Genesis 11:29 - Abram and Nahor married wives. The name of Abram’s wife was Sarai, and the name of Nahor’s wife was Milcah, the daughter of Haran who was also the father of Iscah.
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What does "Genesis 11:29" mean?
Genesis 11:29 simply provides information about the marriages of Abram (later Abraham) and his brother Nahor. Let's break down the meaning:
"Abram and Nahor married wives." This states a straightforward fact: both Abram and Nahor took wives.
"The name of Abram’s wife was Sarai..." This identifies Abram's wife as Sarai (later known as Sarah). She is a crucial figure in the story of Abraham as she is the mother of Isaac, through whom God's covenant with Abraham is fulfilled.
"...and the name of Nahor’s wife was Milcah, the daughter of Haran who was also the father of Iscah." This identifies Nahor's wife as Milcah. It also tells us that Milcah was the daughter of Haran, who was also the father of Iscah. This is significant because it implies that Nahor married his niece (or a close female relative, depending on how "daughter" is interpreted). Marrying within the family was not uncommon in ancient times, especially to keep property and lineage within the clan. It also suggests that Milcah had a sister named Iscah.
Why is this verse included?
Genealogy: The verse continues the genealogy of Shem, tracing the lineage to Abram. The Hebrew Bible often uses genealogies to establish identity, importance, and to show how specific people fit into the larger narrative of God's plan.
Context: It sets the stage for the story of Abram, who is about to be called by God to leave his country and family. Knowing his family background helps us understand his origins and the cultural context from which he came.
Connections: It highlights the connections between family members. Knowing that Nahor married his niece (Milcah) helps to understand the dynamics within the family.
Foreshadowing: The fact that Sarai is identified, and that Abram and Nahor both marry, hints at the importance of these marriages in the coming narrative. Sarai's barrenness will be a major plot point, and Nahor's descendants will also play a role later in the story (e.g., Rebekah, Isaac's wife, is from Nahor's line).
In essence, Genesis 11:29 provides essential background information about Abram and Nahor's families, setting the stage for the pivotal events that are about to unfold in the life of Abram/Abraham. It also establishes the familial connections that will continue to play a role throughout the story of Genesis.
Genesis 11:29 - Abram and Nahor married wives. The name of Abram’s wife was Sarai, and the name of Nahor’s wife was Milcah, the daughter of Haran who was also the father of Iscah.
What does "Genesis 11:29" mean?
Genesis 11:29 simply provides information about the marriages of Abram (later Abraham) and his brother Nahor. Let's break down the meaning:
"Abram and Nahor married wives." This states a straightforward fact: both Abram and Nahor took wives.
"The name of Abram’s wife was Sarai..." This identifies Abram's wife as Sarai (later known as Sarah). She is a crucial figure in the story of Abraham as she is the mother of Isaac, through whom God's covenant with Abraham is fulfilled.
"...and the name of Nahor’s wife was Milcah, the daughter of Haran who was also the father of Iscah." This identifies Nahor's wife as Milcah. It also tells us that Milcah was the daughter of Haran, who was also the father of Iscah. This is significant because it implies that Nahor married his niece (or a close female relative, depending on how "daughter" is interpreted). Marrying within the family was not uncommon in ancient times, especially to keep property and lineage within the clan. It also suggests that Milcah had a sister named Iscah.
Why is this verse included?
Genealogy: The verse continues the genealogy of Shem, tracing the lineage to Abram. The Hebrew Bible often uses genealogies to establish identity, importance, and to show how specific people fit into the larger narrative of God's plan.
Context: It sets the stage for the story of Abram, who is about to be called by God to leave his country and family. Knowing his family background helps us understand his origins and the cultural context from which he came.
Connections: It highlights the connections between family members. Knowing that Nahor married his niece (Milcah) helps to understand the dynamics within the family.
Foreshadowing: The fact that Sarai is identified, and that Abram and Nahor both marry, hints at the importance of these marriages in the coming narrative. Sarai's barrenness will be a major plot point, and Nahor's descendants will also play a role later in the story (e.g., Rebekah, Isaac's wife, is from Nahor's line).
In essence, Genesis 11:29 provides essential background information about Abram and Nahor's families, setting the stage for the pivotal events that are about to unfold in the life of Abram/Abraham. It also establishes the familial connections that will continue to play a role throughout the story of Genesis.