also called Abram
The father of faith and patriarch of the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. Originally named Abram, God called him out of Ur to a land he had never seen, promising to make him a great nation. Despite waiting until age 100 for the promised son Isaac, Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness. His willingness to sacrifice Isaac on Mount Moriah stands as the supreme test of faith in Scripture. God’s covenant with Abraham forms the foundation of Israel’s identity and the messianic promise.
I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”Genesis 12:2-3 · Berean Standard Bible
Then the LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”
God narrows His focus to one man and makes an extraordinary promise. The blessing isn't just for Abraham — it's meant to flow to every nation.
After these events, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” But Abram replied, “O Lord GOD, what can You give me, since I remain childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” Abram continued, “Behold, You have given me no offspring, so a servant in my household will be my heir.” Then the word of the LORD came to Abram, saying, “This one will not be your heir, but…
God takes Abram outside, points at the stars, and makes a promise. Abram believes — and it changes everything about how we understand faith.
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty. Walk before Me and be blameless. I will establish My covenant between Me and you, and I will multiply you exceedingly.” Then Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, “As for Me, this is My covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Abram, but your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. I…
God changes Abram's name to Abraham — father of many. A permanent sign marks his body and his descendants forever.
Some time later God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” “Take your son,” God said, “your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.” So Abraham got up early the next morning, saddled his donkey, and took along two of his servants and his son Isaac. He split the wood for a burnt offering and set out for the place God had designated. On the third day…
Abraham faces an impossible request. This chapter casts a long shadow over everything that follows.
Abraham is generation 20 of the 64 Scripture traces from Adam to Jesus, following Serug → Nahor → Terah, and followed by Isaac → Jacob → Judah. See the whole line.
BibleKey's family tree is a pan-and-zoom canvas across every era — tap any person for their story, then jump straight into the chapter.
BibleKey connects the people, the passages and the meaning — in one place.
Download on the App StoreFree on iPhone & iPad