Genesis 11:27 (KJV)

What does Genesis 11:27 mean?

Genesis 11:27 introduces the family line of Terah, listing his sons—Abram, Nahor, and Haran—and notes that Haran became the father of Lot. This verse marks the beginning of a new section in Genesis, focusing on the family from which Abram (later Abraham) comes.

The verse serves as a transition, shifting attention from the broad story of humanity after the flood to the specific family through whom the rest of Genesis will unfold. The writer is setting up the background for Abram’s story, which is central to the rest of Genesis, by naming his immediate relatives and establishing Lot’s relationship to the family.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 11:27

• The word "generations" (תּוֹלְדוֹת, toledot) means "family history" or "descendants." In Genesis, this word often signals the start of a new section focused on a particular family line.
• "Begat" (יָלַד, yalad) means "to father" or "to become the parent of." The use of this word here is a formal way to trace lineage, showing direct descent and connecting the generations.
• The names "Terah" (תֶּרַח, Terach), "Abram" (אַבְרָם, Avram), "Nahor" (נָחוֹר, Nachor), "Haran" (הָרָן, Haran), and "Lot" (לוֹט, Lot) are all given in their Hebrew forms, anchoring the story in a real family with specific individuals.

Why Genesis 11:27 matters

• Genesis 11:27 clears up the family relationships that will become important in the coming chapters, especially the connection between Abram and Lot.
• The verse marks a turning point in Genesis, moving from the general history of humanity to the specific story of Abram, who becomes a key figure in the Bible.
• By listing Terah’s sons and Lot, the verse sets up later events, such as Lot’s travels with Abram and the unfolding of God’s promises to Abram’s descendants.