Bethuel

Bethuel is a figure in the Hebrew Bible, identified as the son of Nahor and Milcah, and thus a nephew of Abraham. He is described as the father of Rebekah, who becomes the wife of Isaac, and of Laban, the future father of Leah and Rachel. Through Rebekah, Bethuel is the maternal grandfather of Esau and Jacob. The family is associated with the region of Paddan Aram (Aram Naharaim) in Mesopotamia.

In the biblical narrative, Bethuel appears primarily in genealogies and in the story surrounding Rebekah’s betrothal. When Abraham’s servant seeks a wife for Isaac, he travels to Rebekah’s family in Nahor’s land and is brought before Bethuel and Laban. They are asked to consent to Rebekah returning with him to marry Isaac, and the text records their assent, followed by Rebekah’s departure to Isaac.

Etymology and name: Bethuel is of Hebrew origin, commonly interpreted as meaning “house of God” (from beth, house, and el, God). Some sources render the meaning as “dweller of God,” though interpretations vary.

Legacy and interpretation: The biblical account provides little detail about Bethuel’s own actions beyond his role as Rebekah’s father and Laban’s father. His prominence in the narrative stems from his position within the extended patriarchal family that links Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob through Rebekah.