King James Version

What Does Genesis 11:29 Mean?

Genesis 11:29 in the King James Version says “And Abram and Nahor took them wives: the name of Abram's wife was Sarai; and the name of Nahor's wife, Milcah, the daugh...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Abram and Nahor took them wives: the name of Abram's wife was Sarai; and the name of Nahor's wife, Milcah, the daughter of Haran, the father of Milcah, and the father of Iscah.”

Genesis 11:29 · KJV

Context

27

Now these are the generations of Terah: Terah begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran begat Lot.

28

And Haran died before his father Terah in the land of his nativity, in Ur of the Chaldees.

29

And Abram and Nahor took them wives: the name of Abram's wife was Sarai; and the name of Nahor's wife, Milcah, the daughter of Haran, the father of Milcah, and the father of Iscah.

30

But Sarai was barren; she had no child.

31

And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son's son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abram's wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there.

Read Genesis 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Abram and Nahor took them wives: the name of Abram's wife was Sarai; and the name of Nahor's wif... This passage belongs to the primeval history section (Genesis 1-11) which establishes universal truths about God, humanity, sin, and divine purposes before focusing on Abraham and Israel. These chapters answer fundamental questions about human origins, the spread of wickedness, God's judgment, and the preservation of a righteous remnant.

Recurring patterns emerge: human sin escalating from individual disobedience to societal corruption, divine patience followed by judgment, gracious preservation of a remnant, and covenant promises ensuring redemptive purposes continue. The genealogies connect historical persons, demonstrate the fulfillment of divine promises (blessing and multiplication), and trace the line leading to Abraham and ultimately Christ.

Key theological themes in this section include: (1) sin's destructive progression affecting all humanity; (2) God's righteous judgment while preserving mercy; (3) human pride and autonomy opposing divine sovereignty; (4) cultural development as both blessing and potential idolatry; (5) God's sovereign plan advancing despite human rebellion. These narratives provide the necessary context for understanding God's calling of Abraham and the covenant promises through which all nations will be blessed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The primeval history (Genesis 1-11) parallels ancient Near Eastern traditions including Sumerian King Lists (pre-flood longevity), Akkadian flood traditions (Atrahasis, Gilgamesh), and Mesopotamian city foundation myths. However, Genesis demythologizes these traditions, presenting monotheistic history rather than polytheistic mythology. The genealogies connecting Adam to Noah to Abraham provide historical framework absent in pagan myths.

Archaeological evidence confirms ancient urbanization (chapter 4's cities), agricultural development, metallurgy, and musical instruments emerging in Mesopotamia's early history. The Babel account reflects Mesopotamian ziggurat construction (stepped pyramid temples), particularly in Babylon. Linguistic diversity requiring explanation was obvious to ancient peoples, making the Babel narrative culturally relevant.

For Israel in covenant with Yahweh, these chapters explained their relationship to surrounding nations. All peoples descended from Noah, but Israel descended from Shem through Abraham—chosen for blessing all nations. The flood demonstrated God's justice and mercy: judging wickedness while preserving the righteous. This pattern would recur throughout Israel's history, assuring them that God's covenant faithfulness endures despite judgment on the wicked.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיִּקַּ֨ח1 of 19

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אַבְרָם֙2 of 19

“And Abram”

H87

abram, the original name of abraham

נָחוֹר֙3 of 19

“and Nahor”

H5152

nachor, the name of the grandfather and a brother of abraham

לָהֶ֖ם4 of 19
H0
אֵֽשֶׁת5 of 19

“them wives”

H802

a woman

וְשֵׁ֤ם6 of 19

“and the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

אֵֽשֶׁת7 of 19

“them wives”

H802

a woman

אַבְרָם֙8 of 19

“And Abram”

H87

abram, the original name of abraham

שָׂרָ֔י9 of 19

“was Sarai”

H8297

sarai, the wife of abraham

וְשֵׁ֤ם10 of 19

“and the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

אֵֽשֶׁת11 of 19

“them wives”

H802

a woman

נָחוֹר֙12 of 19

“and Nahor”

H5152

nachor, the name of the grandfather and a brother of abraham

מִלְכָּ֖ה13 of 19

“Milcah”

H4435

milcah, the name of a hebrewess and of an israelite

בַּת14 of 19

“the daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

הָרָ֥ן15 of 19

“of Haran”

H2039

haran, the name of two men

וַֽאֲבִ֥י16 of 19

“and the father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

מִלְכָּ֖ה17 of 19

“Milcah”

H4435

milcah, the name of a hebrewess and of an israelite

וַֽאֲבִ֥י18 of 19

“and the father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

יִסְכָּֽה׃19 of 19

“of Iscah”

H3252

jiskah, sister of lot

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 11:29 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 11:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 17:15Genesis 22:20Genesis 20:12Genesis 24:15

Test Your Knowledge

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