# Chapter XXXIV: On Abraham's Marriage to Keturah After Sarah's Death explained — The City of God

> Chapter companion for The City of God by Augustine of Hippo.

## What happens

Augustine interprets Abraham's marriage to Keturah after Sarah's death, arguing it was not due to incontinence but served a prophetic purpose. He suggests Keturah and her sons symbolize carnal people who think they belong to the new covenant, while Isaac represents the children of promise. Alternatively, he notes it may counter heretics opposed to second marriages, showing no sin in Abraham's action.

## Themes in this chapter

### Sin, Grace, and Redemption

Abraham's marriage is defended as sinless, and the allegory distinguishes between children of the flesh and children of promise.

### True Worship and the One God

The interpretation emphasizes the promise of God fulfilled through Isaac, contrasting carnal and spiritual heirs.

## Character check-ins

### Abraham

Marries Keturah after Sarah's death; his actions are defended against accusations of incontinence and interpreted allegorically.

### Sarah

Abraham's first wife, never called a concubine; her death precedes Abraham's marriage to Keturah.

### Isaac

Son of Abraham and Sarah, inherits the whole estate and represents the children of promise.

### Hagar

Abraham's concubine, mother of Ishmael; signifies the carnal people of the old covenant.

### Ishmael

Son of Abraham and Hagar, represents the carnal people of the old covenant.

### Keturah

Abraham's wife after Sarah's death; her sons are given gifts but sent away, symbolizing carnal people of the new covenant.

## Key lines

> What did Abraham mean by marrying Keturah after Sarah’s death? Far be it from us to suspect him of incontinence, especially when he had reached such an age and such sanctity of faith.

Augustine argues that Abraham's marriage to Keturah was not driven by lust, given his advanced age and deep faith.

_Defends Abraham's moral character against potential accusations._

> For I do not see why Keturah, who was married after the wife’s death, should be called a concubine, except on account of this mystery.

Augustine suggests Keturah is termed a concubine for allegorical reasons, not literal status.

_Highlights the symbolic interpretation of the narrative._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxxiv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_city_of_god_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters