Midian מִדְיָן
Son of Abraham and Keturah; father of the Midianites.
Who is Midian in the Bible?
Midian was a son of Abraham and his second wife Keturah, born after Sarah's death (Genesis 25:2; 1 Chronicles 1:32). He fathered five sons, Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah, who became the founders of the Midianite tribes (Genesis 25:4). The Midianites descended from Midian became a significant nomadic people of the Arabian Peninsula, playing important roles throughout biblical history, including their involvement with Joseph's story and their employment of Moses before his call. Later in Israel's history, the Midianites oppressed the Israelites until Gideon defeated them during the period of the judges (Judges 6-8). Midian's descendants thus represent an important line of peoples whose interactions with Israel shaped Old Testament narratives.
Biography
Midian was a son of Abraham and his second wife, Keturah (Gen.25.2; 1Ch.1.32). He was born after the death of Sarah and is listed among Abraham's sons by Keturah, along with Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Ishbak, and Shuah. Midian had five sons: Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah (Gen.25.4; 1Ch.1.33). These sons became the ancestors of the Midianite tribes, who are mentioned throughout the Old Testament. The Midianites lived in the desert regions of the Arabian Peninsula and were known for their nomadic lifestyle and involvement in trade. They played a significant role in the stories of Joseph (Gen.37.28,36) and Moses (Exo.2.15-3.1). Later, the Midianites oppressed Israel during the time of the judges, until Gideon defeated them (Jdg.6-8). The descendants of Midian, the Midianites, were a prominent people group in the ancient Near East, and their interactions with the Israelites shaped various events in biblical history.
Family
Parents
Siblings
- Ishmael ArabiaSon of AbrahamSon of Abraham and Hagar; father of Arab tribes.View full profile →
- Isaac Early PatriarchSon of AbrahamSon of Abraham; father of Jacob and Esau.View full profile →
- Zimran Early PatriarchSon of AbrahamSon of Abraham and KeturahView full profile →
- Jokshan Early PatriarchSon of AbrahamA son of Abraham and KeturahView full profile →
- Medan Early PatriarchSon of AbrahamSon of Abraham and Keturah.View full profile →
- Ishbak Early PatriarchSon of AbrahamSon of Abraham and Keturah.View full profile →
- Shuah Early PatriarchSon of AbrahamSon of Abraham and Keturah, ancestor of a tribe.View full profile →
Offspring
- Ephah Tribe of Judah(?)From Judah(?)Caleb's concubine and mother of three sons.View full profile →
- 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 2 verses
- Genesis 25:2
"and she bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah."
Study Genesis → - Genesis 25:4
"The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were descendants of Keturah."
Study Genesis →
1 Chronicles 2 verses
- 1 Chronicles 1:32
"The sons born to Keturah, Abraham’s concubine: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. The sons of Jokshan: Sheba and Dedan."
- 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 | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | מִדְיָן | midĕyān | Midjan , a son of Abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants |