of Abraham’s life to fulfill the promise of making him a father of many nations.

Related Bible Verses

And I will make of thee a great nation and I will bless thee and make thy name great and thou shalt be a blessing
— Genesis 12:2, King James Version (KJV)

The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon
— Psalm 92:12, King James Version (KJV)

Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age
— Psalm 92:13–14, New American Standard Bible (NASB)

And in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed because you have obeyed My voice
— Genesis 22:18, Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

Children are a heritage from the Lord offspring a reward from him
— Psalm 127:3, New International Version (NIV)

Even to your old age I am he and to gray hairs I will carry you I have made and I will bear I will carry and will save
— Isaiah 46:4, New Living Translation (NLT)

The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made
— Psalm 145:13, New International Version (NIV)

How This Passage Points to Christ

Genesis 25:1–3 points to Christ through the unfolding promise that God made to Abraham. Jesus would eventually be born through the line of Isaac, but the broader story of Abraham’s children, including those from Keturah, shows that God’s grace touches every part of life.

While Isaac represents the line of covenant, the sons of Keturah remind us of God’s love for all people. Christ came not only for one nation but to be a light to the Gentiles. In these names, we find a picture of the nations and tribes that would one day see the glory of Christ and respond.

Moreover, Abraham’s second marriage speaks to the truth of restoration. Just as Abraham was given new life in his old age, so in Christ we are offered new life regardless of our past. Every name recorded here is a whisper of the vastness of God’s redeeming plan that would find its climax in Jesus.

Closing Reflection

Genesis 25:1–3 may seem like a list of names, but it holds powerful truth. It teaches us that God’s promises do not expire, that legacy continues beyond our lifetimes, and that even in grief, new beginnings are possible.

You may feel that your most important days are behind you. You may be navigating life after loss. But just like Abraham, your story is not over. God still has names to write through your obedience. He still has nations to touch through your surrender.

Trust the God who works through both the main characters and the side stories. Because in His hands, every line matters.

Say This Prayer

Heavenly Father

Thank You for the reminder that You are never done with me. Thank You for the legacy of Abraham that shows me You use every season for purpose.

Help me to trust You with my future, even when I do not understand the full picture. Give me faith to believe that my latter days can still bear fruit.

Teach me to walk with hope, to embrace new beginnings, and to trust that every chapter You write is for Your glory.

In Jesus’ name, I pray
Amen.