Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of Genesis - Chapter 11 - Verse 27

11:27
Now these are the generations of Terah: Terah begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran begat Lot.

Meaning

Genesis 11:27 begins with the genealogy of Terah, who is the father of Abram (later known as Abraham), Nahor, and Haran. The verse highlights the generations of Terah, emphasizing his lineage and descendants. It mentions that Haran, one of Terah's sons, had a son named Lot. This particular verse sets the stage for the future narrative involving Abraham and Lot, who will play significant roles in the biblical stories to come. Understanding the lineage of these prominent figures helps to provide context for their actions and relationships throughout the scriptures. By tracing their ancestry back to Terah, the verse establishes a foundation for the unfolding narrative of God’s promises and the covenant with Abraham, which will be central themes in the following chapters of Genesis.

Theological Overview

At first glance, this verse from Genesis may seem like just a simple list of names in a genealogy. However, from a theological perspective, it holds significance in tracing the lineage of Abram, who later becomes known as Abraham, one of the most important figures in the Bible. The mention of Terah, Abram's father, and his other sons, Nahor and Haran, sets the stage for the following narratives that detail the journey of Abram as he becomes the father of the Israelite nation. Moreover, the mention of Haran begetting Lot foreshadows the role that Lot plays in Abram's life, as his nephew and eventual companion. A deeper word study of the names in this verse can also reveal interesting insights. For example, "Abram" means "exalted father," while "Haran" means "parched" or "mountaineer," possibly hinting at the difficult path ahead for Abram and his family. Overall, this seemingly straightforward verse lays the foundation for the unfolding of God's plan through the generations to come.

American Standard Version

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