Nahor is a significant name in the early biblical record, closely tied to the family of Abraham. There are two men named Nahor—both important in shaping the history of the patriarchs. Their lives help us trace God’s plan across generations.

1. There Were Two Nahors in Abraham’s Family

The first Nahor was Abraham’s grandfather. The second was Abraham’s brother.

Genesis 11:22–26 (NKJV)
“Serug lived thirty years, and begot Nahor... Nahor lived twenty-nine years, and begot Terah. And Terah lived seventy years, and begot Abram, Nahor, and Haran.”

2. Nahor Descended from Shem, Noah’s Son

Nahor was part of the line that started with Shem and led to Abraham and eventually Jesus.

Genesis 11:10–24 (NIV)
“This is the account of Shem’s family line... Nahor lived 29 years and became the father of Terah.”

Luke 3:34 (ESV)
“The son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor.”

3. Terah Took His Family Toward Canaan

Terah began the journey to Canaan, but stopped short in Haran.

Genesis 11:31 (NKJV)
“And Terah took his son Abram and his grandson Lot... and they went out... to go to the land of Canaan; and they came to Haran and dwelt there.”

4. Nahor Stayed in Mesopotamia

While Abraham moved on to Canaan, Nahor remained in their homeland.

Genesis 24:10 (ESV)
“Then the servant took ten of his master's camels... and went to Mesopotamia, to the city of Nahor.”

5. Nahor Married His Niece, Milcah

Nahor married Milcah, his niece—the daughter of his brother Haran.

Genesis 11:29 (KJV)
“And Abram and Nahor took them wives: the name of Abram’s wife was Sarai; and the name of Nahor’s wife, Milcah... the daughter of Haran.”

6. Nahor Was the Grandfather of Rebekah

Rebekah, who would marry Isaac, was Nahor’s granddaughter.

Genesis 22:23 (ESV)
“Bethuel fathered Rebekah.”

Genesis 24:15 (NIV)
“Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder... She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milkah, who was the wife of Nahor.”

7. Nahor Had Twelve Sons

Nahor had twelve sons—eight from his wife Milcah and four from his concubine Reumah.

Genesis 22:20–24 (NIV)
“Milkah has borne children to your brother Nahor: Uz the firstborn, Buz his brother, Kemuel... and also his concubine... bore Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maakah.”

8. Aram Came from Nahor’s Line

Kemuel, Nahor’s son, was the father of Aram—ancestor of the Arameans.

Genesis 22:21 (NIV)
“Uz the firstborn, Buz his brother, Kemuel (the father of Aram).”

Deuteronomy 26:5 (NKJV)
“My father was a Syrian, about to perish, and he went down to Egypt...”

9. Abraham Trusted Nahor’s Line for Isaac’s Wife

Abraham sent his servant to Nahor’s family for Isaac’s wife, showing trust in his kin.

Genesis 24:4 (NKJV)
“But you shall go to my country and to my family, and take a wife for my son Isaac.”

Genesis 24:38 (ESV)
“But you shall go to my father's house and to my clan and take a wife for my son.”

10. The City of Nahor Became a Known Landmark

The area where Nahor’s descendants lived was identified by his name.

Genesis 24:10 (NIV)
“Then the servant... set out for Aram Naharaim and made his way to the town of Nahor.”

Summary Table

Fact Number Detail Bible Reference
1 Two Nahors existed Genesis 11:22–26
2 In Shem's lineage Genesis 11:10–24, Luke 3:34
3 Terah moved family Genesis 11:31
4 Stayed in Mesopotamia Genesis 24:10
5 Married Milcah Genesis 11:29
6 Grandfather of Rebekah Genesis 22:23, 24:15
7 Had 12 sons Genesis 22:20–24
8 Forefather of Aram Genesis 22:21, Deuteronomy 26:5
9 Wife for Isaac from his line Genesis 24:4, 24:38
10 City of Nahor Genesis 24:10

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