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
[Genesis 11:26](/genesis/11-26 "Terah Begets Abram, Nahor, and Haran") marks a pivotal genealogical transition, bridging the post-Flood world to the emergence of the patriarchs. This concise verse introduces Terah and his three sons—Abram, Nahor, and Haran—thereby setting the immediate stage for the detailed narrative of Abram, who would later become Abraham, the father of many nations and the recipient of God's foundational covenant.

### CONTEXT
This verse is embedded within the extensive [genealogical record](/genesis/11-10 "Shem's Descendants") 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 scattering of peoples at the [Tower of Babel](/genesis/11-9 "The Tower of Babel"). In ancient Near Eastern cultures, genealogies were far more than mere lists; they served to establish legitimacy, secure inheritance, and underscore the continuity of a family line. Here, the narrative's focus dramatically narrows, meticulously preparing the reader for the profound account of God's covenantal relationship with Abram.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 11:26](/genesis/11-26 "Terah Begets Abram, Nahor, and Haran") succinctly states that "Terah lived seventy years, and begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran." While seemingly a simple record of birth, this verse is strategically placed, signaling a critical shift in the biblical narrative from universal history to the specific history of a chosen family. The mention of Terah's age at the time of his first son's birth, though not explicitly stated as Abram, highlights the chronological progression leading to the patriarchal era.

* **Terah's Age and Sons:** The text states Terah lived seventy years before "begat" his sons. This does not necessarily mean Abram was the firstborn. Later in Genesis, we learn that Haran died before Terah left Ur, and Abram was 75 when he departed Haran after Terah's death at 205 (compare [Genesis 11:32](/genesis/11-32 "Terah's Death") and [Genesis 12:4](/genesis/12-4 "Abram Leaves Haran")). This implies Terah was 130 when Abram was born (205 - 75 = 130). Biblical genealogies often list individuals by prominence rather than strict birth order, placing the most significant figure (Abram) first.
* **The Significance of Abram:** The true import of this verse lies in the naming of Abram. Though a brief mention, his introduction here is foundational. His life story will dominate the subsequent chapters of Genesis, serving as the linchpin for understanding the Abrahamic covenant, the origins of the nation of Israel, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
* **Narrative Progression:** This verse directly precedes the crucial narrative of Terah's family journey from Ur of the Chaldees towards the land of Canaan, eventually settling in Haran ([Genesis 11:31](/genesis/11-31 "Terah's Journey")). It meticulously sets the stage for God's momentous call to Abram, commanding him to leave his country and kindred for a promised land ([Genesis 12:1](/genesis/12-1 "The Call of Abram")). Abram's transformation into Abraham and the promise of numerous descendants ([Genesis 17:5-6](/genesis/17-5 "Abram's Name Change and Promises")) are direct outgrowths of the lineage established in this verse, powerfully demonstrating God's sovereign hand in human history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Sovereignty in Lineage:** Even in seemingly mundane genealogical records, God's meticulous hand is evident. This verse underscores His sovereign control over human history, carefully preserving a chosen lineage through which His redemptive purposes would be realized.
* **Preparation for Covenant:** The introduction of Abram signals God's deliberate and long-term preparation for the establishment of a new covenant people. It highlights that God's grand plans often unfold through ordinary human generations before a specific, extraordinary call is issued.
* **Transition to Patriarchal History:** This verse marks a significant narrative shift from the universal narratives (creation, the flood, Babel) to the specific, focused history of the patriarchs. It signals the beginning of God's particular dealings with a single family that would grow into a nation, Israel.
* **Faithfulness Amidst Human Frailty:** The continuity of the lineage, despite the challenges and sinfulness of humanity (as seen in the preceding chapters), subtly testifies to God's unwavering faithfulness to His overarching plan of redemption.

### 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 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.

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

Answer: Biblical genealogies, particularly in Genesis, often list individuals by their theological or historical importance rather than strict birth order. 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.

**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. The Bible later clarifies that Abram was born when Terah was 130 years old, as Abram was 75 when he left Haran after Terah's death at 205 ([Genesis 11:32](/genesis/11-32 "Terah's Death"); [Genesis 12:4](/genesis/12-4 "Abram Leaves Haran")). The initial "seventy years" serves to anchor the beginning of Terah's fatherhood within the chronological framework of the genealogy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Genesis 11:26](/genesis/11-26 "Terah Begets Abram, Nahor, and Haran"), by introducing Abram, lays the 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 in Christ, who is the true "seed" of Abraham (Galatians 3:16). This verse, therefore, is not merely a historical record but a vital link in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, demonstrating His faithfulness in preserving the chosen line through which the Savior of the world would eventually come, thereby fulfilling all the covenant promises.

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.