Genesis 11:31
And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son's son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abram's wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there.
Genesis 11:31 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, we see Terah taking his son Abram, his grandson Lot, and his daughter-in-law Sarai from Ur of the Chaldees towards the land of Canaan. This journey symbolizes the beginning of God's plan for Abram, who later becomes known as Abraham, to father a great nation. It was a significant step towards the fulfillment of God's promise to Abram that he would be the father of a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3). The journey from Ur to Canaan was not simply a physical journey but also a spiritual one, as Abram, Sarai, and Lot were following God's guidance and stepping out in faith. The fact that they made a stop at Haran reflects a moment of pause or hesitation in their journey, illustrating that sometimes God's plans may involve detours or delays. However, ultimately, this journey marks the beginning of a new chapter in Abram's life as he embarks on a path of faith and obedience towards the land of Canaan.
Theological Overview
The verse from Genesis 11:31 recounts Terah's journey with his family from Ur of the Chaldees to the land of Canaan. This verse holds theological significance as it marks the beginning of God's call to Abram (later known as Abraham) to leave his homeland and embark on a new journey in obedience to God's direction. The act of leaving Ur, a pagan city, can be seen as a symbolic representation of leaving behind a life of idolatry and entering into a covenant relationship with God. The word "Haran" has been interpreted by scholars to mean "parched," signifying a place of spiritual dryness where Terah's family temporarily dwelt. It serves as a reminder that even in difficult and dry seasons of life, God is still present and working out His plans for His people. The choice to journey to Canaan echoes the overarching theme in the Bible of God's promise to lead His people to a land of blessings and fulfillment. This verse sets the stage for the great covenant God would establish with Abram, laying the foundation for the nation of Israel and ultimately the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.
Genesis 11:31 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran, his son's son, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, his son Abram's wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there.
World English Bible
Terah took Abram his son, Lot the son of Haran, his son’s son, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, his son Abram’s wife. They went from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan. They came to Haran and lived there.
Douay-Rheims
And Thare took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Aran, his son's son, and Sarai his daughter in law, the wife of Abram his son, and brought them out of Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Chanaan: and they came as far as Haran, and dwelt there.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then Terah tooke Abram his sonne, and Lot the sonne of Haran, his sonnes sonne, and Sarai his daughter in lawe, his sonne Abrams wife: and they departed together from Vr of the Caldees, to goe into the land of Canaan, and they came to Haran, and dwelt there.