Keturah

The story behind Keturah

Keturah is derived from Hebrew קְטוּרָה (Keturah), composed of the root קטר (qatar), meaning "to burn incense" or "to make smoke." The name's literal meaning reflects "incense" or "fragrance," capturing the aromatic essence of burned offerings in ancient Hebrew religious practice. The etymology is transparent within Semitic languages, with the root relating to the sensory and spiritual significance of perfumed smoke in temple worship and religious ceremony. The name has remained relatively uncommon in English-speaking populations until modern times, when biblical names experienced broader revival.

In biblical tradition, Keturah was the second wife of Abraham, mentioned in Genesis 25:1–6. According to the Hebrew Bible, Abraham married Keturah after Sarah's death, and she bore him six children: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. The text notes that Abraham gave gifts to Keturah's sons before his death. In Jewish tradition, some sources identify Keturah with Hagar, Abraham's servant and mother of Ishmael, viewing them as the same person with different names at different life stages. Keturah's descendants are described as the founders of various Arabian peoples. The name gained modest modern usage in English-speaking countries during the late 20th century, reflecting renewed interest in biblical names and their meanings among contemporary parents.