Lexical Summary Zimran: Zimran Original Word: זִמְרָן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Zimran From zamar; musical; Zimran, a son of Abraham by Keturah -- Zimran. see HEBREW zamar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a son of Abraham NASB Translation Zimran (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs זִמְרָן proper name, masculine son of Abraham & Keturah, ᵐ5 Ζε(μ)βραν Genesis 25:2 and 1 Chronicles 1:32 (ᵐ5L here Ζεμραμ). On locality referred to see Di. Topical Lexicon Identity and Family LineZimran is the first-named son of Abraham through Keturah after the death of Sarah (Genesis 25:1-2). His brothers are Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. 1 Chronicles 1:32 repeats the same genealogy, underscoring the chronicler’s concern to preserve every branch of Abraham’s posterity. Placement in the Abrahamic Narrative The record of Zimran and his brothers appears immediately before the account of Isaac’s succession (Genesis 25:5-6). Scripture thus distinguishes between the covenant line (Isaac) and the non-covenant sons of Abraham who nevertheless share in the patriarch’s temporal blessings. “Abraham gave all he possessed to Isaac, but to the sons of his concubines he gave gifts while he was still living and sent them away from his son Isaac” (Genesis 25:5-6). Zimran therefore represents the broader scope of God’s promise that Abraham would be “a father of many nations” (Genesis 17:4), even as the specific messianic line narrows through Isaac and Jacob. Probable Settlement and Descendants Though Scripture gives no direct record of Zimran’s descendants, ancient commentators associate his line with Arabian tribes along the eastern shore of the Red Sea—possibly near present-day Hejaz or as far south as Yemen. Such a placement harmonizes with Abraham’s eastward relocation of Keturah’s sons and explains later Old Testament references to peoples dwelling in Arabia who retain semi-nomadic traits akin to Midian. Historical Significance 1. Preservation of Abrahamic Legacy The inclusion of Zimran in both Genesis and Chronicles affirms God’s faithfulness to multiply Abraham’s seed beyond the covenantal channel. While Israel carries the redemptive promise, parallel lines such as Zimran’s remind readers that divine providence encompasses nations outside the chosen people. 2. Foreshadowing of Gentile Inclusion Paul later teaches that “the Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith” (Galatians 3:8). The very existence of Zimran’s branch testifies early on that grace is not limited by ethnicity. In Christ, Abraham becomes “the father of us all” (Romans 4:16). Theological Reflections • Covenant Distinction: Zimran’s separation illustrates the biblical principle that proximity to covenantal blessing does not equate to covenant membership. Spiritual inheritance flows through promise, not mere bloodline (Romans 9:6-8). • Stewardship of Blessing: Abraham’s distribution of gifts to Zimran and his brothers portrays responsible stewardship. Material generosity accompanies spiritual calling; the patriarch’s faith expresses itself in tangible provision for every son. Practical Lessons for Ministry • Genealogies Matter: Pastors and teachers may use Zimran’s brief mention to highlight the reliability of biblical history and the value Scripture places on individual lives, even when details are scarce. • Mission Emphasis: The narrative invites believers to engage with peoples who stand outside the formal covenant community. God’s heart for the nations predates the Great Commission and is embedded in the earliest pages of Genesis. Key Passages for Study “And she bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah.” “The sons born to Keturah, Abraham’s concubine: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah.” Summary Zimran, though mentioned only twice, embodies God’s larger promise to multiply Abraham’s offspring and bless the nations. His brief appearance calls readers to celebrate the meticulous faithfulness of God, to appreciate every thread in the biblical tapestry, and to pursue the global scope of the gospel that began with a patriarch whose family was destined to touch the world. Forms and Transliterations זִמְרָ֧ן זִמְרָן֙ זמרן zim·rān zimRan zimrānLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 25:2 HEB: ל֗וֹ אֶת־ זִמְרָן֙ וְאֶת־ יָקְשָׁ֔ן NAS: She bore to him Zimran and Jokshan KJV: And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, INT: bore Zimran and Jokshan and Medan 1 Chronicles 1:32 2 Occurrences |
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