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Patriarchs · Old Testament

Abraham

Father of Faith and Covenant Patriarch

Name meaning
Father of a multitude
Name origin
Hebrew: אַבְרָהָם (Avraham), commonly understood as "father of a multitude"

Quick facts

Occupation
  • Patriarch
  • Shepherd
  • Leader of household
Birthplace
Ur of the Chaldees
Modern-day location
Traditionally identified with Tell el-Muqayyar in southern Iraq; the identification is debated.
Family
  • Son of Terah
  • Husband of Sarah and later Keturah
  • Father of Ishmael and Isaac
First mention
Genesis 11:26-12:1
Last mention
Genesis 25:7-10
Key artifacts
  • Altar stones
  • Stars as covenant symbol
  • Knife of sacrifice

Key verses

  • “Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:”

    Genesis 12:1

  • “And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”

    Genesis 15:6

  • “now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.”

    Genesis 22:12

Biography

Early Life

Abram was born in Ur of the Chaldees and was called to leave his homeland for a land God would show him. His name was later changed to Abraham as a sign of God's promise to make him the father of many nations.

Defining Biblical Moments

Abraham trusted God's promise of offspring despite old age, entered into covenant marked by circumcision, interceded for Sodom, and was tested when asked to offer Isaac. His willingness to obey, followed by God's provision of a ram, became central to his legacy.

Strengths

Abraham is portrayed as trusting, hospitable, and willing to step into the unknown on the basis of divine promise.

Weaknesses & Lessons

His attempts to secure the promise through Hagar and his deceptions about Sarah being his sister show how fear and impatience can complicate faith, with lasting relational consequences.

Life Lessons for Today

Faith often involves moving forward without full clarity; trust grows through both obedience and honest acknowledgment of mistakes.

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Abraham appears in Heroes, Kings & Prophets of the Old Testament, alongside more profiles like this one.

Page #5 in Heroes, Kings & Prophets of the Old Testament

Heroes, Kings & Prophets of the Old Testament front cover

Profiles of faith, courage, and conviction

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