10 Interesting Facts About Terah in the Bible

Terah may not be the most well-known figure in the Bible, but his life played a key role in the story of God's promise to Abraham. Terah was Abraham’s father and part of a turning point in biblical history. Let's take a closer look at 10 interesting facts about Terah found in Scripture.

1. Terah Was the Father of Abraham

Terah’s most famous son is Abram, who was later named Abraham. Terah was also the father of Nahor and Haran.

Genesis 11:26 (KJV)
"And Terah lived seventy years, and begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran."

2. He Lived in Ur of the Chaldees

Terah lived in Ur, a major city in Mesopotamia known for its culture and idol worship. Ur was a center of moon god worship, which gives insight into the spiritual climate of Terah's life.

Genesis 11:28 (KJV)
"And Haran died before his father Terah in the land of his nativity, in Ur of the Chaldees."

3. Terah’s Family Worshiped Other gods

Joshua reveals that Terah was not a worshiper of the one true God. He followed other gods, like many in his culture.

Joshua 24:2 (KJV)
"Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods."

4. Terah Started the Journey to Canaan

Although it was Abraham who later fulfilled God’s command to go to Canaan, Terah actually started the journey but stopped partway.

Genesis 11:31 (KJV)
"And Terah took Abram his son... 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."

5. Terah Settled in Haran

Terah never made it to Canaan. He stopped in Haran, a city named after his deceased son, and stayed there until his death.

Genesis 11:32 (KJV)
"And the days of Terah were two hundred and five years: and Terah died in Haran."

6. Terah Lived to Be 205 Years Old

He lived a long life, especially by modern standards. This lifespan shows he lived during a transitional period when lifespans were gradually shortening after the flood.

Genesis 11:32 (KJV)
"And the days of Terah were two hundred and five years..."

7. Terah’s Son Haran Died Early

Terah’s son Haran died before his father, which was unusual and possibly tragic for the family.

Genesis 11:28 (KJV)
"And Haran died before his father Terah in the land of his nativity..."

Haran was the father of Lot, who later traveled with Abraham.

8. Terah Was the Grandfather of Lot

Terah was Lot's grandfather, which connects him directly to the story of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Genesis 11:27 (KJV)
"Now these are the generations of Terah: Terah begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran begat Lot."

9. His Name Means “Delay” or “Wanderer”

The Hebrew name "Terah" possibly means "delay" or "wanderer", which is symbolic since he delayed on the journey to Canaan and died in Haran.

10. Terah’s Life Marks a Shift in Biblical History

Terah’s life acts as a bridge between the post-Flood world and the patriarchal era of Abraham. He links the old world of idol worship to the new era of faith in one God.

Hebrews 11:8 (KJV)
"By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed..."

Abraham’s story is more meaningful when we know what he came out of—his father’s house and beliefs.

Summary Table: Key Facts About Terah