King James Version

What Does Genesis 11:31 Mean?

Genesis 11:31 in the King James Version says “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 wif... — study this verse from Genesis chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Genesis 11:31 · KJV


Context

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.

32

And the days of Terah were two hundred and five years: and Terah died in Haran.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son's son, and Sarai his daughter in law,... 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. How does this verse deepen our understanding of God's character and His relationship with creation?
  2. How does this passage challenge modern cultural assumptions about identity, purpose, or morality?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 29 words
וַיִּקַּ֨ח1 of 29

took

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

תֶּ֜רַח2 of 29

And Terah

H8646

terach, the father of abraham; also a place in the desert

אֶת3 of 29
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אַבְרָ֣ם4 of 29

Abram

H87

abram, the original name of abraham

בְּנ֑וֹ5 of 29

his son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וְאֶת6 of 29
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

ל֤וֹט7 of 29

and Lot

H3876

lot, abraham's nephew

בְּנ֑וֹ8 of 29

his son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

הָרָן֙9 of 29

of Haran

H2039

haran, the name of two men

בְּנ֑וֹ10 of 29

his son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בְּנ֑וֹ11 of 29

his son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וְאֵת֙12 of 29
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שָׂרַ֣י13 of 29

and Sarai

H8297

sarai, the wife of abraham

כַּלָּת֔וֹ14 of 29

his daughter in law

H3618

a bride (as if perfect); hence, a son's wife

אֵ֖שֶׁת15 of 29

wife

H802

a woman

אַבְרָ֣ם16 of 29

Abram

H87

abram, the original name of abraham

בְּנ֑וֹ17 of 29

his son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וַיֵּֽצְא֨וּ18 of 29

and they went forth

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אִתָּ֜ם19 of 29
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

מֵא֣וּר20 of 29

with them from Ur

H218

ur, a place in chaldaea

כַּשְׂדִּ֗ים21 of 29

of the Chaldees

H3778

a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people

לָלֶ֙כֶת֙22 of 29
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אַ֣רְצָה23 of 29

into the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

כְּנַ֔עַן24 of 29

of Canaan

H3667

kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him

וַיָּבֹ֥אוּ25 of 29

and they came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

עַד26 of 29
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

חָרָ֖ן27 of 29

unto Haran

H2771

charan, the name of a man

וַיֵּ֥שְׁבוּ28 of 29

and dwelt

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

שָֽׁם׃29 of 29
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence


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 11:31 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 11:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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