1 Chronicles 1:27

Abram; the same [is] Abraham.

Abram {H87}; the same is Abraham {H85}.

Avram (also called Avraham).

and Abram (that is, Abraham).

Abram (the same is Abraham).

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Chronicles 1:27 (KJV)

1 Chronicles 1:27: "Abram; the same [is] Abraham."

Context

This concise verse appears within the extensive genealogies that open the book of 1 Chronicles. Chapters 1-9 meticulously trace the lineage from Adam through the various patriarchs, tribes, and families of Israel. These genealogies served a crucial purpose in ancient Israel: to establish identity, inheritance rights, priestly succession, and the historical continuity of God's covenant people. In this particular verse, the Chronicler, writing centuries after the events, highlights a pivotal moment in salvation history by noting the transformation of the patriarch's name.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Transformation: The change from "Abram" to "Abraham" is not a casual detail but a divinely ordained renaming. This change, recounted in Genesis 17:5, was not merely cosmetic but signified a profound shift in identity and destiny, reflecting God's sovereign plan.
  • Covenant Fulfillment: The renaming is intrinsically linked to God's covenant promises to make Abram the father of many nations. The Chronicler's inclusion of this detail underscores the faithfulness of God in establishing and maintaining His covenant through the generations.
  • Historical Continuity: By explicitly stating "the same is Abraham," the verse confirms the identity of Abram as the foundational figure of the Israelite nation, whose descendants would become the people of God. It bridges the gap between the genealogical records and the historical narrative of Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The significance of this verse is rooted in the meaning of the two names:

  • Abram (ืึฒื‘ึฐืจึธื - Avram): Means "exalted father" or "father is exalted." This name reflected a respectable status but did not inherently carry the promise of a vast progeny.
  • Abraham (ืึทื‘ึฐืจึธื”ึธื - Avraham): Means "father of a multitude" or "father of many nations." God Himself explains this new name in Genesis 17:5: "for a father of many nations have I made thee." The addition of the Hebrew letter 'ื”' (heh) to his name signifies a breath or life, often associated with God's creative power and blessing.

Related Scriptures

  • For the detailed account of Abram's call and initial promises, see Genesis 12:1-3.
  • The specific covenant and name change narrative is found in Genesis 17:1-8.
  • The New Testament highlights Abraham's role as the father of all who believe, not just a physical lineage, in passages like Romans 4 and Galatians 3.

Practical Application

This brief verse, though part of a genealogy, carries profound implications:

  • God's Transformative Power: Just as God transformed Abram's name and destiny, He has the power to transform lives and identities today, aligning them with His divine purposes.
  • Faithfulness to Promises: The consistent use of "Abraham" throughout Scripture, even in genealogies, is a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises across millennia. What God promises, He fulfills.
  • Identity in God's Plan: Our true identity is often found in relation to God's plan for us. Like Abraham, we are called to walk by faith, trusting that God will bring His purposes to pass through us.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 11:27

    ยถ Now these [are] the generations of Terah: Terah begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran begat Lot.

  • Genesis 11:32

    And the days of Terah were two hundred and five years: and Terah died in Haran.

  • Nehemiah 9:7

    Thou [art] the LORD the God, who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham;

  • Joshua 24:2

    And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, [even] Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods.

  • Genesis 17:5

    Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.
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