Genesis 25:3 kjv

And Jokshan begat Sheba, and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, and Letushim, and Leummim.

Genesis 25:3 nkjv

Jokshan begot Sheba and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, Letushim, and Leummim.

Genesis 25:3 niv

Jokshan was the father of Sheba and Dedan; the descendants of Dedan were the Ashurites, the Letushites and the Leummites.

Genesis 25:3 esv

Jokshan fathered Sheba and Dedan. The sons of Dedan were Asshurim, Letushim, and Leummim.

Genesis 25:3 nlt

Jokshan was the father of Sheba and Dedan. Dedan's descendants were the Asshurites, Letushites, and Leummites.

Genesis 25 verses

Genesis 25 3 Meaning

Genesis 25:3 describes part of the lineage of Abraham through Keturah, specifying that Jokshan fathered Sheba and Dedan. It further details that Dedan's offspring were Asshurim, Letushim, and Leummim. This verse continues the enumeration of Abraham's numerous descendants, showcasing the breadth of his paternity and foreshadowing the geographical spread of peoples tied to his lineage.

Genesis 25 3 Context

This verse is situated within Genesis 25, immediately after the introduction of Keturah as Abraham's wife after Sarah's death. The chapter opens by listing Keturah's six sons with Abraham, of whom Jokshan is the second mentioned. The subsequent verses (Gen 25:4) continue to detail the descendants of other Keturah sons, highlighting Abraham's far-reaching progeny beyond Isaac and Ishmael. This segment precedes Abraham's death and burial, reinforcing the divine promise of multitudinous offspring coming to fruition, even in Abraham's old age. Historically and culturally, these lineages form early connections to groups inhabiting regions south and east of Canaan, largely in the Arabian Peninsula, setting the stage for future interactions, both trade-related and conflict-related, with the descendants of Isaac. The genealogical list demonstrates the divine faithfulness to Abraham’s blessing of numerous descendants, establishing tribal identities of significance for ancient Near Eastern geopolitics.

Genesis 25 3 Word analysis

• Jokshan (יָקְשָׁן, Yaqshan): The name means "fowler" or "bird-trapper." He is Abraham's son by Keturah. His lineage in this verse highlights Abraham's continued paternity, indicating God's ongoing blessing of fertility to Abraham beyond Sarah's lineage, fulfilling the promise of being "father of many nations" (Gen 17:5).
• begot (יָלַד, yalad): "To bear," "to beget." Standard biblical term for fathering children, emphasizing direct paternity and the continuity of the family line. It is a fundamental act of creating a new generation, central to genealogical records in the Bible.
• Sheba (שְׁבָא, Shva): This Sheba is a son of Jokshan. The name can mean "oath" or "seven," sometimes indicating completion. There are multiple individuals/places named Sheba in the Bible, not all from this lineage. This specific Sheba is often associated with a people of Arabia, distinguishing them from the Sheba descended from Cush (Gen 10:7) or Joktan (Gen 10:28), highlighting distinct, though sometimes geographically overlapping, tribal groups. The prosperity and trading activity of a people named Sheba are mentioned extensively in prophetic books (e.g., Isa 60:6, Eze 27:22-23), indicating significant economic or political influence.
• and Dedan (דְּדָן, Dedan): A son of Jokshan, brother of Sheba. The name "Dedan" is generally associated with oasis towns and regions in the northern Arabian Peninsula, known for trade. Dedan is also listed as a son of Raamah, son of Cush (Gen 10:7), again suggesting different tribal entities bearing the same or similar names. The descendants of Dedan are notable in prophetic literature, often in connection with trade or as recipients of divine judgment, pointing to their identity as distinct peoples within the ancient world.
• The sons of Dedan: This phrase signifies the sub-lineages or clan groups that directly arose from Dedan, further branching out the family tree. This structural detail indicates the formation of identifiable tribal units from a common ancestor.
• were Asshurim (אַשֻּׁרִים, Ashurim): The "im" ending indicates a plural form, suggesting a people or clan descended from Dedan. The name itself possibly links to "Asshur," referring to the Assyrian people, or a more local term. Scholars often link them to wandering peoples of the desert, particularly in the Arabian region, highlighting the spread of these Abrahamic descendants.
• Letushim (לְטוּשִׁים, Letushim): Plural form, indicating a people or clan. The root word potentially relates to "hammered," "sharpened," or "oppressed." Their identity is less defined historically outside this verse, but their inclusion solidifies the comprehensive nature of this genealogy, tracing the distinct tribal groups originating from Abraham.
• and Leummim (לְאֻמִּים, Leummim): Plural form, meaning "peoples" or "nations." This name is exceptionally significant as it is not a proper name but a descriptive term. Its inclusion implies that the descendants of Dedan eventually formed not just family clans but recognized "peoples" or even "nations," underscoring the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that he would be the "father of many nations" (Gen 17:5-6). It literally declares the outcome of the lineage.

Genesis 25 3 Bonus section

The repeated instances of names like "Sheba" and "Dedan" across different genealogies (e.g., descendants of Cush in Gen 10:7) reflect a common ancient Near Eastern practice where names might recur or be adopted by various groups over time, possibly indicating regional proximity, cultural exchange, or shared naming conventions. However, the Bible carefully delineates these different Shebas and Dedans by tracing their distinct patriarchal origins. This specific genealogical listing for Jokshan’s descendants primarily identifies them as part of Abraham's non-Isaac lineage through Keturah, placing them squarely in the narrative of the broad scope of Abrahamic influence. The fact that the Bible bothers to list these groups signifies their future relevance or established identity to the original audience, who would have understood these as tangible, identifiable peoples inhabiting their wider geographical sphere.

Genesis 25 3 Commentary

Genesis 25:3 is a pivotal, though seemingly simple, genealogical statement that amplifies the theological truth of God's covenant with Abraham. By detailing the lineage through Keturah, it visually manifests God's promise of innumerable descendants for Abraham (Gen 13:16, 15:5, 22:17). This specific verse outlines the formation of tribal groups (Sheba and Dedan, and their subgroups Asshurim, Letushim, Leummim) who would inhabit the southern and eastern peripheries of Canaan. The names like Sheba and Dedan emerge as significant trading peoples in later biblical accounts and historical records, especially through their interactions with Israel. The choice of "Leummim," meaning "peoples" or "nations," for one of Dedan's sons, serves as a divine pronouncement and powerful summary statement on Abraham's role as the "father of many nations" (Gen 17:5), illustrating how God's promise extended far beyond just the covenant line of Isaac. It quietly reinforces divine faithfulness, showing that Abraham's progeny would indeed be extensive, diverse, and foundational to many future peoples. The meticulous listing highlights God’s meticulous working out of His promises through history.