from the same as נַחַר; snorer; Nochor, the name of the grandfather and a brother of Abraham; Nahor.
Transliteration:Nâchôwr
Pronunciation:naw-khore'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma נָחוֹר (Nâchôwr), Strong's H5152, is a proper noun derived from the same root as נַחַר (nachar), which carries the meaning "snorer" or "to snort." While this etymological root might suggest a characteristic, its primary function as a proper name means its semantic range is defined by the individuals it identifies within the biblical narrative. As a name, its significance lies less in its etymological origin and more in the identity and role of the persons bearing it within the sacred history of God's people.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Nâchôwr (Nahor) appears in the Old Testament referring to two distinct individuals, both integral to the patriarchal narratives:
1. **Nahor, Grandfather of Abraham:** This Nahor is listed in the genealogies of Genesis as the son of Serug and father of Terah, thus making him Abraham's paternal grandfather. He is mentioned in [[Genesis 11:22]] and [[Genesis 11:23]] as part of the lineage from Shem to Abraham, underscoring his place in the pre-covenant history of the chosen family. His lifespan, like others in this genealogy, is recorded, contributing to the chronological framework of early biblical history.
2. **Nahor, Brother of Abraham:** This Nahor is the son of Terah and brother to Abram (Abraham) and Haran. His introduction in [[Genesis 11:26]] marks him as a contemporary and close relative of Abraham. Key occurrences and details related to him include:
* His marriage to Milcah, the daughter of his deceased brother Haran ([[Genesis 11:29]]), highlighting the intermarriage within the family unit.
* His significant progeny, detailed in [[Genesis 22:20-24]], which includes Bethuel, the father of Rebekah, and Laban. This lineage is crucial as it directly connects Nahor's family to the narrative of Isaac's marriage to Rebekah ([[Genesis 24:10]], [[Genesis 24:15]], [[Genesis 24:24]], [[Genesis 24:47]]). The "city of Nahor" mentioned in [[Genesis 24:10]] refers to Haran or a nearby location in Paddan-Aram, where Nahor's descendants settled.
* Laban is identified as a "son of Nahor" in [[Genesis 29:5]], which, while technically meaning "descendant" (Laban was Nahor's grandson through Bethuel), emphasizes the prominence of Nahor as the family patriarch in that region.
* Significantly, [[Joshua 24:2]] states that Terah, "the father of Abraham and Nahor," lived "beyond the River" and "served other gods." This detail situates Nahor within a family background that practiced idolatry prior to Abraham's divine call and the establishment of the covenant.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root noun נַחַר (nachar), from which Nâchôwr is derived, meaning "snorer" or "snorting." While etymologically connected, this meaning does not appear to carry direct theological weight for the proper name itself.
Conceptually, Nahor is inextricably linked to the patriarchal narratives and the broader themes of:
* **Genealogy and Lineage:** His presence in the biblical genealogies emphasizes the divine preservation of a specific family line through which God's promises would be fulfilled.
* **Family Structure and Customs:** The marriage patterns within Terah's family, including Nahor's marriage to his niece, provide insight into ancient Near Eastern kinship and marital practices.
* **Idolatry vs. Monotheism:** The mention of Terah and Nahor serving "other gods" in [[Joshua 24:2]] provides a stark contrast to Abraham's radical call to worship the one true God, underscoring the nature of God's sovereign choice and grace.
* **Divine Providence:** Nahor's descendants, particularly Rebekah, play a pivotal role in the unfolding of God's covenant plan for Abraham's seed, demonstrating God's ability to work through diverse family lines.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Nahor lies primarily in his role as a connecting figure within the foundational narratives of Israel.
First, his inclusion in the genealogies underscores the meticulous nature of divine providence in tracing the lineage leading to Abraham, through whom all nations would be blessed. Even before Abraham's specific call, God was at work within the broader human family, preparing the ground for His covenant.
Second, the explicit mention in [[Joshua 24:2]] that Nahor's family served "other gods" provides a crucial theological backdrop. It highlights the radical nature of God's call to Abraham, demonstrating that Abraham was chosen not because of inherent righteousness or a pre-existing commitment to Yahweh, but by divine grace from an idolatrous context. This emphasizes God's sovereign freedom in election and the transformative power of His covenant.
Finally, the continuation of Nahor's line and its eventual intermarriage with Abraham's (through Isaac and Rebekah) illustrates God's intricate weaving of human relationships into His divine plan. Even families outside the immediate covenant line (yet still related by blood) were providentially used to fulfill God's purposes, showing the expansive reach of His sovereignty and His ability to bring about His will through various means.
### Summary
Nâchôwr (H5152) refers to two distinct individuals in the book of Genesis: Abraham's grandfather and his brother. While the etymological root suggests "snorer," the name's significance is found in its role as a proper noun within the patriarchal narratives. Both Nahors are crucial to the unfolding of God's plan: the grandfather as part of the direct lineage to Abraham, and the brother as the progenitor of a related family line that would providentially intersect with Abraham's descendants, notably through Rebekah's marriage to Isaac. The mention of Nahor's family serving "other gods" in [[Joshua 24:2]] provides a stark contrast to Abraham's call, underscoring the grace and sovereignty of God in choosing and establishing His covenant people from an idolatrous background. Nahor's presence in the biblical record thus illuminates themes of divine lineage, providential connections, and the transformative power of God's election.
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