share torah logo

Genesis 11:27 - Avram's lineage begins here.

Genesis 11:27 - בראשית 11:27

Hebrew Text

וְאֵלֶּה תּוֹלְדֹת תֶּרַח תֶּרַח הוֹלִיד אֶת־אַבְרָם אֶת־נָחוֹר וְאֶת־הָרָן וְהָרָן הוֹלִיד אֶת־לוֹט׃

English Translation

Now these are the generations of Teraĥ: Teraĥ begot Avram, Naĥor, and Haran; and Haran begot Lot.

Transliteration

Ve'eleh toldot Terach, Terach holid et-Avram et-Nachor ve'et-Haran, veHaran holid et-Lot.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֵ֙לֶּה֙ תּוֹלְדֹ֣ת תֶּ֔רַח תֶּ֚רַח הוֹלִ֣יד אֶת־אַבְרָ֔ם אֶת־נָח֖וֹר וְאֶת־הָרָ֑ן וְהָרָ֖ן הוֹלִ֥יד אֶת־לֽוֹט׃
וְאֵ֙לֶּה֙ תּוֹלְדֹ֣ת תֶּ֔רַח תֶּ֚רַח הוֹלִ֣יד אֶת־אַבְרָ֔ם אֶת־נָח֖וֹר וְאֶת־הָרָ֑ן וְהָרָ֖ן הוֹלִ֥יד אֶת־לֽוֹט׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Introduction to the Verse

The verse (Bereishit 11:27) introduces the lineage of Terach, the father of Avraham Avinu, marking a pivotal transition in the Torah's narrative from the universal history of mankind to the specific ancestry of the Jewish people. This verse sets the stage for the emergence of Avraham, the first patriarch, and his family.

Rashi's Commentary on the Structure

Rashi notes that the phrase "וְאֵלֶּה תּוֹלְדֹת תֶּרַח" ("Now these are the generations of Terach") is followed by listing Terach's three sons—Avram, Nachor, and Haran—before focusing on Haran's son Lot. Rashi explains that the Torah emphasizes Avram first because he is the primary figure in the divine plan, despite not being the firstborn (Nachor was older, as indicated in Bereishit 11:26). This teaches that spiritual greatness, not birth order, determines prominence in the Torah's narrative.

The Significance of Haran and Lot

The verse mentions Haran's death in Ur Kasdim (as elaborated in Bereishit 11:28) and his son Lot, who later becomes intertwined with Avraham's story. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 38:13) explains that Haran died prematurely due to his association with Avraham's monotheistic mission, either as a martyr or as a consequence of his wavering faith during Nimrod's persecution of Avraham.

  • Lot's Role: Lot is included here because he becomes a significant figure in Avraham's life, accompanying him to Canaan and later separating from him (Bereishit 13). His inclusion foreshadows future events, including the destruction of Sodom and the birth of Moav and Ammon.
  • Nachor's Line: Though briefly mentioned here, Nachor's descendants (e.g., Rivkah) later play key roles in the patriarchal narratives, demonstrating Divine Providence in family connections.

Rambam's Perspective on Terach's Legacy

Rambam (Hilchos Avodah Zarah 1:3) discusses Terach's background as an idolater, contrasting him with Avraham's spiritual awakening. The verse's phrasing—listing Avram first despite Terach's idolatry—highlights the transformative power of Avraham's faith, breaking from his father's ways to establish a new legacy dedicated to Hashem.

Midrashic Insights on Terach's Name

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 38:10) connects Terach's name (תֶּרַח) to the word "ריח" (smell), suggesting that his deeds were initially foul (idolatry) but later "sweetened" through Avraham's righteousness. Alternatively, some commentaries interpret "Terach" as related to delay (תְּרַח), symbolizing how his generation delayed repentance until Avraham arose to lead them toward truth.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 69b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the genealogy of Abraham and his family, particularly focusing on the lineage of Terah and his descendants.
📖 Bava Batra 91a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the generations and descendants of Terah, emphasizing the continuity of the lineage leading to Abraham and Lot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah mention Terach's family in Genesis 11:27?
A: The Torah introduces Terach's family to set the stage for Avraham's story, showing his lineage and background. Rashi explains that even though Terach was an idol worshipper (as seen later in Joshua 24:2), his son Avram (later Avraham) would become the father of the Jewish people, showing that greatness can emerge from humble beginnings.
Q: Why is Lot mentioned specifically in Genesis 11:27?
A: Lot is mentioned because he plays an important role later in Avraham's story (e.g., their journey together and the story of Sodom). The Midrash notes that Lot was initially righteous like Avraham, which is why he merited to be saved from Sodom, despite later moral failings.
Q: What is the significance of the phrase 'these are the generations' in Genesis 11:27?
A: The phrase 'these are the generations' (אֵלֶּה תּוֹלְדֹת) is a recurring theme in Genesis, signaling a new narrative section. Here, it shifts focus from the general history of humanity to the specific lineage leading to Avraham, the forefather of the Jewish people. Ramban explains that this marks a turning point in the Torah’s narrative.
Q: Why does the Torah list Avram before his brothers if he wasn’t the firstborn?
A: Although Avram was not the eldest (Haran was the firstborn, as seen in later verses), the Torah lists him first because of his spiritual greatness. Rashi explains that this teaches us that prominence in the Torah is based on merit, not birth order.
Q: How does Genesis 11:27 connect to the larger story of Avraham?
A: This verse introduces Avraham’s family background before his calling in the next chapter (Genesis 12). The Talmud (Bava Batra 91a) notes that understanding Avraham’s origins—coming from an idolatrous household—highlights his extraordinary journey to monotheism and devotion to Hashem.