Bethuel (1)
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Bethuel (1) in the Bible?
Bethuel was the son of Nahor and Milcah, the brother of Abraham, and the father of Laban and Rebekah. He appears in the biblical narrative primarily during the events surrounding the betrothal of his daughter Rebekah to Isaac.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Bethuel's role clarifies the kinship structures and marriage customs of the patriarchal period, illustrating how family alliances were negotiated within ancient Near Eastern societies.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Bethuel (1) reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Bethuel (1) in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Bethuel (1) clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Bethuel (1)." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/bethuel-1/