Genesis Chapter 25

At a Glance

  • Genesis 25 covers the closing chapters of Abraham’s life and the continuation of the covenant through Isaac.
  • The bulk of the chapter is genealogical: the generations of Ishmael are listed, underscoring the broader familial and national implications of Abraham’s line.
  • Historical & Literary Context.
  • This chapter belongs to the late patriarchal period and the transitional moment when the covenant shifts from singular patriarch to a broader family and nation-building process.
  • Literarily, Genesis 25 blends obituary-style narrative with genealogical cataloging.

GENESIS CHAPTER 25

Chapter Overview

Genesis 25 covers the closing chapters of Abraham’s life and the continuation of the covenant through Isaac. It begins with Abraham taking another wife, Keturah, and lists the offspring she bears, expanding the family dynasty beyond Isaac. The chapter then shifts to the distribution of Abraham’s wealth after his death: Isaac receives the primary blessing and inheritance, while the sons of concubines are sent away with gifts. The narrative moves into memorial territory as the chapter records Abraham’s death at a ripe old age, “full of years,” and his burial beside Sarah in the cave of Machpelah, the land promised to his descendants.

The bulk of the chapter is genealogical: the generations of Ishmael are listed, underscoring the broader familial and national implications of Abraham’s line. The passage emphasizes the continued significance of lineage, blessings, and the dispersion of Abraham’s descendants, even as the primary covenant line centers on Isaac. The text respects the complexity of family dynamics, wealth distribution, and the shaping of a people who will carry forward the promises of God. The chapter closes with Ishmael’s own death and a reminder that God’s blessing extends to a wide family network beyond the central Abrahamic line.

Historical & Literary Context

This chapter belongs to the late patriarchal period and the transitional moment when the covenant shifts from singular patriarch to a broader family and nation-building process. The genealogical portions reflect ancient Near Eastern customs of lineage recording, inheritance rights, and the importance of dynastic continuity. It also marks the transition toward the generation that will soon become the nation of Israel.

Literarily, Genesis 25 blends obituary-style narrative with genealogical cataloging. It ties personal history to the larger, unfolding divine plan, setting the stage for future events in Isaac’s life and the broader tribal genealogies that define Israel’s ancestral identity.

Key Themes

- Covenant continuity and inheritance: God’s promises persist through multiple generations and through the distribution of wealth and blessing.

- Family dynamics and legitimacy: The division of inheritance among Isaac and the sons of concubines highlights tensions and arrangements within the family.

- Death and memory: The patriarchal burial in Machpelah anchors the narrative in tangible memory and land.

- Blessing beyond the immediate line: Ishmael’s expansion into twelve princes signals God’s care for a wider family circle.

Modern Application

- Honoring inheritance and memory: The chapter invites reflection on how families steward blessing and memory across generations.

- Fairness in distribution: It presents a nuanced view of wealth, lineage, and responsibility within a household, offering a framework for modern discussions about inheritance.

- The vitality of intergenerational faith: The narrative underscores the importance of passing on faith, values, and covenant identity to future generations.

- Respect for kinship networks: The broader family horizon reminds readers that God’s purposes often unfold through extended family and community ties.

Cross-References

- Genesis 12–13 (call, land, and blessings)

- Genesis 24 (the marriage of Isaac and Rebekah)

- Genesis 50:22–26 (Jacob’s blessing and memory)

- Hebrews 11 (by faith, the elders received their promises)

- 1 Chronicles 1–2 (genealogical expansions)

Recommended Personas

- Abraham (for legacy planning and covenant faithfulness)

- Isaac (for quiet, obedient continuation of the line)

- Ishmael (for God’s blessing on a broader family)

- Moses (for leadership, heritage, and the shaping of a people)

Chapter Text

1

Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah.

2

And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah.

3

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

4

And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abidah, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.

5

And Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac.

6

But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived, eastward, unto the east country.

7

And these are the days of the years of Abraham’s life which he lived, an hundred threescore and fifteen years.

8

Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.

9

And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre;

10

The field which Abraham purchased of the sons of Heth: there was Abraham buried, and Sarah his wife.

11

And it came to pass after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac; and Isaac dwelt by the well Lahairoi.

12

Now these are the generations of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s handmaid, bare unto Abraham:

13

And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,

14

And Mishma, and Dumah, and Massa,

15

Hadar, and Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah:

16

These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their towns, and by their castles; twelve princes according to their nations.

17

And these are the years of the life of Ishmael, an hundred and thirty and seven years: and he gave up the ghost and died; and was gathered unto his people.

18

And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur, that is before Egypt, as thou goest toward Assyria: and he died in the presence of all his brethren.

19

And these are the generations of Isaac, Abraham’s son: Abraham begat Isaac:

20

And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padanaram, the sister to Laban the Syrian.

21

And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.

22

And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the LORD.

23

And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.

24

And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb.

25

And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.

26

And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau’s heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them.

27

And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents.

28

And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob.

29

And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint:

30

And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom.

31

And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.

32

And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?

33

And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob.

34

Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.

Discuss This Chapter with Biblical Personas

Explore Genesis Chapter 25 with Biblical figures who can provide unique perspectives grounded in Scripture.

Ask Apostle PaulAsk MosesAsk King DavidAsk Jesus Christ
← Genesis 24Genesis 26 →