Nahor

Lore & Background

The name Nahor appears in two distinct genealogical contexts. The first Nahor is a descendant of Shem, born to Serug at age thirty (Genesis 11:22), and he himself fathered Terah at age twenty-nine (Genesis 11:24). This Nahor is part of the line leading to Abraham. The second Nahor is the son of Terah and brother of Abram and Haran (Genesis 11:26-27). He married Milcah, his niece, the daughter of Haran (Genesis 11:29). Later, after Abraham's test with Isaac, it is reported that Milcah bore eight children to Nahor, including Bethuel (Genesis 22:20, 23). Bethuel became the father of Rebekah, who married Isaac (Genesis 24:15, 24, 47). Nahor is also referenced as the namesake of a city in Mesopotamia (Genesis 24:10) and as a figure in Jacob's oath (Genesis 31:53).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray Nahor as a transitional figure bridging the generations from Shem to Abraham, and then as a key relative in Abraham's family. The first Nahor is simply a link in the genealogy from Serug to Terah, with no narrative beyond his age at fatherhood and total lifespan (Genesis 11:22-25). The second Nahor is more developed: he is one of three sons of Terah (Genesis 11:26), and his marriage to Milcah is recorded (Genesis 11:29). His family becomes central to the story of Isaac's marriage, as his granddaughter Rebekah is chosen as Isaac's wife (Genesis 24:15, 24, 47). Nahor is also invoked in a covenant context when Laban is called 'the son of Nahor' (Genesis 29:5) and when Jacob and Laban swear by 'the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor' (Genesis 31:53). The city of Nahor (Genesis 24:10) suggests a settlement named after him or his lineage. The passages do not describe Nahor's own actions or words, only his genealogical and relational roles.

Did You Know?

• There are two distinct men named Nahor in Genesis: one is the son of Serug (Genesis 11:22), the other is the son of Terah (Genesis 11:26).
• Nahor, the brother of Abraham, married his niece Milcah, the daughter of his brother Haran (Genesis 11:29).
• Milcah bore eight children to Nahor, including Bethuel, who fathered Rebekah (Genesis 22:23).
• A city named Nahor existed in Mesopotamia, to which Abraham's servant traveled (Genesis 24:10).