נָחוֹר (na.chor)

na.chor

Nahor

H5152 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 17 verses

N:N-M-P

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 17 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Nahor refers to two distinct figures in the patriarchal narratives: an ancestor of Abraham and his nephew. As the son of Serug and father of Terah, he appears in the genealogies that trace the lineage from Shem to Abram (Genesis 11:22-24). The same name is later given to the son of Terah, making him the brother of Abraham and Haran, and the husband of Milcah. This dual usage reflects a common ancient practice of naming children after respected elders to maintain family continuity.

Lexical sources suggest the name derives from a root meaning "snorting," likely referring to the sound of a horse or ox. While this etymology might seem unusual for a personal name, it connects the patriarchs to the pastoral and agricultural life of their time. The name appears seventeen times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the genealogical records of Genesis, Joshua, and 1 Chronicles, anchoring the historical identity of Abraham’s family line.

The presence of two Nahors in the biblical text highlights the importance of lineage and memory in Israelite tradition. By sharing a name, the grandfather and grandson create a link between the early patriarchs and the generation that would establish the covenant people. The sources emphasize his role as Terah’s father in one context and Abraham’s brother in another, showing how the same identifier serves different narrative purposes within the broader story of salvation history.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Nahor appears in two distinct roles within the biblical narrative, serving as a bridge between generations. In Genesis 11, he is the son of Serug and father of Terah, anchoring the lineage that leads to Abraham. Later, the same name belongs to Terah’s son, making him Abraham’s brother and the husband of Milcah. This repetition reflects an ancient cultural practice of honoring family continuity by passing names down through the generations.

For the reader today, these references highlight how God works through ordinary family structures. The story of Rebekah coming from Nahor’s household in Genesis 24 shows that divine provision often arrives through established community ties rather than isolation. By tracing this lineage, Scripture reminds us that our spiritual heritage is rooted in real historical relationships.

Understanding the context of these names helps ground our faith in history. The presence of Nahor in genealogies and narrative accounts alike underscores the importance of memory and identity in Israelite tradition. We are invited to see ourselves as part of a larger story, connected to ancestors who walked with God in their own time.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 17 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Nahor14×
to/ Nahor3×
and/ Nahor1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

נָח֖וֹר5×
נָחוֹר֙2×
נָחֽוֹר\׃2×
נָח֔וֹר2×
נָח֑וֹר2×
נָח֗וֹר1×
לְ/נָחֽוֹר\׃1×
לְ/נָח֥וֹר1×
לְ/נָח֖וֹר1×
וְ/נָח֛וֹר1×

Key Verses

Genesis 11:24
Nahor lived twenty-nine years, and became the father of Terah.

This verse establishes Nahor as the father of Terah, placing him directly in the line from Shem to Abram.
Genesis 11:26
Terah lived seventy years, and became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran.

Here Nahor is identified as Abraham’s brother, clarifying his role in the next generation of the patriarchal family.
Genesis 24:15
Before he had finished speaking, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, with her pitcher on her shoulder.

Rebekah is introduced here as the daughter of Bethuel, son of Milcah and Nahor, linking the name to the finding of a wife for Isaac's son.
Genesis 31:53
The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.” Then Jacob swore by the fear of his father, Isaac.

Jacob invokes 'the God of Nahor' alongside Abraham and Isaac, showing how family patriarchs were remembered in covenantal oaths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Nahor mean?

Lexical sources suggest the name derives from a root meaning 'snorting,' likely referring to the sound of a horse or ox. This etymology connects the patriarchs to the pastoral and agricultural life of their time, reflecting the practical realities of their daily existence.

Why does the Bible mention two different people named Nahor?

The name appears for both Abraham's grandfather (son of Serug) and his brother (son of Terah). This dual usage reflects a common ancient practice of naming children after respected elders to maintain family continuity and honor ancestral memory.

How is Nahor related to Rebekah?

Nahor, Abraham's brother, was the grandfather of Rebekah. His son Bethuel was Rebekah's father, and his wife Milcah was her mother. This relationship is crucial in Genesis 24 when Abraham's servant seeks a wife for Isaac.

Where else does Nahor appear in the Bible?

Beyond Genesis, the name appears in Joshua 24:2 and 1 Chronicles 1:26. These references serve to recall the ancestral history of Israel, reminding readers of the origins of Abraham's family line beyond the immediate narrative of the patriarchs.

Every Occurrence (17 verses across 3 books)

Genesis 15 verses

Genesis 11:22

Serug lived thirty years, and became the father of Nahor.

Genesis 11:23

Serug lived two hundred years after he became the father of Nahor, and became the father of more sons and daughters.

Genesis 11:24

Nahor lived twenty-nine years, and became the father of Terah.

Genesis 11:25

Nahor lived one hundred nineteen years after he became the father of Terah, and became the father of more sons and…

Genesis 11:26

Terah lived seventy years, and became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran.

Genesis 11:27

Now this is the history of the generations of Terah. Terah became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran. Haran became…

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…

Genesis 22:20

After these things, Abraham was told, “Behold, Milcah, she also has borne children to your brother Nahor:

Genesis 22:23

Bethuel became the father of Rebekah. These eight Milcah bore to Nahor, Abraham’s brother.

Genesis 24:10

The servant took ten of his master’s camels, and departed, having a variety of good things of his master’s with him. He…

Genesis 24:15

Before he had finished speaking, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of…

Genesis 24:24

She said to him, “I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, whom she bore to Nahor.”

Genesis 24:47

I asked her, and said, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ She said, ‘The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor’s son, whom Milcah bore to…

Genesis 29:5

He said to them, “Do you know Laban, the son of Nahor?” They said, “We know him.”

Genesis 31:53

The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.” Then Jacob swore by the fear of…

Joshua 1 verse

I Chronicles 1 verse