Midian
malePatriarchalMeaning: “Strife”
A son of Abraham by Keturah and ancestor of the Midianites, a desert people prominent throughout Israel’s history — from Moses to Gideon.
Biography
Midian is the best-known of Keturah's sons, for his descendants — the Midianites — recur across the Old Testament.
Father of the Midianites
Born to Abraham and Keturah (Genesis 25:2), Midian fathered a people who roamed the deserts south and east of Canaan. Midianite traders carried Joseph down to Egypt (Genesis 37:28). Moses fled to Midian, married Zipporah, daughter of the priest Jethro, and tended his flocks there for forty years (Exodus 2:15–21). Later the Midianites oppressed Israel until Gideon's victory (Judges 6–7). Thus this son of Abraham gave rise to a nation woven through Israel's story.
Life Timeline
Born to Abraham and Keturah; ancestor of the Midianites
On the Bible timeline
Midian belongs to the The Patriarchs era (c. 2100 – 1800 BC).
- c. 2091 BCThe Call of Abraham
- c. 1898 BCJoseph Sold into Egypt
Family Tree
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Themes & lessons from Midian
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Midian appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
6 verses in 2 booksGenesis3 verses
Genesis 25:2
And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah.
Genesis 25:4
And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.
Genesis 36:35
And Husham died, and Hadad the son of Bedad, who smote Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Avith.
1 Chronicles3 verses
1 Chronicles 1:32
Now the sons of Keturah, Abraham's concubine: she bare Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah. And the sons of Jokshan; Sheba, and Dedan.
1 Chronicles 1:33
And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Henoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these are the sons of Keturah.
1 Chronicles 1:46
And when Husham was dead, Hadad the son of Bedad, which smote Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Avith.
Frequently asked about Midian
Who was Midian in the Bible?
A son of Abraham by Keturah and ancestor of the Midianites, a desert people prominent throughout Israel’s history — from Moses to Gideon.
What does the name Midian mean?
The name Midian means “Strife”.
Who were Midian's parents?
Midian was the child of Abraham, Keturah.
Where does Midian appear in the Bible?
Midian is mentioned 6 times across 2 books: Genesis, 1 Chronicles.
What can we learn from Midian?
The story of Midian touches on themes of midianites, abraham, midian, shem — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Midian's life.
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