Abraham was the patriarch of the Hebrews, and according to the Bible, he had three wives: Sarah, Hagar, and Keturah.
Sarah was Abraham’s first wife, who bore him Isaac—the son whose name would become synonymous with “Hebrew” in later generations. She was also the mother of Ishmael, by Hagar, who would become the ancestor of all Muslims. The Bible says that Sarah died at the age of 127 years old (Genesis 23:1-2).
Hagar was Abraham’s second wife. She was a slave girl whom Abraham bought from her Egyptian owner after she became pregnant with his child while they were traveling through Egypt (Genesis 16:1-6). Her son Ishmael would later be adopted as his father’s heir by Sarah after she gave birth to Isaac (Genesis 21:9) but Hagar herself was sent away into the desert to die when she became too much trouble for them (Genesis 21:10–15).
Keturah was Abraham’s third wife and bore him six sons and two daughters before she died (Genesis 25:1-6).
Who Were the Wives of Abraham in the Bible
Where did Abraham’s wife Keturah come from?
Abraham’s wife Keturah is mentioned in the Bible in the book of Genesis. According to Genesis 25:1, after the death of his first wife Sarah, Abraham took another wife named Keturah. While the Bible does not explicitly mention her origin, Jewish tradition believes that Keturah was Hagar, the maidservant of Sarah, whom Abraham took as his wife after Sarah passed away.
Abraham’s second wife
Abraham’s second wife, as mentioned earlier, was Keturah. After Sarah’s death, Abraham married Keturah and had several children with her. This marriage is significant as it symbolizes Abraham’s desire to continue his lineage and fulfill God’s promise.
How old was Keturah when Abraham married her?
The Bible does not provide specific details about the age of Keturah when she married Abraham. However, it is believed that she was likely much younger than Abraham, as it was common in ancient times for older men to marry younger women.
Who are the descendants of Keturah today?
According to Genesis 25:1-4, Abraham had several sons with Keturah: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. These sons fathered various tribes and peoples who lived in the region known as Arabia. The descendants of Keturah became known as the Midianites, who played a significant role in biblical history. They were known for their trade in spices and other goods and were encountered by Moses during his time in the wilderness.
Sarah, Abraham’s wife
Sarah was the first wife of Abraham and played a crucial role in the Bible. She is often referred to as Sarah, but her original name was Sarai. God changed her name to Sarah to signify her role as the mother of many nations. Sarah was barren for many years but was promised by God that she would give birth to a son who would become the father of a great nation. In her old age, Sarah miraculously conceived and gave birth to Isaac, her only son with Abraham.
How many wives did Abraham have according to the Bible?
According to the Bible, Abraham had two prominent wives: Sarah and Keturah. Sarah was his first and primary wife, with whom he shared a deep love and a long journey of faith. After Sarah’s passing, Abraham married Keturah and had numerous children with her.
Keturah in the Bible
Keturah, as previously mentioned, was Abraham’s second wife. She is only mentioned briefly in the book of Genesis, but her significance lies in her role, as she became the mother of several tribes and peoples. Keturah’s descendants, especially the Midianites, played a significant role in biblical history.
How many sons did Abraham have?
Abraham had eight sons in total. His eldest son, Ishmael, was born to Hagar, Sarah’s maidservant. Ishmael became the father of twelve princes and was blessed by God, promising a great nation to come from him. After Sarah’s death, Abraham married Keturah and had six sons with her: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. Lastly, Abraham had his son Isaac with Sarah, who became the father of Jacob, also known as Israel, and the twelve tribes of Israel. Thus, Abraham’s descendants multiplied, fulfilling God’s promise of making him the father of many nations. In this FAQ-style article, we explored the various wives of Abraham in the Bible. From Sarah, his first and primary wife, to Keturah, his second wife, we witnessed the multiplication of Abraham’s descendants and the pivotal role they played in biblical history. The marriage of Abraham to Keturah demonstrated his faith and commitment to continue his lineage and fulfill God’s promises.
How many wives did Abraham have?
According to one view, Abraham remarried after the death of Sarah and had a total of three wives: Sarah, Hagar, and Keturah. Another tradition identifies Keturah with Hagar, and thus Abraham married only twice. Each of these views finds Scriptural support for its position: the three-wife opinion relies on Gen.
Abraham had a principal wife, Sarah (Genesis 11:29), and two secondary wives, Hagar and Keturah (Genesis 16:3; 25:1).
Abraham’s first wife was Sarah. She alone would possess legal rights and social standing as Abraham’s wife, and only her child Isaac would become the rightful heir to the family inheritance.
Sarah, who was unable to bear children, gave her Egyptian servant, Hagar, to Abraham as a concubine, although the Bible also calls Hagar Abraham’s wife (Genesis 16:1–4). A concubine was a woman, often a servant or slave, who lived with a man as if she were his wife, having sexual relations with him and bearing his children. When one’s wife was unable to produce an heir, taking a concubine was a common solution in ancient times. But a concubine held “secondary wife status,” lower than that of the primary wife. The concubine’s position, while subordinate to her master and mistress, was permanent. Concubines were provided for and protected as part of the family.
Hagar gave Abraham a son, whose name was Ishmael, but he was not to be the son of God’s covenant (Genesis 17:1–14). It was through Abraham and Sarah’s child Isaac that God had promised to establish His everlasting covenant (Genesis 17:15–19).
Why are these verses inspirational?
God never intended for us to walk through life alone. God has always been about raising up a people who would support each other and bless those around them. Here we see what that looks like. These verses remind us of the importance of support and faithfulness, and to look for God’s provision in our relationships.
1 Samuel 16:7
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Saul, Israel’s first king, is an utter failure. God rejects him and sends his prophet Samuel to anoint the new king he has chosen. Samuel is to go to Bethlehem and invite a man named Jesse to the sacrifice. When Samuel sees Jesse’s strapping oldest son, Eliab, he thinks he’s found God’s anointed. But God tells him otherwise.
Why are these verses inspirational?
We spend our whole lives judging the world by appearances and having others judge us the same way. And if we’re honest, we tend to judge ourselves by appearance, too. It’s inspiring to remember that God doesn’t see things the way that we do. He sees beyond the obvious and encourages us to do the same.
2 Samuel 7:22
“How great you are, Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.”
Through the prophet Nathan, God reminds David that he’s taken him from the pasture and appointed him as ruler over Israel. He also informs him that David’s name will be great and the throne of his kingdom will endure forever. This verse comes from David’s prayerful response.
Why is this verse inspirational?
In a world full of idols, David reminds us that there is no God like the God of Israel. In light of the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus, we know that to be true in a way that even David couldn’t fathom. This world offers us plenty to worship, but nothing compares to the one true God.
1 Kings 8:22–24
Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in front of the whole assembly of Israel, spread out his hands toward heaven and said: “Lord, the God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way. You have kept your promise to your servant David my father; with your mouth you have promised and with your hand you have fulfilled it—as it is today.
Solomon brings the Ark of the Covenant into the completed temple. This is a momentous occasion because the Ark represents God’s presence which will dwell in this holy place. Solomon then begins giving this dedication.
Why are these verses inspirational?
Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites are constantly reminded of what God has done for them and the promises he has kept. This builds up their faith and encourages future faithfulness. These verses (and verses like them) are a reminder to us that our relationship with God began centuries ago with the Israelites. His faithfulness to them is part of the story of his devotion to us.
2 Kings 22:19
Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people—that they would become a curse and be laid waste—and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I also have heard you, declares the Lord.
Josiah becomes king at eight years old, but unlike his dad and grandfather, he’s a good ruler. During the eighteenth year of his reign, he instructs repairs be made to the temple. When a book of the Law is found and read to Josiah, it becomes obvious just how far Israel has strayed from God. In anguish, Josiah tears his clothes.
In a discussion with a prophetess named Huldah, Josiah is told that God intends to visit his wrath upon Israel for its sins, but then he promises mercy to Josiah because he has humbled himself before the Lord
Why is this verse inspirational?
The mercy Josiah experiences is in response to his distress at how far Israel has fallen from God. Josiah doesn’t call down curses on Israel, but as a part of God’s people, he hurts for how far from God the nation has fallen. God pays attention to us as we express heartache for how far we have drifted from him.
1 Chronicles 22:13
Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.
As the preparation is being made for the building of the temple, David calls his son and successor, Solomon, to his side to remind him of the importance of faithfulness.
Why is this verse inspirational?
Throughout Scripture, two of the messages that people receive most often are “be faithful” and “don’t be afraid.” Here we see these instructions again. The verse reminds us that if we are doing our best to be faithful to God, we have nothing to fear.
2 Chronicles 7:14
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” After the temple is completed and dedicated, God appears to Solomon with these words.
Why is this verse inspirational?
Despite the fact that God is speaking to Solomon about the nation of Israel, these are instructions that we can take to heart. God pays special attention to his people. Their posture to their sin (and the sin around them) has a profound impact on him. This verse should inspire us to regularly humble ourselves, turn from our wickedness, and seek his face.
Ezra 10:4
“Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it.”
Ezra was a Jewish priest and scribe who was integral to Israel returning from captivity to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple. As Ezra laments Israel’s sin, he is approached by a descendant of Elam named Shekaniah. This man confesses Israel’s sin to Ezra and encourages Ezra to set things right and keep the law.
Why is this verse inspirational?
When you want to follow God, it’s easy to look at the obstacles and lose heart. It’s critical that we take Shekaniah’s words to heart. Discover God’s will, look for the people who support you, take courage, and do it.
Nehemiah 8:10
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Along with Ezra, Nehemiah oversaw the rebuilding of Jerusalem. In the eighth chapter of Nehemiah, Ezra reads from the book of the Law. As the people listen, they begin to mourn over how far they’ve drifted. Nehemiah encourages them not to mourn, but to celebrate. God’s about to do something amazing.
Why is this verse inspirational?
Repentance is hard work, but it’s also joyful. On one side you’re heartbroken over your sin, but on the other, it’s the gateway to a renewed relationship with God. It’s essential to allow ourselves to feel the sadness of repentance, but we can’t wallow there—because, on the other side of repentance, God is waiting to do amazing things!
Esther 4:14
For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?
The Persian king Ahasuerus is under the influence of Haman, a terrible counselor. Because of a perceived slight from a Jewish man named Mordecai, Haman decides to convince Ahasuerus to rid Persia of every Jew.
Keturah was Abraham’s second wife after the death of Sarah: “Abraham had taken another wife, whose name was Keturah. She bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak and Shuah” (Genesis 25:1–2). Like Hagar, Keturah was called both “wife” and “concubine” in Scripture (1 Chronicles 1:32). As a “wife,” Keturah was married to Abraham in the legal sense, living in a sexual union with him. Yet, as a “concubine” she held a rank inferior to Sarah’s. Keturah may have first become Abraham’s concubine when Sarah was still alive but was later elevated to the position of wife after Sarah passed away.
Before Abraham died, he gave all his material possessions and the blessings of the covenant to Isaac, the child God had promised to him and Sarah. To the sons of Hagar and Keturah, Abraham gave only gifts from his house and then sent them away to live in the country east of Israel (Genesis 25:5–11).
Does the fact that Abraham had three wives prove that God condones polygamy?
No. God’s ideal pattern for the marriage relationship has always been a monogamous union between one man and one woman (Genesis 1:27; 2:24). From the time of Lamech (Genesis 4:19), people engaged in polygamy, but it was never God’s design. Even though the practice is not expressly forbidden in Scripture, its consequences were often harmful and problematic (Deuteronomy 17:17; 1 Kings 11:1–3; Judges 8:30—9:57; 1 Samuel 1:1–7).
The Bible does not explicitly clarify why God tolerated polygamy among His people. One reason may have been to provide a secure home for unmarried women who had no other safe way to provide for themselves in the male-dominated, patriarchal society of the ancient world. At that time in history, women were not educated or trained for employment and thus depended on male members of their families to protect and support them. With prostitution, slavery, or starvation as the only other choices, many unmarried women turned to concubinage.
Polygamy also served to develop the growth of humanity at a much faster rate, fulfilling God’s command to “be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth and increase upon it” (Genesis 9:7). Perhaps God tolerated polygamy in ancient times to solve some of these problems, but the New Testament clearly specifies God’s ideal intent for marriage to be the union of one man and one woman for life (Ephesians 5:22–33; 1 Timothy 3:2, 12; Titus 1:6).
