Abraham

Technical Profile

Name Meaning: Hebrew ’Avraham (“father of a multitude”), reflecting his renamed identity linked to promised descendants (Gen 17:5)
Period/Era: Patriarchal Period
Main References: Genesis 11:26–25:11 (esp. 12–22)
Key Connections: Sarah, Isaac, Hagar, Ishmael, Lot; covenant promises concerning land and descendants

Who was Abraham?

Abraham was a patriarch introduced as a descendant of Shem through Terah’s line (Gen 11:10–32).
He was called by the LORD to leave his kin-group and settle in the land of Canaan (Gen 12:1–5).
He is portrayed as the recipient of enduring covenant promises involving descendants and land (Gen 12:1–3; 15; 17).
His household became a key genealogical source for later Israel through Isaac (Gen 21:1–3; 25:19).

Key Events & Achievements

Call and migration: Departed from Haran to Canaan in response to the LORD’s command (Gen 12:1–5).
Covenant formalization: Received covenant confirmation marked by a covenant-cutting and the sign of circumcision (Gen 15:9–21; 17:9–14).
Binding of Isaac: Offered Isaac on Moriah and was stopped, with provision given in Isaac’s place (Gen 22:1–14).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Abraham’s story presents covenant loyalty as expressed through obedience and trust amid delayed fulfillment of promised descendants and land.

Key Verse

"And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness." — Genesis 15:6, ESV

Quizzes

Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.

1. From where did Abraham depart when he migrated in response to the LORD’s command?

2. What was the sign associated with the covenant confirmation given to Abraham?