Genesis 11:25 - Nahor lived one hundred nineteen years after he became the father of Terah, and became the father of more sons and daughters.

Generated Verse: Genesis 11:25

What does "Genesis 11:25" mean?


Genesis 11:25 is a simple statement about the lifespan and lineage of Nahor, a descendant of Shem in the lineage leading to Abraham. Here's a breakdown of what it means:

"Nahor lived one hundred nineteen years after he became the father of Terah..." This part tells us how long Nahor lived after his son Terah was born. It's specifying a period of time (119 years). Note that this doesn't tell us how old Nahor was when Terah was born, only how long he lived afterward.

"...and became the father of more sons and daughters." This indicates that Nahor had other children in addition to Terah. This is a common phrase in the genealogical accounts of Genesis and demonstrates the continuation of the family line.

In essence, the verse conveys:

1. Nahor lived for 119 years following Terah's birth.
2. During that time, he had other children, both sons and daughters.

Significance within the larger context:

Genealogy: The verse is part of a genealogy (a family tree) tracing the descendants of Noah's son Shem down to Abraham. These genealogies are important in Genesis for establishing the lineage of the chosen people and demonstrating God's promise to bless humanity through Abraham's line.
Longevity: The lifespans mentioned in this chapter of Genesis are extraordinarily long compared to modern lifespans. Interpretations of these long lifespans vary, ranging from literal to symbolic. Some believe they represent a time closer to creation with less corruption in the human body, while others see them as symbolic representations of the importance of these figures in the lineage.
Continuation of the Line: The mention of "more sons and daughters" emphasizes the ongoing expansion and continuation of the family line, despite the passage of time. Terah is specifically emphasized due to being the father of Abraham.

In conclusion, Genesis 11:25 is a straightforward statement of Nahor's lifespan after fathering Terah and that he had other children. It fits into the larger context of establishing the lineage leading to Abraham and showing the continuation of that family line.

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