Nahor: Grandfather of Abraham
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Nahor is a significant figure in the genealogical records of the Bible, known primarily as the grandfather of the patriarch Abraham. His account is found within the context of the genealogies that trace the lineage from Noah to Abraham, highlighting the divine plan and covenantal promises that unfold through Abraham's descendants.

Genealogy and Family Background

Nahor is introduced in the genealogical account in the Book of Genesis. He is the son of Serug, as recorded in Genesis 11:22-25 : "When Serug was 30 years old, he became the father of Nahor. And after he had become the father of Nahor, Serug lived 200 years and had other sons and daughters." Nahor's lifespan is noted as 148 years, indicating his death at a relatively advanced age for the post-Flood generations.

Nahor's own family is briefly mentioned in the biblical text. He became the father of Terah, who is a more prominent figure due to his role as the father of Abraham, Nahor (the younger), and Haran. Genesis 11:24-25 states: "When Nahor was 29 years old, he became the father of Terah. And after he had become the father of Terah, Nahor lived 119 years and had other sons and daughters."

Cultural and Historical Context

Nahor lived during a time of significant transition in the biblical narrative, as humanity began to spread out and establish various cultures and civilizations following the dispersion at Babel. The genealogies in Genesis 11 serve to bridge the gap between the antediluvian world and the patriarchal narratives, emphasizing the continuity of God's plan through specific family lines.

The mention of Nahor and his descendants underscores the importance of family and lineage in the biblical worldview. The genealogical records are not merely historical accounts but are imbued with theological significance, pointing to the unfolding of God's redemptive purposes through chosen individuals and families.

Theological Significance

Nahor's place in the genealogy leading to Abraham highlights the providential guidance of God in history. Through Nahor's line, God would eventually call Abraham, establishing a covenant with him that would have far-reaching implications for the nation of Israel and, ultimately, for all nations. The promise to Abraham, as articulated in Genesis 12:1-3, is foundational to the biblical narrative and is rooted in the genealogical line that includes Nahor.

While Nahor himself does not play a prominent role in the biblical accounts, his inclusion in the genealogical records serves as a reminder of the faithfulness of God in preserving a lineage through which He would bring about His promises. The genealogies affirm the continuity of God's covenantal faithfulness from generation to generation, culminating in the calling of Abraham and the establishment of a people set apart for God's purposes.

Conclusion

Nahor, as the grandfather of Abraham, occupies a crucial position in the biblical genealogies. His life and lineage are integral to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, demonstrating the importance of family and heritage in the biblical narrative. Through Nahor's descendants, particularly Abraham, God would initiate a covenant that would shape the course of salvation history.
Nave's Topical Index
Genesis 11:22-26
And Serug lived thirty years, and begat Nahor:
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 1:26
Serug, Nahor, Terah,
Nave's Topical Index

Greek
3493. Nachor -- Nahor, the grandfather of Abraham
... Nahor, the grandfather of Abraham. Part of Speech: Proper Noun, Indeclinable
Transliteration: Nachor Phonetic Spelling: (nakh-ore') Short Definition: Nahor ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3493.htm - 6k
Strong's Hebrew
5152. Nachor -- grandfather of Abraham, also the brother of ...
... Nahor. From the same as nachar; snorer; Nochor, the name of the grandfather and
a brother of Abraham -- Nahor. see HEBREW nachar. 5151, 5152. Nachor. 5153 ...
/hebrew/5152.htm - 6k
Library

How Isaac Took Rebeka to Wife.
... himself to her, "Abraham is the son of Terah, and a kinsman of yours; for Nahor,
the grandfather of these children, was the brother of Abraham, by both father ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 16 how isaac took.htm

Concerning Jacob's Flight into Mesopotamia, by Reason of the Fear ...
... Of the last of whom [Nahor] Bethuel thy grandfather was the son. Isaac my father
was the son of Abraham and of Sarah, who was the daughter of Haran. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 19 concerning jacobs flight.htm

Chapter xxix
... whom he here calls, "the son of Nahor" rather then Bethuel's son, naming the
grandfather, as, no ... coming, so different from that of Abraham's servant who ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxix.htm

Chapter xxiv
... son of Milcah, am I, whom she bore to Nahor. ... after all prove to be unrelated to Abraham,
he adds ... mentions her father, her father's mother and her grandfather. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxiv.htm

The Old Testament and Comparative Religion
... set out for the dwelling place of his great-grandfather, Ut-napishtim ... beyond the
River, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nahor; and they ...
/.../eiselen/the christian view of the old testament/chapter v the old testament.htm

Resources
Who was Terah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Rebekah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who are the Hebrews? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Nahor

Nahor: Brother of Abraham

Nahor: Brother of Abraham: Marriage and Descendants of

Nahor: Grandfather of Abraham

Nahor: Grandfather of Abraham in the Lineage of Christ

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Related Terms

Nahor's (4 Occurrences)

Terah (12 Occurrences)

Milcah (10 Occurrences)

Bethuel (10 Occurrences)

Begot (119 Occurrences)

Uz (8 Occurrences)

Begetteth (52 Occurrences)

Rebekah (31 Occurrences)

Haran (19 Occurrences)

Bethu'el (10 Occurrences)

Serug (6 Occurrences)

Laban (52 Occurrences)

Iscah (1 Occurrence)

Abram (48 Occurrences)

Aram (130 Occurrences)

Begat (112 Occurrences)

Daughter (320 Occurrences)

Begotten (77 Occurrences)

Rebecca (28 Occurrences)

Begetting (20 Occurrences)

Buz (3 Occurrences)

Chesed (1 Occurrence)

Abram's (8 Occurrences)

Borne (172 Occurrences)

Sar'ai (12 Occurrences)

Hazo (1 Occurrence)

Abraham (2539 Occurrences)

Daughters (246 Occurrences)

Wives (159 Occurrences)

Abraham's (34 Occurrences)

Bore (221 Occurrences)

Sarai (13 Occurrences)

Bare (250 Occurrences)

Married (152 Occurrences)

Lot (145 Occurrences)

Genealogy (29 Occurrences)

Nations (683 Occurrences)

119 (1 Occurrence)

70 (3 Occurrences)

200 (6 Occurrences)

29 (2 Occurrences)

30 (5 Occurrences)

Variety (1 Occurrence)

Kemuel (3 Occurrences)

Nahom (1 Occurrence)

Nine (55 Occurrences)

Nachor (2 Occurrences)

Nineteen (3 Occurrences)

Naharaim (5 Occurrences)

Nahrai (1 Occurrence)

Ornaments (50 Occurrences)

Jidlaph (1 Occurrence)

Jar (45 Occurrences)

Grandson (14 Occurrences)

Galeed (2 Occurrences)

Generations (148 Occurrences)

Gaham (1 Occurrence)

Wrists (5 Occurrences)

Water-vessel (14 Occurrences)

Thahash (1 Occurrence)

Tebah (2 Occurrences)

Tahash (1 Occurrence)

Twenty-nine (8 Occurrences)

Twenty (282 Occurrences)

Reumah (1 Occurrence)

Riseth (165 Occurrences)

Records (50 Occurrences)

Ear-ring (6 Occurrences)

Euphra'tes (33 Occurrences)

Earring (7 Occurrences)

Maachah (19 Occurrences)

Maacah (30 Occurrences)

Mesopotamia (8 Occurrences)

Mesopota'mia (7 Occurrences)

Pitcher (16 Occurrences)

Betwixt (16 Occurrences)

Bracelets (10 Occurrences)

Nahor: Brother of Abraham: Marriage and Descendants of
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