1 Chronicles 1:27

KJV

Abram; the same [is] Abraham.

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

Avram (also called Avraham).

Berean Standard Bible

and Abram (that is, Abraham).

American Standard Version

Abram (the same is Abraham).

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 1:27, a concise yet profoundly significant verse within the extensive genealogies of the Chronicler, marks a pivotal moment in salvation history: the divine renaming of Abram to Abraham. This transformation, far from a mere administrative detail, underscores God's sovereign power to redefine identity and destiny, signifying the patriarch's new covenantal role as the "father of a multitude" and the progenitor of God's chosen people, through whom all nations would ultimately be blessed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the lengthy and meticulously detailed genealogies that commence the book of 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9). These lists serve as the foundational bedrock for the Chronicler's narrative, tracing the lineage from Adam through the patriarchs, the twelve tribes of Israel, and various prominent families, culminating in the Davidic line. The inclusion of "Abram; the same [is] Abraham" is not merely a factual record but a theological anchor, highlighting the foundational figure through whom God's covenant promises would flow. It acts as a crucial marker within the vast expanse of names, drawing the reader's attention to a divinely orchestrated identity change that profoundly impacts the subsequent history of Israel. The Chronicler, writing for a post-exilic community, uses these genealogies to re-establish identity, legitimate land claims, confirm priestly succession, and affirm the unbroken continuity of God's covenant with His people, with Abraham standing as the pivotal link.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, names were not merely labels but often conveyed identity, character, destiny, or even a prophecy. A change of name, especially one initiated by a deity, signified a profound shift in status, purpose, or relationship. For the Israelites, genealogies were vital legal and social documents, establishing tribal affiliations, inheritance rights, and eligibility for roles like the priesthood or kingship. The Chronicler's audience, having returned from Babylonian exile, faced the daunting task of reconstructing their national and religious identity. Presenting an unbroken lineage from Adam to Abraham, and then to David and beyond, served to reassure them of their divine heritage and God's enduring faithfulness to His promises, despite the disruptions of exile. The renaming of Abram to Abraham, therefore, was a culturally understood sign of a new, divinely appointed destiny for the patriarch and, by extension, for the nation of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** The verse, despite its brevity, contributes significantly to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Transformation and Sovereignty**, showcasing God's absolute authority to rename and redefine individuals according to His redemptive purposes, as detailed in [Genesis 17:5](/genesis/17-5 "Genesis 17:5 - God Renames Abram"). Secondly, it underscores **Covenant Faithfulness**, as the renaming is intrinsically linked to God's solemn promise to make Abram the "father of a multitude," a promise first articulated in [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abram") and expanded upon in [Genesis 17](/genesis/17 "The Abrahamic Covenant"). This highlights God's unwavering commitment to His word across generations. Thirdly, it emphasizes **Historical and Theological Continuity**, bridging the gap between primordial history and the specific lineage of Israel. By explicitly stating "the same is Abraham," the Chronicler affirms the unbroken line of God's chosen people, rooted in the foundational figure of Abraham, whose faith and covenant relationship define the identity of the nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abram (Hebrew, _'Avram'_):** This original name means "exalted father" or "my father is exalted." It reflects a respectable and honorable status, perhaps indicating a prominent position within his family or community, but it does not inherently carry the expansive promise of a vast progeny. It speaks to his personal standing before God's intervention.
* **Abraham (Hebrew, _'Avraham'_):** This divinely bestowed name means "father of a multitude" or "father of many nations." As explained by God Himself in [Genesis 17:5](/genesis/17-5 "Genesis 17:5 - The Meaning of Abraham's New Name"), the addition of the Hebrew letter 'ה' ( _heh_ ) to his name is highly significant. The letter 'heh' is often associated with breath, life, and divine presence or revelation. Its inclusion transforms the meaning, signifying a divine infusion of life and fruitfulness that would enable him to become the progenitor of countless descendants, fulfilling God's covenant promise.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Abram;":** This initial part of the verse establishes the historical continuity, presenting the patriarch by his original, well-known name. It serves as a direct reference point within the genealogical list, ensuring the reader correctly identifies the individual. It grounds the subsequent statement in the familiar historical record.
* **"the same [is] Abraham.":** This declarative statement is the theological crux of the verse. The phrase "the same [is]" (Hebrew: הוּא, _hu'_) functions as an emphatic identification, asserting that the individual known as Abram is indeed the very same person who received the transformed name and, with it, the transformed destiny. It highlights the divine act of renaming as a definitive and irreversible shift, marking the transition from an "exalted father" to the "father of a multitude," signifying the fulfillment of God's covenant promises and the establishment of a new identity rooted in divine purpose.

#### Literary Devices
The brevity and directness of 1 Chronicles 1:27 employ **Conciseness** to achieve maximum impact. By distilling a complex theological event—the divine renaming and covenant establishment—into a mere five words, the Chronicler highlights its paramount importance without dwelling on narrative details already known from Genesis. The phrase "the same [is]" functions as a form of **Emphasis** or **Identification**, drawing the reader's attention to this specific entry in the long genealogy. It is a deliberate pause in the rapid succession of names, signaling a moment of profound theological significance. Furthermore, the name change itself is a powerful **Symbolism**. The transformation from "Abram" to "Abraham" is not just a linguistic shift but a symbolic representation of a new identity, a new covenant, and a new destiny divinely appointed. It symbolizes God's transformative power and His faithfulness to His promises, making Abraham a foundational symbol for the entire nation of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The concise declaration in 1 Chronicles 1:27 is a powerful theological statement about God's sovereign power to initiate and fulfill His covenant promises. It underscores that identity is not merely inherited but can be divinely redefined for a specific purpose. Abraham's renaming is a testament to God's faithfulness, demonstrating that what He promises, He brings to pass, even when human circumstances seem to contradict it. This act of renaming also establishes the foundational nature of Abraham's faith and the covenant made with him, which becomes the bedrock for Israel's identity and their relationship with God. It foreshadows God's ongoing work of transformation in the lives of His people, aligning their identity with His divine purposes.

* [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "The Call of Abram and Initial Promises")
* [Genesis 17:1-8](/genesis/17-1 "The Covenant of Circumcision and Name Change")
* [Romans 4:16](/romans/4-16 "Abraham, Father of All Who Believe")
* [Galatians 3:7-9](/galatians/3-7 "Those of Faith are Sons of Abraham")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 1:27, though nestled in a genealogy, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of transformation, capable of taking our existing identity and redefining it for His glorious purposes, just as He did with Abram. This verse calls us to consider how God might be calling us to embrace a new identity, perhaps shedding old ways or self-perceptions that do not align with His divine plan for our lives. It reinforces the unwavering faithfulness of God to His covenant promises, assuring us that His word is trustworthy and His purposes will be fulfilled, even across generations and through seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Our true identity and destiny are found not in our own strength or lineage, but in our relationship with God and our participation in His grand redemptive narrative, walking by faith as Abraham did.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's renaming of Abram to Abraham speak to His transformative power in our lives today?**
* **In what ways does this verse reinforce the reliability of God's covenant promises?**
* **What does it mean for us to embrace a new identity in Christ, similar to how Abram embraced his new identity as Abraham?**

### FAQ

**Why is this brief statement included in a genealogy?**

Answer: This brief statement is included in the genealogy not merely as a historical note, but as a profound theological marker. The Chronicler, writing for a post-exilic community, emphasizes the unbroken lineage of God's people and the foundational nature of God's covenant with Abraham. By highlighting the name change, the Chronicler draws attention to the pivotal moment when God redefined Abram's identity and destiny, transforming him into the "father of a multitude." This underscores God's sovereign hand in history and His faithfulness to His promises, reminding the audience that their identity and future are securely rooted in God's covenant with Abraham, which is detailed in [Genesis 17](/genesis/17 "The Abrahamic Covenant"). It is a concise theological summary within a list of names, signifying Abraham's unique and indispensable role in salvation history.

**What is the significance of the Hebrew letter 'heh' (ה) in Abraham's new name?**

Answer: The addition of the Hebrew letter 'heh' (ה) to Abram's name, transforming it into Abraham (אַבְרָהָם), carries significant theological weight. In Hebrew, 'heh' is often associated with breath, life, and divine revelation or presence. Its inclusion in Abraham's name is understood to signify a divine infusion of life and fruitfulness, enabling him to become the "father of a multitude" as God promised in [Genesis 17:5](/genesis/17-5 "Genesis 17:5 - The Meaning of Abraham's New Name"). It represents God's active, creative power at work, transforming a man who was initially childless into the progenitor of countless descendants, both physical and spiritual. This small linguistic change powerfully symbolizes the divine breath of life and blessing that empowers Abraham to fulfill his covenantal destiny.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The transformation of Abram to Abraham, the "father of a multitude," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Abraham became the physical father of the nation of Israel, the New Testament reveals that the true "seed" of Abraham, through whom all nations would be blessed, is Christ Himself, as powerfully articulated in [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - Christ as Abraham's Seed"). Through faith in Jesus, both Jews and Gentiles become spiritual descendants of Abraham, inheriting the promises made to him not by physical lineage or works of the law, but by grace through faith, as explained in [Romans 4:11-12](/romans/4-11 "Romans 4:11-12 - Abraham, Father of the Circumcised and Uncircumcised"). The divine act of renaming Abram foreshadows the radical new identity believers receive in Christ, where "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2-corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Thus, the promises to Abraham, including the promise of a multitude, are ultimately realized in the vast, multi-ethnic family of God gathered through Christ, in whom all of God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2-corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 11:27

¶ 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.