Ephah עֵיפָה
Son of Midian and grandson of Abraham.
Who is Ephah in the Bible?
Ephah was one of the sons of Midian, who was himself a son of Abraham through his concubine Keturah (Genesis 25:4; 1 Chronicles 1:33). As a grandson of Abraham, Ephah is listed in the biblical genealogies that trace the patriarch's diverse descendants, though he descended from Abraham's secondary wife rather than his primary line through Sarah and Isaac. After Abraham sent Midian and his other sons away with gifts, they settled east of Canaan, suggesting that Ephah and his brothers established themselves in that eastern region. While Scripture provides no further details about Ephah's personal life or accomplishments, his inclusion in the genealogical records underscores the expansive scope of Abraham's lineage and God's promise to multiply his descendants.
Biography
Ephah is mentioned in the genealogy of Abraham as one of the sons of Midian, who was born to Abraham through his concubine Keturah (Gen.25.4; 1Ch.1.33). Ephah is listed among the descendants of Abraham, highlighting the diverse lineage that emerged from the patriarch. The sons of Midian, including Ephah, are mentioned after Abraham had sent them away to the east with gifts, separating them from his son Isaac (Gen.25.6). This suggests that Ephah and his brothers settled in the region east of Canaan. The genealogy in Chronicles repeats the information from Genesis, confirming Ephah's place in the family line (1Ch.1.33). No further details are provided about Ephah's life, his specific role, or the people group that may have descended from him. His mention in the genealogies serves to demonstrate the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations and to provide a record of the various branches of Abraham's descendants.
Family
Siblings
- Epher Tribe of Judah(?)Son of EzrahSon of Ezrah, in the genealogy of Judah.View full profile →
- Hanoch SinaiSon of MidianA son of Midian, grandson of Abraham.View full profile →
- Abida SinaiAbraham's grandsonSon of Midian, grandson of AbrahamView full profile →
- Eldaah SinaiSon of MidianSon of Midian, grandson of AbrahamView full profile →
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 1 with study contentGenesis 1 verse
- Genesis 25:4
"The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were descendants of Keturah."
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1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 1:33
"The sons of Midian: Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All of these were Keturah’s sons."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | עֵיפָה |