תֶּ֫רַח (te.rach)
te.rach
Terah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Terah, derived from a root meaning "station" or "delay," identifies the father of Abraham and the grandfather of Isaac. In Genesis 11:24, he is introduced as the son of Nahor, establishing his place in the patriarchal lineage that leads to Israel’s founding families. The text notes him as the progenitor of Abram, Nahor, and Haran, anchoring the narrative of faith within a specific historical family structure.
While Genesis focuses on his role as the father who led his household toward Canaan, Terah also appears in other biblical books as a reference point for lineage. In Numbers 32:39 and Joshua 24:2, his name is cited to trace the origins of certain tribal territories or to remind listeners of the ancestral roots of the people. These references treat him not as an active character, but as a fixed marker in the genealogical record.
Interestingly, some sources connect the meaning of his name to a "station" in the wilderness, linking him to the broader journey of Israel. This dual association—both as a patriarchal ancestor and a geographical marker—highlights how names in Scripture often carry weight beyond simple identification, pointing to movement, heritage, and divine purpose.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Terah appears in Scripture as a link in the chain of ancestry that leads to Abraham. While he is not always the central figure in every story, his presence reminds us that God’s plans unfold through real families and generations. In Genesis 11:31, we see him taking his son Abram and his family toward Canaan, showing that faith often begins with a step of obedience, even when the destination is unclear.
His journey stops in Haran, yet this pause does not erase his role in God’s larger narrative. By including his name in genealogies and historical records, the Bible shows that every ancestor matters. We are part of a long line of believers who trusted God, and their stories encourage us to keep walking forward in faith.
When we read about Terah, we are reminded that God uses ordinary people to build His kingdom. Whether we are moving toward a new place or resting in a current one, our steps can still be part of a divine purpose. This hope invites us to trust that God is writing a story greater than our own.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Terah11×
- from/ Tarah1×
- at/ Tarah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תָּֽרַח\׃2×
- תֶּ֔רַח2×
- תֶּ֣רַח1×
- תֶּ֜רַח1×
- תֶּ֛רַח1×
- תֶּ֚רַח1×
- תֶּ֖רַח1×
- תֶ֖רַח1×
- תֶ֔רַח1×
- מִ/תָּ֑רַח1×
- בְּ/תָֽרַח\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 11:31
Terah took Abram his son, Lot the son of Haran, his son’s son, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, his son Abram’s wife. They went from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan. They came to Haran and lived there.
This verse highlights Terah's active role in leading his family toward Canaan, marking the beginning of their journey.
-
Joshua 24:2
Joshua said to all the people, “Yahweh, the God of Israel, says, ‘Your fathers lived of old time beyond the River, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nahor. They served other gods.
Joshua uses Terah to remind Israel of their ancestral roots and the need to serve Yahweh alone.
-
Genesis 11:32
The days of Terah were two hundred five years. Terah died in Haran.
This verse records the end of Terah's life in Haran, anchoring his story in a specific historical moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Terah in the Bible?
Why is Terah important to the story of Abraham?
Where does Terah appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (11 verses across 4 books)
Genesis 7 verses
Nahor lived twenty-nine years, and became the father of Terah.
Genesis 11:25Nahor lived one hundred nineteen years after he became the father of Terah, and became the father of more sons and…
Genesis 11:26Terah lived seventy years, and became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran.
Genesis 11:27Now this is the history of the generations of Terah. Terah became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran. Haran became…
Genesis 11:28Haran died in the land of his birth, in Ur of the Chaldees, while his father Terah was still alive.
Genesis 11:31Terah took Abram his son, Lot the son of Haran, his son’s son, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, his son Abram’s wife.…
Genesis 11:32The days of Terah were two hundred five years. Terah died in Haran.