Genesis 11:24

And Nahor liued nine and twentie yeeres, and begate Terah. Genesis 11:24 (KJV)

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). In this verse we meet Nahor, who is identified as the son of Serug and the grandson of Reu. He belongs to the line of Shem and was born after the flood, placing him firmly within the post‑deluge generations that God uses to bring forth His covenant people.

The phrase “nine and twenty years” is an ancient way of stating Nahor’s age at the birth of his son Terah; it means that Nahor was twenty‑nine years old when Terah was born. The verb “begat” simply indicates fatherhood, emphasizing the continuation of the family line. This brief statement therefore records both the age of the patriarch at a pivotal moment and the fact that the lineage proceeds without interruption.

The significance of this verse lies in its role within the larger genealogy of Shem’s descendants. By establishing that Nahor fathered Terah at a relatively young age, the text sets the stage for the subsequent generations that will culminate in Abram, the central figure of God’s redemptive plan. The name Nahor also resonates later, as Abraham’s brother bears the same name, linking the earlier ancestor to the later family narrative.

Overall, Genesis 11:24 offers a concise yet essential record of Nahor’s age and the birth of his son Terah. It anchors the genealogical chain that leads to Abram, reminding readers that every generation, even those noted in brief statements, contributes to the unfolding story of God’s covenant and purpose for humanity.