Genesis 11:32

Authorized King James Version

And the days of Terah were two hundred and five years: and Terah died in Haran.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּֽהְי֣וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
יְמֵי
And the days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#3
תֶּ֖רַח
and Terah
terach, the father of abraham; also a place in the desert
#4
חָמֵ֥שׁ
and five
five
#5
שָׁנָ֑ה
years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#6
וּמָאתַ֣יִם
were two hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#7
שָׁנָ֑ה
years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#8
וַיָּ֥מָת
died
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#9
תֶּ֖רַח
and Terah
terach, the father of abraham; also a place in the desert
#10
בְּחָרָֽן׃
in Haran
charan, the name of a man

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources