Genesis 11:26

KJV

And Terah lived seventy years, and begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Terah {H8646} lived {H2421} seventy {H7657} years {H8141}, and begat {H3205} Abram {H87}, Nahor {H5152}, and Haran {H2039}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Terach lived seventy years and fathered Avram, Nachor and Haran.

Berean Standard Bible

When Terah was 70 years old, he became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran.

American Standard Version

And Terah lived seventy years, and begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This concise verse introduces Terah and his three sons—Abram, Nahor, and Haran—thereby strategically setting the immediate narrative stage for the profound account of Abram, who would later be renamed Abraham, destined to become the father of many nations and the recipient of God's foundational covenant promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the extensive genealogical record that meticulously traces the lineage of Shem, one of Noah's sons, following the [Great Flood](/genesis/9-1 "God's Blessing to Noah After the Flood") and the subsequent dispersion of peoples at the [Tower of Babel](/genesis/11-9 "The Tower of Babel"). The preceding verses in [Genesis 11](/genesis/11 "The Line of Shem and the Tower of Babel") provide a chronological bridge from Shem to Terah, detailing the lifespans and firstborn sons of each generation. [Genesis 11:26](/genesis/11-26 "Terah Begets Abram, Nahor, and Haran") marks the culmination of this particular genealogical segment, purposefully narrowing the narrative focus from the broad sweep of universal history to the specific lineage that will give rise to God's chosen people. It acts as a direct prelude to the detailed account of Abram's life, which begins in [Genesis 11:27](/genesis/11-27 "Terah's Family and Journey") and dominates the subsequent chapters of Genesis.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, genealogies were far more than mere lists of names; they served crucial socio-cultural functions. They established legitimacy for rulers and families, secured inheritance rights, demonstrated tribal identity, and underscored the continuity of a family line, particularly in tracing descent from revered ancestors. The mention of ages, such as Terah living "seventy years" before begetting his sons, provided a chronological framework, though it's important to note that biblical genealogies often prioritize theological significance over strict birth order. The culture of the time placed immense value on progeny as a sign of divine blessing and a guarantee of future legacy. This verse, therefore, functions as a culturally relevant introduction to the family from whom God would initiate His redemptive plan.
* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 11:26](/genesis/11-26 "Terah Begets Abram, Nahor, and Haran") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Genesis. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Election**, demonstrating God's meticulous hand in preserving a specific lineage through which His redemptive purposes would be realized, even amidst the general sinfulness of humanity seen in earlier chapters (e.g., [Genesis 6:5-7](/genesis/6-5-7 "Human Wickedness and God's Grief")). Secondly, it underscores **Covenant Preparation**, signaling God's deliberate and long-term work in preparing a new covenant people, a process that often unfolds through ordinary human generations before a specific, extraordinary call is issued, as seen in [God's call to Abram in Genesis 12](/genesis/12 "The Call of Abram"). Lastly, it marks a significant **Transition to Patriarchal History**, shifting the narrative focus from universal narratives (creation, the flood, Babel) to the specific, focused history of the patriarchs, indicating the beginning of God's particular dealings with a single family that would grow into the nation of Israel, as promised to Abraham in [Genesis 17:1-8](/genesis/17-1-8 "The Covenant of Circumcision").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **lived (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** From H2421, a primitive root meaning "to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive." In this context, it signifies the continuation of Terah's life, emphasizing the longevity of the patriarchal line and the sustained existence of the family unit through which God's plan would unfold. It implies not just biological existence but a period of active life leading to procreation.
* **begat (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** From H3205, a primitive root meaning "to bear young; causatively, to beget." This term is crucial in genealogies, directly indicating the act of procreation and the establishment of the next generation. It highlights the direct familial link between Terah and his sons, ensuring the continuity of the lineage. The repetition of "begat" throughout Genesis genealogies underscores the divine command to "be fruitful and multiply" ([Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "The Creation of Humanity and God's Blessing")), even after the Fall.
* **Abram (Hebrew, _ʼAbrâm'_):** From H87, contracted from a word meaning "high father." This name, given to the most prominent son, inherently carries a sense of future significance and leadership. While seemingly a simple name, its meaning foreshadows the destiny of the individual who would become "Abraham" (father of a multitude) and the progenitor of a great nation, as revealed in [Genesis 17:5](/genesis/17-5 "Abram's Name Change and Promises").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Terah lived seventy years":** This clause establishes the chronological starting point for Terah's fatherhood within the biblical narrative. It indicates the age at which he began to have children, not necessarily the specific age at which Abram, the most prominent son, was born. As later passages clarify ([Genesis 11:32](/genesis/11-32 "Terah's Death") and [Genesis 12:4](/genesis/12-4 "Abram Leaves Haran")), Abram was born when Terah was 130 years old, implying that Nahor or Haran were likely born when Terah was seventy, with Abram born later. This typical biblical genealogical pattern often lists the most significant descendant first, regardless of birth order.
* **"and begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran":** This clause identifies Terah's three sons, who represent the next generation in the divinely preserved lineage. The listing of Abram first, despite the chronological implication that he was not the firstborn, underscores his theological and narrative prominence. It signals to the reader that the subsequent narrative will primarily focus on Abram, setting the stage for his pivotal role in God's redemptive plan. Nahor and Haran are significant as they are part of Abram's immediate family and play roles in subsequent events (e.g., Nahor's lineage, Haran's death and Lot's relationship to Abram).

#### Literary Devices
[Genesis 11:26](/genesis/11-26 "Terah Begets Abram, Nahor, and Haran") primarily employs **Genealogy** as its literary form, a common and significant device in ancient Near Eastern literature and throughout the Bible. This specific genealogical entry functions as a **Bridge** or **Transition**, moving the narrative from the broad, universal history of humanity (creation, fall, flood, Babel) to the particular, focused history of a chosen family. The listing of "Abram, Nahor, and Haran" employs **Emphasis by Placement**, as Abram is listed first, despite not being the firstborn. This rhetorical choice immediately signals his paramount importance to the unfolding divine narrative, serving as a subtle form of **Foreshadowing** of the significant role he will play in God's covenant promises. The brevity and factual nature of the verse also contribute to its **Authoritative Tone**, presenting the lineage as a divinely ordained and historically verifiable record.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple genealogical entry is profoundly theological, underscoring God's meticulous and sovereign involvement in human history. It highlights that even in the most mundane records of births and lineages, God is actively working to preserve a chosen line through which His redemptive purposes will be realized. The introduction of Abram signals God's deliberate and long-term preparation for the establishment of a new covenant people, demonstrating that God's grand plans often unfold quietly through ordinary human generations before a specific, extraordinary call is issued. This verse marks a significant narrative shift, transitioning from the universal narratives to the specific, focused history of the patriarchs, signaling the beginning of God's particular dealings with a single family that would grow into a nation.

* [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "The Call of Abram and God's Promises")
* [Luke 3:34](/luke/3-34 "Genealogy of Jesus through Terah")
* [Romans 9:6-8](/romans/9-6-8 "God's Sovereign Choice in Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 11:26](/genesis/11-26 "Terah Begets Abram, Nahor, and Haran") serves as a profound reminder that God often works through specific individuals and their families, even those seemingly ordinary or overlooked, to accomplish His grand purposes. Even within what might appear to be a dry genealogical list, there is divine intentionality and purpose. This encourages us to recognize that our own lives, families, and personal histories, though not recorded in sacred Scripture, are nonetheless part of God's larger tapestry. It highlights the enduring principle that God frequently prepares for His greatest works quietly, through the ordinary course of generations, before revealing His extraordinary and transformative plans. This verse invites us to consider how God might be working in the quiet, seemingly uneventful seasons of our lives, preparing us or our families for future roles in His kingdom. It fosters a sense of awe at God's patience and long-term vision, reminding us that His timing is perfect and His plans are unfolding, even when we cannot fully perceive them.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's long-term preparation through genealogies shape your view of His work in your own life or in the world today?**
* **In what ways might God be preparing you or your family for a future purpose, even in seemingly ordinary circumstances?**
* **What does the emphasis on lineage in this verse teach us about the importance of family and generational faithfulness in God's plan?**

### FAQ
**Why is Abram listed first if he was not the firstborn?**

Answer: Biblical genealogies, particularly in Genesis, often prioritize theological or historical importance over strict birth order. While the text states Terah lived "seventy years" before begetting his sons, later passages (e.g., [Genesis 11:32](/genesis/11-32 "Terah's Death") and [Genesis 12:4](/genesis/12-4 "Abram Leaves Haran")) imply Abram was born when Terah was 130. Abram is the central figure through whom God's covenant promises would be established, making his prominence in the lineage paramount, regardless of his birth sequence among his brothers. This literary device immediately signals his future significance to the reader.

**What is the significance of Terah living "seventy years" before begetting his sons?**

Answer: The mention of "seventy years" indicates the age at which Terah began to father his children, not necessarily the specific age he was when Abram was born. This detail anchors the beginning of Terah's fatherhood within the chronological framework of the genealogy. It signifies the start of a new generation in the divinely preserved lineage, setting the stage for the birth of the individual (Abram) through whom God's redemptive plan would dramatically advance. The text then introduces the three sons as a collective, with Abram being the most significant for the subsequent narrative.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Genesis 11:26](/genesis/11-26 "Terah Begets Abram, Nahor, and Haran"), by introducing Abram, lays a foundational stone for the Messianic lineage that culminates in Jesus Christ. The promise made to Abraham—that through his "seed" all the nations of the earth would be blessed ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "God's Promise to Abram"))—finds its ultimate fulfillment not merely in a multitude of physical descendants, but supremely in Christ, who is the true "seed" of Abraham (as articulated by Paul in [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "The Promise to Abraham and His Seed")). This verse, therefore, is not merely a historical record but a vital link in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness in preserving the chosen line through which the Savior of the world would eventually come. The seemingly ordinary act of begetting sons in [Genesis 11:26](/genesis/11-26 "Terah Begets Abram, Nahor, and Haran") is thus woven into the grand tapestry of salvation history, pointing forward to the birth of Jesus, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham, who would reconcile humanity to God and fulfill all the covenant promises (as seen in the genealogies of [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "The Genealogy of Jesus through Mary")).

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

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.

1 Chronicles 1:26

Serug, Nahor, Terah,

1 Chronicles 1:27

Abram; the same [is] Abraham.

Genesis 12:4

¶ So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram [was] seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.

Genesis 12:5

And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.

Genesis 22:20

¶ And it came to pass after these things, that it was told Abraham, saying, Behold, Milcah, she hath also born children unto thy brother Nahor;

Genesis 22:24

And his concubine, whose name [was] Reumah, she bare also Tebah, and Gaham, and Thahash, and Maachah.