Kemuel

Kemuel is a figure in the Hebrew Bible, described as a son of Nahor, the brother of Abraham, and the father of Aram. He appears in genealogies that trace the lineage of the Aramaeans and the broader Semitic peoples. In Genesis, Kemuel is listed among Nahor’s offspring, alongside Uz, Buz, Kesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph, and Bethuel, with the note that he is the father of Aram. The same information is repeated in 1 Chronicles 1:26. Beyond these genealogical lines, the biblical text does not describe particular actions or a narrative about Kemuel.

The name Kemuel is of Hebrew origin, commonly understood as meaning “God has raised” or “the Lord has raised up,” derived from elements meaning “God” and “to raise.” As a personal name, it is found in Jewish and Christian tradition and in modern times has appeared in various transliterations, including Kemuel and Kemu’el.

Historically, Kemuel is notable primarily as the progenitor of Aram, from whom the Aramaeans derive their name. This places him in the broader biblical genealogies that connect the patriarchs to later Semitic peoples outside the direct Israelite line. Because the Bible does not recount events about him, his significance rests in establishing the Aramite line within the genealogies.

In modern onomastics, Kemuel is used as a given name in cultures influenced by Hebrew and Christian tradition. Variants include Kemuel, Kemu’el, and other transliterations from Hebrew.