קְטוּרָה
Keturah / Keturah
“Incense”
Keturah (קְטוּרָה, Keturah) is a Hebrew girl's name meaning “incense,” pronounced “ke-tu-RAH.” From the Hebrew root ק-ט-ר (qof-tet-resh) meaning 'to burn incense, to make sacrificial smoke.' The name קְטוּרָה (Keturah) means 'incense' or 'perfumed one.' The same root gives us 'ketoret' (incense offering) used in Temple worship.
| Hebrew | קְטוּרָה |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Keturah |
| English Name | Keturah |
| Meaning | Incense |
| Pronunciation | ke-tu-RAH |
| Gender | Girl |
| Category | Female Biblical Names |
| Variants | Ketura, Cetura |
| Key Scripture | Genesis 25:1 |
Most people know Abraham had two women in his life — Sarah and Hagar. But after Sarah's death, Abraham married again, and his new wife's name was Keturah, meaning 'incense.' She bore him six sons who became the ancestors of Arabian and Eastern peoples, quietly extending Abraham's legacy far beyond the borders of Israel. Her name evokes the fragrant incense that rose from the altar — a symbol of prayer, worship, and something precious offered up. Keturah's story reminds us that Abraham's influence was far wider than we typically imagine, and that the Bible contains hidden depths waiting to be discovered in its lesser-known passages.
Key Scripture: Genesis 25:1
“Abraham had taken another wife, whose name was Keturah.”
What Does Keturah Mean in Hebrew?
From the root ק-ט-ר (qof-tet-resh) meaning 'to burn incense.' The form קְטוּרָה is a passive participle: 'one perfumed' or 'incense.' The root connects to 'ketoret' (קְטֹרֶת), the sacred incense burned on the golden altar in the Tabernacle. Incense in Scripture symbolizes prayers ascending to God (Psalm 141:2).
Keturah in the Bible
Keturah married Abraham after Sarah's death (Genesis 25:1). She bore six sons: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. Through Midian came the Midianites — the people among whom Moses would later find refuge and marry Zipporah. Some rabbinic sources identify Keturah with Hagar, though this is debated.
Cultural Context & Modern Usage
The incense connection gives Keturah's name a deeply spiritual dimension. In Psalm 141:2, David prays 'May my prayer be set before you like incense' — making the name an implicit prayer association. The fact that her son Midian produced the people who would host Moses adds another layer to her quiet but significant biblical legacy.
Keturah is a rare name, which makes it appealing to parents seeking something unique with deep biblical roots. Its fragrant meaning and musical sound give it a distinctive beauty. It is occasionally used in African American communities and among parents attracted to unusual biblical names.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keturah
What does Keturah mean in Hebrew?
Keturah (קְטוּרָה, Keturah) means “Incense” in Hebrew. From the Hebrew root ק-ט-ר (qof-tet-resh) meaning 'to burn incense, to make sacrificial smoke.' The name קְטוּרָה (Keturah) means 'incense' or 'perfumed one.' The same root gives us 'ketoret' (incense offering) used in Temple worship.
How do you pronounce Keturah in Hebrew?
The Hebrew pronunciation of Keturah is “ke-tu-RAH.” The name is written קְטוּרָה in Hebrew script.
What does Keturah mean in Hebrew?
Keturah (קְטוּרָה) means 'incense' or 'perfumed one' in Hebrew, from the root ק-ט-ר meaning 'to burn incense.' The same root gives us 'ketoret,' the sacred incense burned in the Tabernacle and Temple. The name carries a fragrant, worshipful connotation — incense in Scripture symbolizes prayers rising to God.
Who was Keturah in the Bible?
Keturah was Abraham's wife after Sarah died (Genesis 25:1). She bore him six sons: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. These sons became ancestors of Arabian and Eastern peoples, extending Abraham's influence far beyond the Israelite line through Isaac. Through Midian, the Midianites arose — the people Moses would later live among.
Is Keturah the same as Hagar?
Some rabbinic sources (including the Midrash Genesis Rabbah) identify Keturah with Hagar, suggesting Abraham remarried the mother of Ishmael after Sarah's death. The identification is based on 1 Chronicles 1:32 calling Keturah a 'concubine' and the Midrash explaining that 'Keturah' was a new name for Hagar. However, many scholars treat them as separate individuals.
Sources & Further Study
Related Hebrew Words
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