Genesis 11:24

KJV

And Nahor lived nine and twenty years, and begat Terah:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Nahor {H5152} lived {H2421} nine {H8672} and twenty {H6242} years {H8141}, and begat {H3205} Terah {H8646}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Nachor lived twenty-nine years and fathered Terach.

Berean Standard Bible

When Nahor was 29 years old, he became the father of Terah.

American Standard Version

And Nahor lived nine and twenty years, and begat Terah:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 11:24 precisely records that Nahor lived for twenty-nine years before begetting Terah, his son. This concise genealogical entry is a critical link in the biblical narrative, meticulously bridging the post-Flood dispersion of nations to the specific lineage that would lead directly to Abraham. It underscores the divine preservation of a chosen family line, demonstrating God's sovereign and sustained involvement in human history as He faithfully orchestrates the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 11:24 is situated within the post-Flood genealogies of Shem, specifically the line leading to Abraham. This chapter begins with the account of the [Tower of Babel](/genesis/11-1-9 "The Tower of Babel and the Confusion of Languages"), a pivotal event that explains the dispersion of humanity and the diversity of languages. Immediately following this narrative of human rebellion and divine judgment, the text shifts to a meticulous tracing of a single family line from Shem, through Arphaxad, Shelah, Eber, Peleg, Reu, Serug, Nahor, and Terah, culminating in the introduction of Abram (Abraham) in [Genesis 11:26](/genesis/11-26 "Terah's Descendants: Abram, Nahor, Haran"). This precise genealogical record serves as a vital bridge, connecting the global events of early Genesis to the specific, covenantal history that begins with Abraham in [Genesis 12](/genesis/12 "The Call of Abram").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The genealogies in Genesis, including this verse, reflect an ancient Near Eastern cultural practice of meticulously recording lineage, often for purposes of land rights, inheritance, or establishing identity. Unlike some ancient genealogies that might skip generations, the Genesis accounts often provide precise ages at the birth of the next generation, establishing a chronological framework for early human history. The ages recorded in Genesis 11, while still long by modern standards, show a significant decrease in lifespan compared to the pre-Flood patriarchs, reflecting a post-Flood reality. The setting is primarily Mesopotamia, the region from which Terah and his family would eventually migrate, first to Haran and then, with Abraham, to Canaan, as described in [Genesis 11:31](/genesis/11-31 "Terah Takes His Family to Haran"). This period is characterized by the rise of city-states and the development of distinct cultural and linguistic groups following the Babel dispersion.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating God's active hand in preserving a specific lineage despite humanity's widespread sin and dispersion. The meticulous record underscores the theme of **Continuity of Promise**, showing how God's redemptive plan, initiated after the Fall ([Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "The Protoevangelium")), is faithfully carried forward through chosen individuals across generations. It also reinforces the theme of **Preparation for Covenant**, as this genealogy systematically narrows the focus from all humanity to a single family, setting the stage for the pivotal covenant with Abraham in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's Call to Abram and His Promises"). The seemingly mundane details of age and lineage are, in fact, crucial components of God's overarching historical and theological design.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 11:24, though brief, is a vital component of the biblical record, serving as a precise chronological and familial link in the lineage leading to Abraham. It states: "And Nahor lived nine and twenty years, and begat Terah." This succinct declaration, characteristic of the patriarchal genealogies in Genesis, provides essential data for understanding the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nahor (Hebrew, _Nâchôwr'_):** H5152, derived from a root meaning "snorer." This is the name of the son of Serug and the father of Terah. He is the great-grandfather of Abraham. The inclusion of his name here is not merely for historical record but to establish the precise link in the messianic lineage, emphasizing the specific individuals through whom God's promises would be carried forward.
* **lived (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** H2421, a primitive root meaning "to live," "to revive," or "to keep alive." In this context, it denotes the duration of Nahor's life before a significant event – the birth of his son. The verb underscores the continuity of life and generations, essential for the progression of the divine plan. It signifies the ongoing existence and procreation necessary for the lineage to continue.
* **begat (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** H3205, a primitive root meaning "to bear young," "to give birth," or "to beget." This verb is consistently used in the genealogies of Genesis to denote direct paternal lineage. Its repeated use highlights the straightforward, biological transmission of the family line, emphasizing the unbroken chain of generations through which God's redemptive plan is progressively advanced and preserved.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Nahor lived nine and twenty years":** This clause provides the precise age of Nahor at the time of Terah's birth. The specificity of "nine and twenty years" (29 years) is characteristic of the Genesis genealogies, offering a meticulous chronological framework for the early patriarchal period. This detail contributes to the overall biblical timeline, allowing for a calculation of the duration between significant events and figures, such as the Flood and the call of Abraham. It underscores the Bible's commitment to historical and chronological accuracy in tracing the lineage of promise.
* **"and begat Terah":** This clause identifies Terah as Nahor's son, establishing the next crucial link in the genealogical chain. The act of "begetting" signifies direct paternal descent, ensuring the continuity of the family line. Terah is a pivotal figure as he is the father of Abram (Abraham), Nahor (the younger, Abraham's brother), and Haran ([Genesis 11:27](/genesis/11-27 "Terah's Family")). This simple statement thus sets the immediate stage for the introduction of Abraham, the patriarch through whom God would establish His covenant people and initiate His grand redemptive plan.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Genesis 11:24, and indeed throughout the genealogies of Genesis 5 and 11, is **Repetition** in the formulaic presentation ("X lived Y years and begat Z"). This consistent structure provides a sense of order, continuity, and divine intentionality. It emphasizes the unbroken chain of generations, reinforcing the idea that God is faithfully working through specific individuals to bring about His purposes. The use of **Precision** in detailing ages (e.g., "nine and twenty years") lends an air of historical accuracy and reliability to the narrative, suggesting that these are not mere mythical tales but records of actual historical progression. Furthermore, the entire genealogical section functions as a **Literary Bridge**, connecting the broader narratives of humanity's early history (creation, fall, flood, Babel) to the specific, covenantal history of Israel that begins with Abraham.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 11:24, like the other genealogical entries, serves as more than a mere historical record; it is imbued with profound theological significance. It powerfully illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan, even amidst human failure and dispersion. The meticulous tracing of this lineage underscores the theme of divine faithfulness, demonstrating that God is actively working through specific individuals and generations to bring about His purposes. This verse is a testament to God's patient providence, showing that His plans unfold over vast spans of time and through seemingly ordinary acts like birth, all meticulously orchestrated for His ultimate glory.

* [Genesis 5:1-32](/genesis/5-1-32 "The Generations of Adam") - This chapter provides the pre-Flood genealogies, establishing the pattern of recording ages and lineage, highlighting God's preservation of a chosen line from Adam to Noah.
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") - The New Testament genealogy of Jesus includes Terah and Nahor, directly connecting Christ to this ancient lineage and demonstrating the fulfillment of God's long-standing promises.
* [Hebrews 11:7-8](/hebrews/11-7-8 "By Faith Noah Built the Ark; By Faith Abraham Obeyed") - This passage highlights the faith of those in the lineage, implying that even those briefly mentioned, like Nahor and Terah, were part of the faithful progression that led to Abraham, a man of faith.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For a contemporary audience, Genesis 11:24, though a simple genealogical note, offers profound insights into God's character and His method of working in the world. It reminds us that God's grand plans often unfold over vast spans of time and through countless individuals, many of whom are unnamed or briefly mentioned in the grand narrative. This should encourage us to trust in God's patient providence, knowing that He is faithfully working out His purposes across generations, even when we cannot perceive the immediate impact or significance of our own lives. Our seemingly small contributions or the "mundane" details of our existence are woven into God's larger tapestry, contributing to His ultimate redemptive design and the eventual establishment of His eternal Kingdom. This verse calls us to embrace a long-term perspective, recognizing that God's faithfulness transcends individual lifespans and culminates in His perfect timing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, like Genesis 11:24, challenge or affirm your understanding of God's involvement in history?**
* **What does God's patient work through many generations, as seen in this verse, teach us about His character and our role in His unfolding plan?**
* **In what ways might our seemingly "small" or "ordinary" contributions today be part of God's larger, long-term redemptive work?**

### FAQ
**Why are biblical genealogies so detailed and important?**

Answer: Biblical genealogies, such as the one in [Genesis 11:24](/genesis/11-24 "Nahor Begets Terah"), are crucial because they establish historical continuity, demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving a chosen lineage, and provide a chronological framework for biblical history. They are not mere lists but serve to validate the promises of God, especially concerning the coming of the Messiah through a specific, divinely ordained family line. They reveal God's meticulous attention to detail in orchestrating His redemptive plan, showing that His purposes are not random but carefully executed across generations.

**What is the significance of Nahor and Terah in the broader biblical narrative?**

Answer: Nahor and Terah are significant because they are direct ancestors of Abraham, the patriarch through whom God established His covenant people, Israel. While they are not major figures themselves with extensive narratives, their inclusion in this genealogy highlights the unbroken chain of God's providential care in preserving the lineage leading to the fulfillment of His promises. They represent essential links in the pre-history of God's chosen nation, serving as vital connections in the genealogical line that ultimately culminates in the birth of Jesus Christ, as affirmed in the New Testament genealogies (e.g., [Luke 3:34](/luke/3-34 "The Genealogy of Jesus through Terah and Nahor")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 11:24, by meticulously tracing the lineage through Nahor to Terah and ultimately to Abraham, serves as a foundational testament to God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan, which finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The preservation of this specific family line demonstrates God's sovereign hand guiding history towards the birth of the Messiah, who is the "seed" promised to Abraham, through whom all nations would be blessed ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "The Promise to Abraham and His Seed")). Every name in this genealogy, including Nahor and Terah, is a divinely appointed link in the chain that culminates in Christ, the one through whom all the families of the earth are indeed blessed ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "God's Blessing Through Abraham")). Thus, this seemingly simple verse points to the profound divine faithfulness that ensured the advent of the Savior, fulfilling the ancient promises and establishing God's eternal Kingdom, forever linking the Old Testament genealogies to the New Testament's grand narrative of salvation in Christ ([Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "The Genealogy of Jesus 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

Luke 3:34

Which was [the son] of Jacob, which was [the son] of Isaac, which was [the son] of Abraham, which was [the son] of Thara, which was [the son] of Nachor,

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.