Genesis 22:24 kjv

And his concubine, whose name was Reumah, she bare also Tebah, and Gaham, and Thahash, and Maachah.

Genesis 22:24 nkjv

His concubine, whose name was Reumah, also bore Tebah, Gaham, Thahash, and Maachah.

Genesis 22:24 niv

His concubine, whose name was Reumah, also had sons: Tebah, Gaham, Tahash and Maakah.

Genesis 22:24 esv

Moreover, his concubine, whose name was Reumah, bore Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maacah.

Genesis 22:24 nlt

Nahor had four other children from his concubine Reumah. Their names were Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maacah.

Genesis 22 verses

Genesis 22 24 Meaning

Genesis 22:24 provides a brief genealogical account, listing four sons: Tebah, Gaham, Thahash, and Maachah, born to Reumah, a concubine of Nahor, Abraham's brother. This verse completes the family roster of Nahor, complementing the previous mention of children born to his primary wife, Milcah, and setting the stage for subsequent significant events involving Abraham's wider kinship.

Genesis 22 24 Context

Genesis chapter 22 chronicles the supreme test of Abraham's faith—the offering of Isaac—culminating in God's covenant reaffirmation (Gen 22:1-19). Following this intense spiritual climax, the narrative briefly transitions to an interlude (Gen 22:20-24) focusing on Nahor, Abraham's brother, and his offspring. Verse 24, specifically, completes this genealogical summary by listing the children born to Nahor's concubine, Reumah, thus rounding out his total progeny. This detailed genealogical detour is strategically placed before Abraham deals with Sarah's death and makes arrangements for Isaac's marriage (Gen 23-24). Its primary significance lies in identifying the family source from which Rebekah, who is later introduced as Bethuel's daughter and thus Nahor's granddaughter (Gen 22:23), will emerge as Isaac's destined wife, directly linking her to Abraham's own kin and furthering the covenantal lineage.

Genesis 22 24 Word analysis

• And his concubine:

  • And: Hebrew "וְ" (ve-), a simple conjunctive particle linking this information to the preceding lineage of Nahor.
  • his: Refers to Nahor, Abraham's brother, keeping the narrative focused on Abraham's wider family.
  • concubine: Hebrew פִּילֶגֶשׁ (pilegesh). This term designates a secondary wife or a legally recognized female companion, often of a lesser status than a primary wife but whose children are still legitimate within the family. While her children may have had limited inheritance rights (e.g., Gen 25:6), they were part of the patriarchal family structure, a common practice in the ancient Near East.

• whose name was Reumah:

  • whose name was: Explicitly names the concubine.
  • Reumah: Hebrew רְאוּמָה (Rĕ'umah). While its exact meaning is uncertain, interpretations often suggest "exalted" or "raised up." Her specific naming, rather than an unnamed reference, denotes a measure of importance within Nahor's household as a bearer of his children.

• she also bare:

  • she: Reumah, as the specific mother of these sons.
  • also bare: Hebrew יָלְדָה (yalda), "she gave birth." The addition of "also" indicates that Reumah contributed to Nahor's family line, just as Milcah, his primary wife, did (Gen 22:20). This emphasizes the full scope of Nahor's descendants.

• Tebah, and Gaham, and Thahash, and Maachah:

  • These are the four sons of Nahor through Reumah. Their names provide genealogical details.
  • Tebah: טֶבַח (Ṭevaḥ). Meaning "slaughter" or "butcher." Its application as a personal name is unique, without further biblical elaboration on the individual.
  • Gaham: גַּחַם (Gaḥam). Likely derived from a root meaning "flaming" or "burning." Like Tebah, he has no further distinct mention in scripture.
  • Thahash: תַּחַשׁ (Taḥash). This name directly corresponds to a type of animal, possibly a badger, dugong, or porpoise. Its skin was used significantly in the Tabernacle's construction (Ex 25:5). Its use as a name is peculiar, with no further personal identification in the biblical text.
  • Maachah: מַעֲכָה (Maʿăḵāh). Meaning "to press," "squeeze," or "oppress." Significantly, Maachah is also a well-known geographical or tribal name in the Old Testament, referencing a small Aramean kingdom or region on the border of Israel (e.g., Deut 3:14; 2 Sam 10:6). Its inclusion here suggests that this specific lineage from Nahor via Reumah may have given rise to a known group or territory.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • And his concubine... she also bare: This phrase encapsulates the social reality of the patriarchal age where secondary unions contributed to family growth and lineage, yet distinguished from primary marriages. It subtly reinforces the focus on expanding family lines and progeny, a significant aspect of God's blessing.
  • Tebah, and Gaham, and Thahash, and Maachah: This enumerated list concludes the full account of Nahor's children. While these individuals do not feature directly in the main covenant narrative, their inclusion completes the family picture of Abraham's extended kin. The potential connection of "Maachah" to a later geographical region might indicate how ancient genealogies often established tribal or territorial origins familiar to the original audience, connecting the patriarchal narrative to their known world. The entire section (Gen 22:20-24) acts as a purposeful precursor, outlining the comprehensive family of Nahor, from whom Rebekah, central to the covenant line, will emerge.

Genesis 22 24 Bonus section

The careful and precise inclusion of this Nahoride genealogy immediately after the Akedah is not accidental. It strategically re-orients the narrative focus from Abraham's immediate covenant family (Abraham, Isaac) to his wider kinship network, from which the next generation's partner (Rebekah) will arise. This demonstrates God's intricate providence, orchestrating not only Abraham's direct faithfulness but also preparing the means by which the covenant would continue, drawing a suitable bride for Isaac from Abraham's own reliable family tree. It subtly indicates that God works through both extraordinary divine intervention (Akedah) and the seemingly mundane details of human lineage and relationships to fulfill His grand design.

Genesis 22 24 Commentary

Genesis 22:24 provides a critical but concise piece of genealogical information. Situated directly after the climactic test of Abraham's faith and just before pivotal moments in Isaac's life, it functions as a strategic narrative interlude. By detailing the sons born to Nahor's concubine, Reumah, the verse rounds out the full family record of Abraham's brother, Nahor, complementing the listing of children by Nahor's primary wife, Milcah (Gen 22:20-23). This complete genealogical sketch is vital as it directly sets the stage for the narrative of Isaac's marriage to Rebekah (Gen 24), who is identified as the daughter of Bethuel, Nahor's son by Milcah. Thus, the verse provides the necessary lineage for a key figure in the Abrahamic covenant. It also illustrates the patriarchal society's practices regarding concubinage and the importance placed on large families and diverse lineages, all under the sovereign plan of God, who prepares all circumstances for the advancement of His chosen covenant line.