Abram
Abram in the Bible — son of Terah (GEN 11:26). Referenced in 24 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “high father”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Scripture References
- 24 references
- Known Names
- 6 names
- Relationships
- 18 connections
Biography
Abram, a male figure known as the son of Terah (GEN 11:26), is a foundational patriarch in biblical history. While his tribal affiliation is not specified, he is recognized primarily through his familial and covenantal roles. No additional notes are provided to elaborate on his background.
Names & Titles
The name Abram means 'exalted father' and was his original proper name (GEN 11:27). God later gave him the name Abraham, meaning 'father of many' (GEN 17:5), highlighting his role as the progenitor of a great nation. He is also referred to by divine titles such as 'My servant Abraham' (GEN 26:24), 'Abraham My friend' (IS 41:8), and 'friend of God' (JAS 2:23), which emphasize his special relationship with God.
Family
Scripture records Abram as the son of Terah and husband to Sarai (GEN 11:26, GEN 11:29). He had a concubine named Hagar with whom he fathered Ishmael (GEN 16:2, GEN 16:16), and through Sarai, he fathered Isaac (GEN 17:19). Later, he married Keturah and fathered several sons including Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, and Midian (GEN 25:1-2). He also had allies named Mamre, Aner, and Eshcol (GEN 14:13), and Eliezer was his original heir (GEN 15:2). Sarai is also noted as his half-sister (GEN 20:12).
Significance
Abram, later named Abraham by God, is a central figure in the biblical narrative as the recipient of God's covenant promising numerous descendants and the establishment of a great nation. His faith and obedience in responding to God's call to leave his homeland and trust in divine promises mark him as a model believer. Through his son Isaac, the covenantal promise continued, and Abraham's legacy as the father of the Hebrew nation and an exemplar of faith remains foundational for understanding God's redemptive plan culminating in Christ.
Key Events
Names & Labels (6)
- Hebrew
- אַבְרָ֔ם
- Transliteration
- avəram
- Meaning
- exalted father
- Greek
- Αβραμ
- Reference
- GEN 11:27
- Strong's
- H87
- Hebrew
- אַבְרָהָ֔ם
- Transliteration
- avəraham
- Meaning
- father of many
- Greek
- Αβρααμ
- Reference
- GEN 17:5
- Strong's
- H85
- Hebrew
- אַבְרָהָם עַבְדִּי
- Transliteration
- avəraham avədiy
- Meaning
- Abraham [my] servant
- Greek
- [none]
- Reference
- GEN 26:24
- Strong's
- H85, H5650
- Hebrew
- אַבְרָהָם אֹהֲבִֽי
- Transliteration
- avəraham ochaviy
- Meaning
- Abraham [my] friend [literally, "my love"]
- Greek
- Αβρααμ, ὃν ἠγάπησα
- Reference
- IS 41:8
- Strong's
- H85, H157
- Hebrew
- אַבְרָהָם אָבִינוּ
- Transliteration
- avəraham aviynu
- Meaning
- Abraham our father
- Greek
- Ἀβραὰμ τὸν πατέρα
- Reference
- LUK 1:73
- Strong's
- H85, H1
- Hebrew
- אוֹהֵב אֱלֹהִים
- Transliteration
- ohev elohiym
- Meaning
- friend [of] G-d
- Greek
- φίλος θεοῦ
- Reference
- JAS 2:23
- Strong's
- none, H430
Family & Relationships (18)
son
original heir
concubinator
father
half-brother
servant
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Abram in the Bible?
Abram, a male figure known as the son of Terah (GEN 11:26), is a foundational patriarch in biblical history. While his tribal affiliation is not specified, he is recognized primarily through his familial and covenantal roles. No additional notes are provided to elaborate on his background.
What does the name Abram mean?
The name Abram means “high father” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.