Epher עֵ֫פֶר

Male Sinai H6081G 2 books

Son of Midian and grandson of Abraham.

Who is Epher in the Bible?

Epher was one of the sons of Midian, who was born to Abraham through his concubine Keturah (Genesis 25:4; 1 Chronicles 1:33). As a grandson of Abraham, Epher was part of the diverse lineage that emerged from the patriarch after Abraham sent Midian and his other sons away to the east with gifts, separating them from his son Isaac. While Epher is listed in the genealogies of both Genesis and Chronicles, no further details about his personal life or accomplishments are recorded in Scripture. His mention in these genealogies serves primarily to document Abraham's extended family line and the peoples who settled in the regions east of Canaan.

Biography

Epher 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). Epher is listed among the descendants of Abraham, highlighting the diverse lineage that emerged from the patriarch. The sons of Midian, including Epher, 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 Epher and his brothers settled in the region east of Canaan. The genealogy in Chronicles repeats the information from Genesis, confirming Epher's place in the family line (1Ch.1.33). No further details are provided about Epher'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

In Scripture

2 biblical books ; 1 with study content
Genesis 1 verse
  • Genesis 25:4

    "The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were descendants of Keturah."

    Study Genesis →
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 עֵ֫פֶר