Genesis 11:27

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Now these are the generations {H8435} of Terah {H8646}: Terah {H8646} begat {H3205} Abram {H87}, Nahor {H5152}, and Haran {H2039}; and Haran {H2039} begat {H3205} Lot {H3876}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is the genealogy of Terach. Terach fathered Avram, Nachor and Haran; and Haran fathered Lot.

Berean Standard Bible

This is the account of Terah. Terah became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran. And Haran became the father of Lot.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 11:27 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, shifting from the broad history of humanity after the dispersion at Babel to the specific lineage that would lead to Abram. This verse introduces Terah and his three sons—Abram, Nahor, and Haran—and Haran's son, Lot, thereby establishing the immediate family context from which God would call the patriarch Abram to initiate His redemptive covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the structural marker known as a *toledot* (generations account), specifically "the generations of Terah." It follows the broader genealogies of Noah's descendants, particularly the line of Shem, which has been narrowing the focus from the universal (creation, flood, nations) to the particular. The preceding narrative culminates in the [Tower of Babel incident](/genesis/11-1-9 "The Tower of Babel and the Dispersion of Humanity"), which explains the scattering of humanity and the confusion of languages. Genesis 11:27 then dramatically shifts the narrative's trajectory, setting the stage for the specific call of Abram in [Genesis 12](/genesis/12 "The Call of Abram and His Journey to Canaan"), thus narrowing the focus to the chosen family through whom God's redemptive plan would unfold.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The family of Terah resided in "Ur of the Chaldees," a highly developed Mesopotamian city-state in ancient Sumeria. Ur was a significant cultural and religious center, known for its advanced urban planning, ziggurats, and polytheistic worship, particularly of the moon god Nanna (Sin). This background highlights God's sovereign choice to call Abram out of a pagan environment, emphasizing that His covenant initiative was not based on human merit or existing religious purity but on divine election. The emphasis on lineage and "begetting" was also culturally vital, as genealogies established identity, inheritance, and social standing in ancient Near Eastern societies.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 11:27 introduces several foundational themes. It underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Election**, as God's plan is seen moving toward a specific individual (Abram) and his family, chosen from an ordinary, pagan background. It highlights the **Continuity of God's Redemptive Plan**, demonstrating how God works through successive generations and specific family lines to achieve His purposes, building from the promises to Noah towards the Abrahamic covenant. The *toledot* structure itself emphasizes the **Progression from Universal to Particular**, as the narrative narrows its focus from all humanity to a single family, through whom God intends to bless all nations, a theme explicitly articulated in [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "God's Promise to Bless All Nations Through Abram"). This verse is thus the **Foundation for the Abrahamic Covenant**, providing the essential familial context for the pivotal events that follow.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **generations (Hebrew, _tôwlᵉdâh'_):** From H8435, this term (often plural) signifies "descent," "family," or "history." It is a crucial structural marker in Genesis, appearing eleven times (e.g., [Genesis 2:4](/genesis/2-4 "The Generations of the Heavens and the Earth"), [Genesis 5:1](/genesis/5-1 "The Book of the Generations of Adam")). It denotes not merely a list of births but an account of the development, history, or lineage stemming from a particular individual or event. Here, "the generations of Terah" introduces the narrative segment focusing on Terah's descendants and the significant events that unfold through them, primarily the call of Abram.
* **begat (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** From H3205, a primitive root meaning "to bear young" or, causatively, "to beget." This verb is central to biblical genealogies, emphasizing the direct line of descent and the continuity of family. In this context, it highlights the biological and familial connection between Terah and his sons, and Haran and his son, Lot, establishing the specific lineage that will play a crucial role in the unfolding of God's covenant history.
* **Abram (Hebrew, _ʼAbrâm'_):** From H87, contracted from a phrase meaning "high father" or "exalted father." This is the original name of the patriarch who will later be renamed Abraham ("father of a multitude") by God in [Genesis 17:5](/genesis/17-5 "God Renames Abram to Abraham"). His introduction here is highly significant, as he is the chosen vessel through whom God's covenant promises will be established, leading to the formation of Israel and, ultimately, the lineage of the Messiah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now these are the generations of Terah:"** This opening clause employs the *toledot* formula, signaling a new section of the Genesis narrative. It shifts the focus to the family line of Terah, indicating that the subsequent narrative will detail the history and development of his descendants, particularly Abram, and their role in God's unfolding plan.
* **"Terah begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran;"** This clause identifies Terah as the patriarch and lists his three sons in order of their significance to the narrative: Abram, Nahor, and Haran. While Abram is the central figure, the inclusion of Nahor and Haran is vital, as their descendants (e.g., Rebekah through Nahor, Lot through Haran) will intersect with Abram's story and the broader history of Israel.
* **"and Haran begat Lot."** This final clause specifically highlights Lot, Haran's son. Haran's early death (mentioned in [Genesis 11:28](/genesis/11-28 "Haran's Death in Ur")) makes Lot an orphan, leading to his close association with Abram and his eventual role in significant events, such as the separation from Abram and the destruction of Sodom.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 11:27 primarily employs **Genealogy** as a literary device. This is a common feature throughout the book of Genesis, serving not merely as a list of names but as a divinely guided record of lineage, establishing historical continuity and tracing the line of promise. The use of the *toledot* formula acts as a **Structural Marker**, signaling a transition in the narrative's focus from general human history to the specific, divinely chosen family of Terah. Furthermore, the mention of Abram, Nahor, Haran, and Lot, along with the subsequent narrative, functions as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the future roles these individuals and their descendants will play in the unfolding drama of salvation history, particularly the pivotal role of Abram.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 11:27, though a simple genealogical entry, is profoundly significant. It underscores God's meticulous preparation and sovereign plan, demonstrating that even the greatest figures in salvation history emerge from ordinary human families and specific, often unpromising, lineages. This seemingly mundane listing is the divine preface to the call of Abram, highlighting that God's redemptive purposes are not random but unfold through specific individuals chosen by His grace, even from a polytheistic background like Ur. It establishes the foundational family unit from which the covenant people would spring, emphasizing the continuity of God's work from creation through the patriarchs, leading ultimately to the nation of Israel and the coming of the Messiah.

* [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's Call to Abram and the Abrahamic Covenant")
* [Matthew 1:1-2](/matthew/1-1-2 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")
* [Galatians 3:8](/galatians/3-8 "The Gospel Preached to Abraham")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 11:27 reminds us that God's grand plan is often revealed incrementally, starting with seemingly small details and ordinary individuals that build into a magnificent narrative of faith and promise. It encourages us to recognize God's hand in the seemingly mundane aspects of life and history, understanding that He uses specific people and circumstances to achieve His overarching redemptive purposes. Our own lives, no matter how ordinary or seemingly insignificant in the grand scheme, are part of a larger divine tapestry. Just as God chose Terah's family, including Abram, from a pagan city to begin His covenant, He can use any of us, in our unique contexts, to further His kingdom. This verse invites us to trust in God's long-term vision and His capacity to work through humble beginnings to accomplish extraordinary ends.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the seemingly ordinary nature of this genealogical entry challenge our expectations of how God works?**
* **In what ways might God be preparing you or your family for a significant role in His plan, even if it feels mundane now?**
* **How does understanding God's long-term, generational plan encourage patience and faithfulness in our own lives?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the term "generations" (*toledoth*)?**

Answer: The term *toledoth* (תּוֹלְדֹת) is a crucial structural marker in Genesis, appearing eleven times. It signifies more than just a list of births; it introduces a new section detailing the "account of," "descendants of," or "history stemming from" a particular individual or event. In [Genesis 11:27](/genesis/11-27 "The Generations of Terah"), it signals a shift to the specific narrative of Terah's lineage, which directly leads to Abram and the Abrahamic covenant, setting the stage for the rest of salvation history. This literary device emphasizes continuity and the progressive unfolding of God's plan through specific family lines.

**Why does Genesis 11:27 focus on Terah's family rather than directly on Abram?**

Answer: While Abram is indeed the central figure to come, focusing on Terah's family provides the essential background and context for Abram's call. It shows that Abram emerged from a specific, identifiable lineage, rooted in a particular cultural and religious environment (Ur of the Chaldees). This highlights God's sovereign choice to call Abram out of this background, emphasizing that God's plan unfolds through real families and historical circumstances, not in a vacuum. It also establishes the familial relationships (like Lot's) that are vital to subsequent narratives, demonstrating the interconnectedness of biblical history.

**What is the importance of Haran and Lot in this genealogy?**

Answer: Haran's inclusion is significant because his early death in Ur, before the family's migration ([Genesis 11:28](/genesis/11-28 "Haran's Death")), makes his son Lot an orphan. This circumstance directly leads to Lot accompanying Abram on his journey, creating a familial bond that plays a crucial role in later events, particularly the separation of Abram and Lot due to their growing possessions ([Genesis 13:5-12](/genesis/13-5-12 "Abram and Lot Separate")) and Lot's involvement in the destruction of Sodom ([Genesis 19:1-29](/genesis/19-1-29 "Lot and the Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah")). Thus, Haran and Lot's presence in this initial genealogy sets up key narrative developments and highlights the complexities of familial relationships within God's unfolding plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 11:27 serves as a foundational verse in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, ultimately culminating in Jesus Christ. By introducing the lineage of Terah, which directly leads to Abram, this verse initiates the specific genealogical line through which the promised Seed—the Messiah—would eventually come. God's call of Abram from this family ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's Call to Abram")) establishes the covenant through which all nations would be blessed, a promise ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who is the true descendant of Abraham and the one through whom God's blessings extend to all humanity ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "The Promise Made to Abraham's Seed")). The meticulous record of this lineage, which continues through Isaac, Jacob, and Judah, finds its ultimate purpose in the birth of Jesus, "the son of David, the son of Abraham" ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")). Thus, this seemingly simple genealogical entry is a crucial step in tracing the divine preparation for the incarnation and redemptive work of Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

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 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 11:31

And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son's son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abram's wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there.

Genesis 14:12

And they took Lot, Abram's brother's son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.

2 Peter 2:7

¶ And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:

Genesis 13:1

¶ And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south.

Genesis 13:11

Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.

Genesis 19:1

¶ And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing [them] rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;