“And Nahor lived nine and twenty years, and begat Terah.”
Context:Genesis 11 provides a genealogical account of the descendants of Shem, one of Noah’s sons, leading up to the birth of Abram (later known as Abraham). This verse is a part of that genealogy.
Nahor:Nahor was the son of Serug and the grandson of Reu. He was born after the flood and was a member of the line of Shem. Nahor’s name is significant because he later becomes the name of Abraham’s brother.
Nine and twenty years:This phrase refers to the age of Nahor when he became the father of Terah. In other words, Nahor was 29 years old when Terah was born.
Begat:The term “begat” signifies that Nahor was the father of Terah. It emphasizes the lineage and the continuation of the family line.
Significance:While this verse may seem relatively straightforward and simple, it is important within the larger context of the genealogy of Shem’s descendants. It serves to establish the lineage leading up to Abram, who plays a central role in God’s redemptive plan.
Overall, Genesis 11:24 provides a concise record of Nahor’s age and the birth of his son Terah, setting the stage for the subsequent events that unfold in the biblical narrative.
