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Nahor's Family and Rebekah's Introduction
This short passage brings Abraham news about his brother Nahor’s family. It names children born to Nahor and gives one detail extra attention: Bethuel became the father of Rebekah, so her place in the family is clearly identified.
Understanding the passage
Understanding this family record
The passage says Abraham was told this news after these things. It centres on Nahor, who is called Abraham’s brother, and reports children born to Nahor through Milcah and also through his concubine Reumah. Within the list, one note stands out by naming Bethuel as Rebekah’s father.
Genesis 22:20–24Main takeaway
This genealogy names Nahor’s family and specifically places Rebekah within that family by saying that Bethuel became her father.
Follow the family lines
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01News brought to AbrahamThe passage opens by saying Abraham was told about Nahor’s family. Milcah is named, and the report begins with children she bore to Nahor.
Explanation
The passage opens by saying Abraham was told about Nahor’s family. Milcah is named, and the report begins with children she bore to Nahor. Nahor is identified as Abraham’s brother, which keeps the family connection in view from the start of the notice.
02Milcah’s children are namedThe list includes Uz, Buz, Kemuel, Chesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph, and Bethuel. One extra detail is attached to Kemuel, who is called “the father of Aram.”
Explanation
The list includes Uz, Buz, Kemuel, Chesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph, and Bethuel. One extra detail is attached to Kemuel, who is called “the father of Aram.” The verses simply present these names as part of the report Abraham received about Nahor’s household through Milcah.
03Rebekah is specifically identifiedAfter Bethuel is named, the text adds, “Bethuel became the father of Rebekah.” That sentence gives Rebekah special notice within the list.
Explanation
After Bethuel is named, the text adds, “Bethuel became the father of Rebekah.” That sentence gives Rebekah special notice within the list. The verse also states that these eight were borne by Milcah to Nahor and again reminds the reader that Nahor was Abraham’s brother.
04Reumah’s children are addedThe final verse adds another set of names from Nahor’s household. His concubine Reumah bore Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maacah.
Explanation
The final verse adds another set of names from Nahor’s household. His concubine Reumah bore Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maacah. This does not give separate stories about them here, but it extends the family record beyond the eight sons born through Milcah.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01Which sentence makes Rebekah stand out in a passage that is mostly a list of names?
Find the place where the text adds a direct statement about who became Rebekah’s father.
02How does the passage keep Abraham connected to this family list?
Notice how Nahor is identified in relation to Abraham when the report begins and again when Milcah’s eight are counted.
03What extra family branch is included at the end of the passage?
Look at the names connected with Reumah and compare them with the earlier names connected with Milcah.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Genesis 22:20–24
20After these things, Abraham was told, “Behold, Milcah, she also has borne children to your brother Nahor:
21Uz his firstborn, Buz his brother, Kemuel the father of Aram,
22Chesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph, and Bethuel.”
23Bethuel became the father of Rebekah. These eight Milcah bore to Nahor, Abraham’s brother.
24His concubine, whose name was Reumah, also bore Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maacah.