Abraham
The patriarch whom God called to leave his homeland and promised to make into a great nation.
At a glance
- Name
- Abraham
- Also known as
- Abram
- Type
- Person
- Period
- Old Testament
- Appears in
- The book of Genesis
- First appearance
- Genesis 11
- Known for
- The covenant and the promise of descendants
Who is Abraham?
Abraham, first named Abram, is called by God to leave his country and his father's household and go to a land that God will show him. God promises to make him into a great nation and to bless all peoples through him.
Abraham journeys to Canaan. God makes a covenant with him and later changes his name from Abram to Abraham. He first has a son, Ishmael, by Sarah's servant Hagar; years later, in their old age, he and his wife Sarah have a son, Isaac.
In one of the best-known episodes, God tests Abraham by asking him to offer Isaac, then stops him and provides a ram in Isaac's place.
Abraham in the Bible
The call of Abram
God calls Abram to leave his homeland for a land God will show him, with the promise of blessing.
Read Genesis 12 →God's covenant with Abram
God promises Abram descendants as numerous as the stars and makes a covenant with him.
Read Genesis 15 →Abram becomes Abraham
God changes Abram's name to Abraham and gives circumcision as the sign of the covenant.
Read Genesis 17 →The binding of Isaac
God tests Abraham by asking him to offer Isaac, then provides a ram in his place.
Read Genesis 22 →People connected with Abraham
Key passages featuring Abraham
These are key passages, not a complete list of every appearance.