Is Keturah the same as Hagar in the Bible?

Short answer

No. Keturah and Hagar are two different women in the Bible. Hagar was Abraham's servant and the mother of Ishmael, while Keturah was Abraham's later wife and the mother of his other sons.

In Jewish tradition and biblical scholarship, Hagar and Keturah are treated as separate people. Hagar was Sarah's Egyptian servant, whom Sarah gave to Abraham so that he might have a child through her. She bore Ishmael, who became the ancestor of many nations. Later, after Sarah died, Abraham married Keturah. She bore him six sons, including Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak and Shuah.

Some ancient commentaries have explored whether these women might be the same person or whether Keturah was a name Hagar took after marrying Abraham. These are interpretive traditions, not settled facts, and different sources say different things. For your wedding planning, what matters most is how your family and rabbi understand the tradition you wish to follow.

If you are incorporating this story into your ceremony, readings or ketubah, it helps to agree on the version you are using. You might consider:

asking your rabbi which tradition your community follows
choosing the reading or wording that feels most meaningful to both of you
explaining any references to your guests so everyone understands the story you are sharing

Religious customs can vary between communities and denominations. If you need legal details for your ceremony, check GOV.UK, the register office or your place of worship.