Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning: The name "Abidah" (also spelled "Abida") is of Hebrew origin, meaning "father of knowledge" or "my father knows." The name reflects a common practice in biblical times of attributing significant meanings to names, often reflecting the character or destiny of the individual. Biblical References: Abidah is mentioned in the genealogical records of the Bible, specifically in the context of the descendants of Abraham. He is one of the sons of Midian, who was a son of Abraham through Keturah, Abraham's concubine. The reference to Abidah can be found in the Book of Genesis: · Genesis 25:1-4 : "Now Abraham had taken another wife, named Keturah, and she bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. Jokshan was the father of Sheba and Dedan. The descendants of Dedan were the Asshurites, the Letushites, and the Leummites. The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were descendants of Keturah." Historical and Cultural Context: Abidah, as a descendant of Midian, is part of the broader narrative of the peoples and tribes that emerged from Abraham's lineage. The Midianites, descendants of Midian, played a significant role in the history of the Israelites. They were a nomadic people who inhabited the region east of the Jordan River and the Sinai Peninsula. The Midianites are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, often in the context of interactions, both hostile and friendly, with the Israelites. Significance in Biblical Narrative: While Abidah himself is not a central figure in biblical accounts, his mention in the genealogies highlights the expansive family network of Abraham and the fulfillment of God's promise to make Abraham the father of many nations. The genealogical records serve to trace the lineage and relationships between various tribes and peoples in the ancient Near East. Related Biblical Themes: The mention of Abidah and his brothers underscores themes of kinship, inheritance, and the fulfillment of divine promises. The genealogies in Genesis emphasize the importance of family lines and the transmission of blessings and covenants through generations. The descendants of Keturah, including Abidah, represent the broader scope of Abraham's legacy beyond the primary line through Isaac and Jacob. Extra-Biblical References: There are no significant extra-biblical references to Abidah outside of the genealogical context provided in the Bible. The focus on genealogies in ancient texts often served to establish historical and theological connections rather than provide detailed biographical information about each individual listed. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary AbidahInternational Standard Bible Encyclopedia ABIDAHa-bi'-dah: Used in the King James Version in Genesis 25:4 for ABIDA, which see. Strong's Hebrew 5673. abidah -- work, service... 5672, 5673. abidah. 5674 . work, service. Transliteration: abidah Phonetic Spelling: (ab-ee-daw') Short Definition: work. ... 5672, 5673. abidah. 5674 . ... /hebrew/5673.htm - 6k 28. Abida -- "my father took knowledge," a son of Midian Thesaurus Abidah (1 Occurrence)...ABIDAH. a-bi'-dah: Used in the King James Version in Genesis 25:4 for ABIDA, which see. Multi-Version Concordance Abidah (1 Occurrence). ... /a/abidah.htm - 6k Abidan (5 Occurrences) Abi'da (1 Occurrence) Abida (2 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Abidah (1 Occurrence)Genesis 25:4 Subtopics Abidah: A Descendant of Abraham Related Terms |