Milcah
femalePatriarchalMeaning: “Queen; counsel”
The wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, and grandmother of Rebekah; mother of eight sons, including Bethuel.
Biography
Milcah was the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, and thus part of the extended covenant family that remained in Mesopotamia. Genesis carefully records that she bore Nahor eight sons (Genesis 22:20–23), and the genealogy is given precisely because one of her grandchildren, Rebekah, would become Isaac's wife. Through Milcah's line came the bride of promise — a reminder that God was quietly preparing the next generation even among Abraham's distant kin (Genesis 24:15).
Life Timeline
Bears Bethuel, grandfather of Rebekah, to Nahor
On the Bible timeline
Milcah 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 Milcah
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Milcah appears.
People they appear with
Places in their story
Scripture Appearances
6 verses in 1 bookGenesis6 verses
Genesis 11:29
And Abram and Nahor took them wives: the name of Abram's wife was Sarai; and the name of Nahor's wife, Milcah, the daughter of Haran, the father of Milcah, and the father of Iscah.
Genesis 22:20
And it came to pass after these things, that it was told Abraham, saying, Behold, Milcah, she hath also born children unto thy brother Nahor;
Genesis 22:23
And Bethuel begat Rebekah: these eight Milcah did bear to Nahor, Abraham's brother. Rebekah: Gr. Rebecca
Genesis 24:15
And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder.
Genesis 24:24
And she said unto him, I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, which she bare unto Nahor.
Genesis 24:47
And I asked her, and said, Whose daughter art thou? And she said, The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor's son, whom Milcah bare unto him: and I put the earring upon her face, and the bracelets upon her hands.
Frequently asked about Milcah
Who was Milcah in the Bible?
The wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, and grandmother of Rebekah; mother of eight sons, including Bethuel.
What does the name Milcah mean?
The name Milcah means “Queen; counsel”.
Who were Milcah's children?
Milcah's children include Bethuel.
Where does Milcah appear in the Bible?
Milcah is mentioned 6 times across 1 book: Genesis.
What can we learn from Milcah?
The story of Milcah touches on themes of milcah, rebekah, servants, burnt offering, the — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Milcah's life.
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