Genesis 11:29
Genesis 11:29 in Multiple Translations
And Abram and Nahor took wives for themselves. Abram’s wife was named Sarai, and Nahor’s wife was named Milcah; she was the daughter of Haran, who was the father of both Milcah and Iscah.
And Abram and Nahor took them wives: the name of Abram’s wife was Sarai; and the name of Nahor’s wife, Milcah, the daughter of Haran, the father of Milcah, and the father of Iscah.
And Abram and Nahor took them wives: the name of Abram’s wife was Sarai; and the name of Nahor’s wife, Milcah, the daughter of Haran, the father of Milcah, and the father of Iscah.
And Abram and Nahor took wives for themselves: the name of Abram's wife was Sarai, and the name of Nahor's wife was Milcah, the daughter of Haran, the father of Milcah and Iscah.
Abram and Nahor both got married. Abram's wife was named Sarai, and Nahor's wife was named Milcah. (She was the daughter of Haran, who was the father of both Milcah and Iscah).
So Abram and Nahor tooke them wiues. The name of Abrams wife was Sarai, and the name of Nahors wife Milcah, the daughter of Haran, the father of Milcah, and the father of Iscah.
And Abram and Nahor take to themselves wives; the name of Abram's wife [is] Sarai, and the name of Nahor's wife [is] Milcah, daughter of Haran, father of Milcah, and father of Iscah.
Abram and Nahor married wives. The name of Abram’s wife was Sarai, and the name of Nahor’s wife was Milcah, the daughter of Haran, who was also the father of Iscah.
And Abram and Nahor took them wives: the name of Abram's wife was Sarai; and the name of Nahor's wife Milcah, the daughter of Haran, the father of Milcah, and the father of Iscah.
And Abram and Nachor married wives: the name of Abram’s wife was Sarai: and the name of Nachor’s wife, Melcha, the daughter of Aran, father of Melcha, and father of Jescha.
Abram and Nahor both married. Abram’s wife was named Sarai, and Nahor’s wife was named Milcah. Milcah and her younger sister Iscah were the daughters of Haran.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 11:29
BAB
Word Study
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 11:29 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּקַּ֨ח
אַבְרָ֧ם
וְ/נָח֛וֹר
לָ/הֶ֖ם
נָשִׁ֑ים
שֵׁ֤ם
אֵֽשֶׁת
אַבְרָם֙
שָׂרָ֔י
וְ/שֵׁ֤ם
אֵֽשֶׁת
נָחוֹר֙
מִלְכָּ֔ה
בַּת
הָרָ֥ן
אֲבִֽי
מִלְכָּ֖ה
וַֽ/אֲבִ֥י
יִסְכָּֽה
וַ/יִּקַּ֨ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַבְרָ֧ם
ʼAbrâm
H87
Abram
N-proper
וְ/נָח֛וֹר
Nâchôwr
H5152
Nahor
Conj | N-proper
לָ/הֶ֖ם
Prep | Suff
נָשִׁ֑ים
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fp
שֵׁ֤ם
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms
אֵֽשֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
אַבְרָם֙
ʼAbrâm
H87
Abram
N-proper
שָׂרָ֔י
Sâray
H8297
Sarai
N-proper
וְ/שֵׁ֤ם
shêm
H8034
name
Conj | N-ms
אֵֽשֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
נָחוֹר֙
Nâchôwr
H5152
Nahor
N-proper
מִלְכָּ֔ה
Milkâh
H4435
Milcah
N-proper
בַּת
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fs
הָרָ֥ן
Hârân
H2039
Haran
N-proper
אֲבִֽי
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms
מִלְכָּ֖ה
Milkâh
H4435
Milcah
N-proper
וַֽ/אֲבִ֥י
ʼâb
H1
father
Conj | N-ms
יִסְכָּֽה
Yiçkâh
H3252
Iscah
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 11:29
וַ/יִּקַּ֨ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
אַבְרָ֧ם
ʼAbrâm
H87
"Abram"
N-proper
Abram was the original name of Abraham, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Terah, brother of Nahor and Haran, and husband of Sarah, Hagar, and Keturah, as told in Genesis 11:26--17:5.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.26; son of: Terah (H8646); brother of: Nahor (H5152H), Haran (H2039) and Sarah (H8283); married to Sarah (H8283), Hagar (H1904) and Keturah (H6989); father of: Ishmael (H3458), Isaac (H3327), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); also called Abram at Gen.11.26--17.5; 2x Another name of av.ra.ham (אַבְרָהָם "Abraham" H0085) § Abram = "exalted father" original name of Abraham
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: Abram. See also: Genesis 11:26; Genesis 14:13; Nehemiah 9:7.
וְ/נָח֛וֹר
Nâchôwr
H5152
"Nahor"
Conj | N-proper
Nahor was Abraham's grandfather and brother, living during the time of the Patriarchs. He was a son of Terah and had several children of his own. Nahor is mentioned in the book of Genesis.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.26; son of: Terah (H8646); brother of: Abraham (H0085), Haran (H2039) and Sarah (H8283); married to Milcah (H4435) and Reumah (H7208); father of: Uz (H5780H), Buz (H0938), Kemuel (H7055), Chesed (H3777), Hazo (H2375), Pildash (H6394), Jidlaph (H3044), Bethuel (H1328A), Tebah (H2875), Gaham (H1514), Tahash (H8477) and Maacah (H4601) § Nahor = "snorting" 1) son of Serug, father of Terah, and grandfather of Abraham 2) son of Terah and brother of Abraham
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: Nahor. See also: Genesis 11:22; Genesis 22:23; 1 Chronicles 1:26.
לָ/הֶ֖ם
""
Prep | Suff
נָשִׁ֑ים
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fp
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
שֵׁ֤ם
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
אֵֽשֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
אַבְרָם֙
ʼAbrâm
H87
"Abram"
N-proper
Abram was the original name of Abraham, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Terah, brother of Nahor and Haran, and husband of Sarah, Hagar, and Keturah, as told in Genesis 11:26--17:5.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.26; son of: Terah (H8646); brother of: Nahor (H5152H), Haran (H2039) and Sarah (H8283); married to Sarah (H8283), Hagar (H1904) and Keturah (H6989); father of: Ishmael (H3458), Isaac (H3327), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); also called Abram at Gen.11.26--17.5; 2x Another name of av.ra.ham (אַבְרָהָם "Abraham" H0085) § Abram = "exalted father" original name of Abraham
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: Abram. See also: Genesis 11:26; Genesis 14:13; Nehemiah 9:7.
שָׂרָ֔י
Sâray
H8297
"Sarai"
N-proper
Sarai was Abraham's wife, first mentioned in Genesis 11:29, and her name means princess, later changed to Sarah.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.29; daughter of: Terah (H8646); sister of: Abraham (H0085), Nahor (H5152H) and Haran (H2039); married to Abraham (H0085); mother of: Isaac (H3327); also called Sarai at Gen.11.29,30,31; 12.5,11,17; 16.1,2,3,5,6,8; 17.15; Another name of sa.rah (שָׂרָה "Sarah" H8283) § Sarai = "princess" original name of Sarah the wife of Abram or Abraham
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Sarai. See also: Genesis 11:29; Genesis 16:1; Genesis 17:15.
וְ/שֵׁ֤ם
shêm
H8034
"name"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
אֵֽשֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
נָחוֹר֙
Nâchôwr
H5152
"Nahor"
N-proper
Nahor was Abraham's grandfather and brother, living during the time of the Patriarchs. He was a son of Terah and had several children of his own. Nahor is mentioned in the book of Genesis.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.26; son of: Terah (H8646); brother of: Abraham (H0085), Haran (H2039) and Sarah (H8283); married to Milcah (H4435) and Reumah (H7208); father of: Uz (H5780H), Buz (H0938), Kemuel (H7055), Chesed (H3777), Hazo (H2375), Pildash (H6394), Jidlaph (H3044), Bethuel (H1328A), Tebah (H2875), Gaham (H1514), Tahash (H8477) and Maacah (H4601) § Nahor = "snorting" 1) son of Serug, father of Terah, and grandfather of Abraham 2) son of Terah and brother of Abraham
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: Nahor. See also: Genesis 11:22; Genesis 22:23; 1 Chronicles 1:26.
מִלְכָּ֔ה
Milkâh
H4435
"Milcah"
N-proper
Milcah was a woman in the Bible, daughter of Zelophehad and granddaughter of Manasseh, and also the name of Abraham's niece who married Nahor. Her name means queen and she is mentioned in Numbers and Genesis.
Definition: A woman of the tribe of Manasseh living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.26.33; daughter of: Zelophehad (H6765); sister of: Mahlah (H4244), Noah (H5270), Hoglah (H2295) and Tirzah (H8656) § Milcah = "queen" 1) daughter of Haran and wife of Nahor, her uncle and Abraham's brother, to whom she bore 8 children 2) a daughter of Zelophehad and granddaughter of Manasseh
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Milcah. See also: Genesis 11:29; Genesis 24:47; Joshua 17:3.
בַּת
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
הָרָ֥ן
Hârân
H2039
"Haran"
N-proper
Haran was the name of two men in the Bible, including Abraham's brother and a Levite in King David's time. The name Haran means mountaineer, suggesting a connection to the mountains or high places.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.23.9; son of: Jehiel (H3171H); brother of: Shelomoth (H8013G) and Haziel (H2381) § Haran = "mountaineer" 1) youngest son of Terah, brother of Abraham, father of Lot, Milcah, and Iscah; born and died in Ur of the Chaldees 2) a Gershonite Levite in the time of David, one of the family of Shimei 3) a son of Caleb by the concubine Ephah 4) name of the place to which Abraham migrated from Ur of the Chaldees and where the descendants of his brother Nahor established themselves; probably located in Mesopotamia, in Padanaram, the cultivated district at the foot of the hills between the Khabour and the Euphrates below Mount Masius
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Haran. See also: Genesis 11:26; Genesis 11:29; 1 Chronicles 23:9.
אֲבִֽי
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
מִלְכָּ֖ה
Milkâh
H4435
"Milcah"
N-proper
Milcah was a woman in the Bible, daughter of Zelophehad and granddaughter of Manasseh, and also the name of Abraham's niece who married Nahor. Her name means queen and she is mentioned in Numbers and Genesis.
Definition: A woman of the tribe of Manasseh living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.26.33; daughter of: Zelophehad (H6765); sister of: Mahlah (H4244), Noah (H5270), Hoglah (H2295) and Tirzah (H8656) § Milcah = "queen" 1) daughter of Haran and wife of Nahor, her uncle and Abraham's brother, to whom she bore 8 children 2) a daughter of Zelophehad and granddaughter of Manasseh
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Milcah. See also: Genesis 11:29; Genesis 24:47; Joshua 17:3.
וַֽ/אֲבִ֥י
ʼâb
H1
"father"
Conj | N-ms
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
יִסְכָּֽה
Yiçkâh
H3252
"Iscah"
N-proper
Iscah was a woman who lived during the time of the Patriarchs, mentioned in Genesis 11:29 as the sister of Lot and Milcah. Her name means one who looks forth.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, only mentioned at Gen.11.29; daughter of: Haran (H2039); sister of: Lot (H3876) and Milcah (H4435) § Iscah = "one who looks forth" daughter of Haran, niece of Abraham, sister of Lot and Milcah
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Iscah. See also: Genesis 11:29.
Study Notes — Genesis 11:29
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 11:29 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 11:29
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 11:29
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 11:29
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 11:29
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 11:29
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 11:29
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 11:29
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 11:29
- Sermons on Genesis 11:29
Context — Terah’s Descendants
27This is the account of Terah. Terah became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran. And Haran became the father of Lot.
28During his father Terah’s lifetime, Haran died in his native land, in Ur of the Chaldeans.
29And Abram and Nahor took wives for themselves. Abram’s wife was named Sarai, and Nahor’s wife was named Milcah; she was the daughter of Haran, who was the father of both Milcah and Iscah.
30But Sarai was barren; she had no children. 31And Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai the wife of Abram, and they set out from Ur of the Chaldeans for the land of Canaan. But when they arrived in Haran, they settled there.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 17:15 | Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, do not call her Sarai, for her name is to be Sarah. |
| 2 | Genesis 22:20 | Some time later, Abraham was told, “Milcah has also borne sons to your brother Nahor: |
| 3 | Genesis 24:15 | Before the servant had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milcah, the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor. |
| 4 | Genesis 20:12 | Besides, she really is my sister, the daughter of my father—though not the daughter of my mother—and she became my wife. |
Genesis 11:29 Summary
Genesis 11:29 tells us that Abram and Nahor took wives for themselves, with Abram's wife being named Sarai and Nahor's wife being named Milcah. This verse is significant because it introduces Sarai, who will play an important role in the story of Abram's faith, as seen in Genesis 12:14-20. In simple terms, this verse shows us that Abram was a man who lived a relatively normal life, but he was also a man of faith who trusted in God's promises, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3. As we reflect on this verse, we can learn about the importance of trusting in God's promises, even in the midst of everyday life, just like Abram did, as described in Genesis 12:4 and Genesis 15:1-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abram and Nahor take wives for themselves at this point in the story?
The Bible doesn't explicitly state why Abram and Nahor took wives at this time, but it may have been a natural part of their lives as they grew older, as seen in Genesis 11:29. This event is also a precursor to the larger story of God's covenant with Abram, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3.
Who was Milcah, and why is she mentioned in this verse?
Milcah was the daughter of Haran, making her the niece of Abram and Nahor, and she became the wife of Nahor, as stated in Genesis 11:29. This family connection is important, as it highlights the close relationships within Abram's family, which will be significant in later events, such as in Genesis 12:5.
What can we learn about Abram's character from this verse?
From Genesis 11:29, we can see that Abram was a man who followed the common practices of his time, including taking a wife, but we also know from other verses, such as Genesis 12:4, that he was a man of faith who trusted in God's promises. This balance between his cultural context and his faith will be a recurring theme throughout his story.
How does this verse relate to the larger story of Genesis?
Genesis 11:29 is a pivotal verse because it introduces Sarai, who will play a significant role in the story of Abram's faith and God's covenant with him, as seen in Genesis 12:14-20 and Genesis 16:1-16. This verse also sets the stage for the events that will unfold in the following chapters, including Abram's call by God and his journey to the land of Canaan, as described in Genesis 12:1-9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I, like Abram, can balance my cultural context with my faith in everyday life?
- How can I, like Sarai, trust in God's promises even when I face challenges or uncertainties, as seen in Genesis 11:30 and Genesis 12:14-20?
- In what ways can I, like Abram, demonstrate faith and obedience to God's will, as seen in Genesis 12:4 and Genesis 22:1-19?
- What are some lessons I can learn from the family dynamics described in this verse, particularly in terms of the relationships between Abram, Nahor, and Haran, as seen in Genesis 11:27-29?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 11:29
And Abram and Nahor took them wives,.... Very probably after the death of their elder brother Haran, whose daughters they married, at least one of them did, and some think both; the name of Abraham's
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 11:29
And Abram and Nahor took them wives: the name of Abram's wife was Sarai; and the name of Nahor's wife, Milcah, the daughter of Haran, the father of Milcah, and the father of Iscah. Abram and Nahor took them wives.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 11:29
Such marriages of uncles and nieces being permitted then, , (as in the beginning of the world the marriages of brethren and sisters were), though afterwards, the church being very much enlarged, they were severely forbidden, ,14. Iscah is either Sarai, as the Jews and many others think, or rather another person. For, 1. Why should Moses express Sarai thus darkly and doubtfully? Had he meant her, he would have added after Iscah, this is Sarai, according to his manner in like cases, ,7 35:6. 2. He elsewhere calleth her, the daughter, not of his brother, as he should have done, had she been Iscah, but of his father, by another mother.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 11:29
Genesis 11:29 And Abram and Nahor took them wives: the name of Abram’ s wife [was] Sarai; and the name of Nahor’ s wife, Milcah, the daughter of Haran, the father of Milcah, and the father of Iscah.Ver. 29. And the father of Iscah.] The Chaldee Paraphrast addeth Hi Sara; , the same is Sarah. It was not yet flatly forbidden to marry a brother’ s daughter, as afterwards it was. Why then should Burgensis on the text say, that such marriages were never prohibited?
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 11:29
(29) Iscah.—Not the same as Sarai, for we learn in Genesis 20:12 that she was Abraham’s half-sister—that is, a daughter of Terah by another wife. Nor was she Lot’s wife, as Ewald supposed, for she was his full sister. Marriages between near relatives seem to have been allowed at this time, and were perhaps even common for religious reasons (see Genesis 24:3-4; Genesis 28:1-2), but not marriages between those actually by the same mother. Thus Abraham takes his half-sister to wife, and Nahor his niece. Iscah, like Naamah (Genesis 4:22), was probably eminent in her time, but for reasons not recorded.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 11:29
Verse 29. Milcah, the daughter of Haran] Many suppose Sarai and Iscah are the same person under two different names; but this is improbable, as Iscah is expressly said to be the daughter of Haran, and Sarai was the daughter of Terah, and half sister of Abram.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 11:29
29. Sarai] Abram’s wife was, according to Genesis 20:12, his half-sister, i.e. a daughter of Terah by another wife. Milcah, Nahor’s wife, is Nahor’s niece. Whether in these marriages we have to deal with the actual details of relationship permitted in nomadic life, or whether we have presented to us, under the imagery of matrimony, the fusion of families or tribes in the main community, is a question which we are not able through lack of evidence to answer. The blending of personal and tribal history produces a result, in which it is impossible to be sure of disentangling the separate elements. “Sarai” is believed to be an archaic form of “Sarah” = “princess”: cf. Genesis 17:15. The fact that Sarratu (= “princess”) was a title of the moon-goddess, consort of Sin, and Malkatu (= “queen”), a title of Istar, among the deities worshipped in Harran, raises questions with regard to the origin of the Hebrew proper names, Sarah and Milcah. For Milcah cf. Genesis 22:20; Genesis 22:23; Genesis 24:15; Genesis 24:24; Genesis 24:47. “Iscah,” otherwise unknown: by some identified with Sarai; by others as Lot’s wife.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 11:29
29. Iscah is, by Josephus, (Ant., 1:6,) and by the Jewish writers generally, identified with Sarai or Sarah. If so, Abram married his niece, and Lot was his brother-in-law as well as his nephew. See the plan under Genesis 11:27.
Sermons on Genesis 11:29
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(Blood Covenant) 1 - Blood Covenant by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the covenant between God and His people. The speaker refers to various passages in the Bible, such as Genesis |
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Self Dies Hard by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, Dr. Ellen Redpath discusses the story of Abraham and Sarah and their journey of faith. She highlights how Abraham's decision to take Hagar as his wife represented a |
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(Genesis) Genesis 17:5-7 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher talks about the story of Abraham and how God made a covenant with him. He emphasizes that even though Abraham didn't have any children at the time, God |
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Marriage Series #1 - Aquila & Priscilla by Don McClure | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of investing one's life into others and seeing the kingdom of heaven increase. He shares a personal story about his grandson a |
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(Genesis) Genesis 24:15-20 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Rebekah from the book of Genesis. He highlights her polite and courteous nature, as well as her beauty. The preacher emphasizes |
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Pentecost and Being Led by the Spirit by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of Abraham's servant who was sent to find a wife for Isaac. The servant prayed to God for a sign, asking that the woman who would be Is |
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Attitude of Trust by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman emphasizes the power of prayer by highlighting that every right prayer is answered before it is even finished, as God has promised to grant our requests made in o |