Genealogical data is drawn from the Masoretic Text. Birth and death years are calculated from the text's own internal arithmetic — Anno Mundi, the year from creation. Where the text gives no figure, the profile says "not stated."
Lifespan timeline · Adam → Noah
Bars span each figure's lifespan in years from creation (AM). The dashed bar is Chanokh (Enoch), "taken" at 365. By the text's own arithmetic, every generation from Adam to Lamech was still alive when Noah was born — and the Flood (AM 1656) falls the year Methuselah dies.
Profiles · 24 figures
Adam930 years (Gen 5:5)
Meaning"human" / "of the ground" (adam from adamah)
OriginCREATED
Birth yearAM 1 (by definition)
Death yearAM 930 (Gen 5:5)
Lifespan930 years (Gen 5:5)
Fathernone (formed by YHWH Elohim from dust of the ground, Gen 2:7)
Mothernone
Spouse(s)Chava (Eve)
ChildrenQayin (Cain), Hevel (Abel), Shet (Seth); "sons and daughters" (Gen 5:4)
Location(s)Garden of Eden; expelled eastward (Gen 3:24); the ground (adamah)
First mentionGen 1:26–27 (as "human"); Gen 2:7 (formed); Gen 5:1 (as proper name "Adam")
Mentioned inGen 1:26–27; 2:7–25; 3:1–24; 4:1, 25; 5:1–5
Key eventsCreated in the image of God (1:26–27); formed from dust, breath of life (2:7); placed in the garden to work and keep it (2:15); commanded not to eat from the tree of knowledge (2:16–17); named the animals (2:19–20); deep sleep, side/rib taken (2:21); ate from the forbidden tree (3:6); expelled from Eden (3:23–24); knew Eve, begot Cain (4:1); begot Seth at age 130 (5:3); died at 930 (5:5)
Familiar nameAdam
Professionfarmer / steward of the garden (Gen 2:15; 3:23; 4:2)
Social classnot applicable (first human; no social hierarchy stated)
HometownGarden of Eden
Places livedGarden of Eden; then the ground (adamah) east of Eden (Gen 3:23–24)
Age when became father130 (at Seth's birth, Gen 5:3; earlier sons Cain and Abel have no stated age)
Cause of deathnot stated (Gen 5:5 simply records "and he died")
Siblingsnone
Archaeological evidenceNo direct archaeological evidence
Extra-biblical mentionsJosephus, Antiquities I.1–2; Quran, Sura 2:30–39 (Adam as khalifa); 2 Esdras 3:4–7; Life of Adam and Eve (Second Temple apocrypha)
Historicity statusLITERARY
Books appearing inGenesis; 1 Chronicles 1:1; Luke 3:38; Romans 5:12–14; 1 Corinthians 15:22, 45; 1 Timothy 2:13–14; Jude 1:14
Character arcCreated in perfect relationship with YHWH, he breaks the one command given to him and is expelled; he continues farming in exile but loses direct divine intimacy.
Year from creation0 (by definition, AM 1 in the MT's own reckoning)
Year from creation end930
NoteThe text uses ha-adam (the human, with article) through Gen 2–4. The transition to proper-name "Adam" (anarthrous) occurs at Gen 4:25 and is locked at 5:1. See editorial-log entry 081.
Chava(Eve)not stated
Meaning"living one" / "mother of all the living" (Gen 3:20; wordplay on chay, life)
OriginCREATED (built from Adam's side/rib by YHWH Elohim, Gen 2:21–22)
Birth yearnot stated (created during AM 1, no separate date given)
Death yearnot stated
Lifespannot stated
Fathernone
Mothernone
Spouse(s)Adam
ChildrenQayin (Cain) (Gen 4:1); Hevel (Abel) (Gen 4:2); Shet (Seth) (Gen 4:25); implied others
Location(s)Garden of Eden; expelled with Adam (Gen 3:23–24)
First mentionGen 2:22 (as "woman"); Gen 3:20 (named Chava (Eve) by the human)
Mentioned inGen 2:21–25; 3:1–20; 4:1–2, 25
Key eventsBuilt from Adam's side/rib (2:21–22); "bone from my bones" (2:23); conversed with the serpent (3:1–5); ate from the tree and gave to her man (3:6); toil in pregnancy and childbearing pronounced (3:16); named Eve by the human (3:20); bore Cain (4:1); bore Abel (4:2); bore Seth (4:25)
Familiar nameEve
Professionnot stated (implied co-steward of the garden alongside Adam)
Social classnot applicable (no social hierarchy stated)
HometownGarden of Eden
Places livedGarden of Eden; then east of Eden (expelled with Adam, Gen 3:23–24)
Age when became fathernot applicable
Cause of deathnot stated
Siblingsnone (created, not born)
Archaeological evidenceNo direct archaeological evidence
Extra-biblical mentionsJosephus, Antiquities I.1–2; Quran, Sura 2:35–36 (unnamed partner of Adam); Life of Adam and Eve (Second Temple apocrypha); 2 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Timothy 2:13
Historicity statusLITERARY
Books appearing inGenesis; 2 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Timothy 2:13
Character arcThe first woman and the first to speak with any being other than Adam or YHWH; she reasons, decides, and acts, then receives a new vocation in toil and childbearing.
Year from creationnot stated
Year from creation endnot stated
NoteThe TT renders the name as "Eve" (Gen 3:20, 4:1) per Hebrew transliteration. Traditional English "Eve" derives from the LXX (the ancient Greek translation) Eua via Latin.
Qayin(Cain)not stated
Meaning"acquired" / "gotten" (Gen 4:1; Chava (Eve) says "I have acquired [qaniti] a man with YHWH")
OriginBORN
Birth yearnot stated (after AM 1, before AM 130)
Death yearnot stated
Lifespannot stated
FatherAdam (Gen 4:1)
MotherEve (Gen 4:1)
Spouse(s)unnamed woman (Gen 4:17)
ChildrenChanokh (Enoch) (Cainite, Gen 4:17)
Location(s)ground (adamah); the field (4:8); land of Nod, east of Eden (4:16); built a city (4:17)
First mentionGen 4:1
Mentioned inGen 4:1–17, 24–25
Key eventsBorn as first son (4:1); worker of the ground (4:2); brought offering from fruit of the ground (4:3); offering not regarded by YHWH (4:5); warned by YHWH about sin crouching at the door (4:6–7); killed Hevel (Abel) in the field (4:8); confronted by YHWH, "Am I my brother's keeper?" (4:9); cursed from the ground (4:11–12); pronounced wanderer and fugitive (4:12); marked by YHWH for protection, sevenfold vengeance (4:15); settled in Nod (4:16); begot Enoch, built a city (4:17)
Familiar nameCain
Professionworker of the ground / farmer (Gen 4:2)
Social classnot stated
Hometowneast of Eden (Gen 4:16 — land of Nod)
Places livedeast of Eden; the field (Gen 4:8); land of Nod (Gen 4:16); built a city (Gen 4:17)
Age when became fathernot stated
Cause of deathnot stated (the mark protects against killing, but no death recorded)
SiblingsAbel (Hevel), Seth (Shet); "sons and daughters" implied (Gen 5:4)
Archaeological evidenceNo direct archaeological evidence
Extra-biblical mentionsJosephus, Antiquities I.2; 1 John 3:12; Jude 1:11; Quran, Sura 5:27–31 (sons of Adam story, names not given); Targum Pseudo-Jonathan on Gen 4
Historicity statusLITERARY
Books appearing inGenesis; Hebrews 11:4; 1 John 3:12; Jude 1:11
Character arcThe firstborn of humanity begins as a farmer and offerer; his offering's rejection leads to unchecked resentment, fratricide, exile, and ultimately city-building — the first founder of human civilization.
Year from creationnot stated (born after AM 1, before AM 130)
Year from creation endnot stated
Lemekh(Lamech) — Cainite linenot stated
Meaningsame name as Sethite Lemekh (Lamech) but from Cain's line (meaning UNCERTAIN; see Lamech [Sethite])
OriginBORN
Birth yearnot stated
Death yearnot stated
Lifespannot stated
FatherMetusha'el (Gen 4:18)
Mothernot stated
Spouse(s)Adah, Tsillah (Gen 4:19 — first recorded polygamy)
ChildrenYaval (by Adah, Gen 4:20); Yuval (by Adah, Gen 4:21); Tuval-Qayin (by Tsillah, Gen 4:22); Na'amah (by Tsillah, Gen 4:22)
Location(s)not specified
First mentionGen 4:18
Mentioned inGen 4:18–24
Key eventsFirst recorded polygamist (4:19); his son Yaval is father of tent-dwellers and livestock-keepers (4:20); his son Yuval is father of lyre and pipe players (4:21); his son Tuval-Qayin forges instruments of bronze and iron (4:22); sang the song of escalated violence to his wives (4:23–24) â boasts of killing a man for wounding him and a young man for striking him; claims 77-fold vengeance against YHWH's 7-fold protection of Qayin (Cain)
Familiar nameLamech
Professionnot stated
Social classnot stated
Hometownnot stated
Places livednot specified
Age when became fathernot stated
Cause of deathnot stated
Siblingsnot stated
Archaeological evidenceNo direct archaeological evidence
Extra-biblical mentionsJosephus, Antiquities I.2 (briefly mentioned); various rabbinic traditions regarding his killing of Cain (Midrash Tanchuma)
Historicity statusLITERARY
Books appearing inGenesis
Character arcThe seventh generation from Adam in Cain's line; his song of disproportionate vengeance marks the moral nadir of the Cainite genealogy, inverting YHWH's protective restraint into human boast.
Year from creationnot stated
Year from creation endnot stated
NoteNot to be confused with the Sethite Lamech (Gen 5:25–31), father of Noach (Noah). The Cainite Lamech is the seventh from Adam in Cain's line. His song (4:23–24) inverts and escalates YHWH's protective decree over Cain (4:15), moving from divine restraint to human boast.
Hevel(Abel)not stated
Meaning"breath" / "vapor" / "futility" (hevel)
OriginBORN
Birth yearnot stated
Death yearnot stated (killed by Qayin (Cain) before Shet (Seth)'s birth)
Lifespannot stated
FatherAdam (Gen 4:2)
MotherChava (Eve) (Gen 4:2)
Spouse(s)none stated
Childrennone stated (killed before any are recorded)
Location(s)the field (4:8)
First mentionGen 4:2
Mentioned inGen 4:2–11, 25
Key eventsBorn as second son, brother of Cain (4:2); keeper of flock (4:2); brought offering from firstborn of his flock and their fat (4:4); offering regarded by YHWH (4:4); killed by Cain in the field (4:8); his bloods cry from the ground (4:10); Seth born as replacement (4:25)
Familiar nameAbel
Professionkeeper of flock / shepherd (Gen 4:2)
Social classnot stated
Hometownnot stated
Places livedthe field (Gen 4:8); no settled location given
Age when became fathernot applicable (died without children)
Cause of deathkilled by his brother Cain in the field (Gen 4:8)
SiblingsCain (Qayin); later Seth (Shet)
Archaeological evidenceNo direct archaeological evidence
Extra-biblical mentionsJosephus, Antiquities I.2; Matthew 23:35; Luke 11:51; Hebrews 11:4; 1 John 3:12; Quran, Sura 5:27–31 (unnamed righteous son)
Historicity statusLITERARY
Books appearing inGenesis; Matthew 23:35; Luke 11:51; Hebrews 11:4; 1 John 3:12
Character arcThe shortest arc in the narrative: born, offers faithfully, is killed; his only lasting voice is his blood crying from the ground.
Year from creationnot stated
Year from creation endnot stated (killed before AM 130)
Shet(Seth)912 years (Gen 5:8)
Meaning"set" / "appointed" (Gen 4:25; Chava (Eve) says "God has set [shat] for me another seed instead of Hevel (Abel)")
OriginBORN
Birth yearAM 130 (Gen 5:3; Adam was 130 when he begot Shet (Seth))
Death yearAM 1042 (130 + 912; Gen 5:8)
Lifespan912 years (Gen 5:8)
FatherAdam (Gen 4:25; 5:3)
MotherEve (Gen 4:25)
Spouse(s)not stated
ChildrenEnosh (Gen 5:6); "sons and daughters" (Gen 5:7)
Location(s)not specified
First mentionGen 4:25
Mentioned inGen 4:25–26; 5:3–8
Key eventsBorn as replacement for Abel (4:25); begotten in Adam's likeness, according to his image (5:3); begot Enosh at age 105 (5:6); died at 912 (5:8)
Familiar nameSeth
Professionnot stated
Social classnot stated
Hometownnot stated
Places livednot specified
Age when became father105 (at Enosh's birth, Gen 5:6)
Cause of deathnot stated (Gen 5:8 simply records "and he died")
SiblingsCain (Qayin), Abel (Hevel); "sons and daughters" (Gen 5:4)
Archaeological evidenceNo direct archaeological evidence
Extra-biblical mentionsJosephus, Antiquities I.2–3; Luke 3:38; various Second Temple and rabbinic traditions connecting Seth to wisdom and righteousness
Historicity statusLITERARY
Books appearing inGenesis; 1 Chronicles 1:1; Luke 3:38
Character arcBorn as replacement for Abel, he becomes the root of the line from which Noah (and ultimately Israel) descends; the generation of his son Enosh begins calling on YHWH.
Year from creation130
Year from creation end1042
NoteSeth's birth marks the transition to the blessed line. His son Enosh's generation begins calling on the name of YHWH (4:26).
Enosh905 years (Gen 5:11)
Meaning"man" / "mortal" (enosh, a synonym of adam but with connotations of frailty)
OriginBORN
Birth yearAM 235 (130 + 105; Gen 5:6)
Death yearAM 1140 (235 + 905; Gen 5:11)
Lifespan905 years (Gen 5:11)
FatherShet (Seth) (Gen 5:6)
Mothernot stated
Spouse(s)not stated
ChildrenQenan (Gen 5:9); "sons and daughters" (Gen 5:10)
Location(s)not specified
First mentionGen 4:26
Mentioned inGen 4:26; 5:6–11
Key eventsBorn to Seth (4:26); in his time "it was begun to call on the name of YHWH" (4:26); begot Qenan at age 90 (5:9); died at 905 (5:11)
Familiar nameEnosh
Professionnot stated
Social classnot stated
Hometownnot stated
Places livednot specified
Age when became father90 (at Kenan's birth, Gen 5:9)
Cause of deathnot stated
Siblings"sons and daughters" of Seth implied (Gen 5:7)
Archaeological evidenceNo direct archaeological evidence
Extra-biblical mentionsLuke 3:38; Josephus, Antiquities I.3
Historicity statusLITERARY
Books appearing inGenesis; 1 Chronicles 1:1; Luke 3:38
Character arcHis generation is the one in which calling on the name of YHWH begins; no personal narrative is given beyond genealogy.
Year from creation235
Year from creation end1140
Qenan(Kenan)910 years (Gen 5:14)
OriginBORN
Birth yearAM 325 (235 + 90; Gen 5:9)
Death yearAM 1235 (325 + 910; Gen 5:14)
Lifespan910 years (Gen 5:14)
FatherEnosh (Gen 5:9)
Mothernot stated
Spouse(s)not stated
ChildrenMahalalel (Gen 5:12); "sons and daughters" (Gen 5:13)
Location(s)not specified
First mentionGen 5:9
Mentioned inGen 5:9–14
Key eventsBegot Mahalalel at age 70 (5:12); died at 910 (5:14)
Familiar nameKenan
Professionnot stated
Social classnot stated
Hometownnot stated
Places livednot specified
Age when became father70 (at Mahalalel's birth, Gen 5:12)
Cause of deathnot stated
Siblings"sons and daughters" of Enosh implied (Gen 5:10)
Archaeological evidenceNo direct archaeological evidence
Extra-biblical mentionsLuke 3:37; Josephus, Antiquities I.3
Historicity statusLITERARY
Books appearing inGenesis; 1 Chronicles 1:2; Luke 3:37
Character arcA transitional figure in the antediluvian genealogy; no personal narrative.
Year from creation325
Year from creation end1235
Mahalalel895 years (Gen 5:17)
Meaning"praise of God" (mahalal + El)
OriginBORN
Birth yearAM 395 (325 + 70; Gen 5:12)
Death yearAM 1290 (395 + 895; Gen 5:17)
Lifespan895 years (Gen 5:17)
FatherQenan (Gen 5:12)
Mothernot stated
Spouse(s)not stated
ChildrenYered (Gen 5:15); "sons and daughters" (Gen 5:16)
Location(s)not specified
First mentionGen 5:12
Mentioned inGen 5:12–17
Key eventsBegot Yered at age 65 (5:15); died at 895 (5:17)
Familiar nameMahalalel
Professionnot stated
Social classnot stated
Hometownnot stated
Places livednot specified
Age when became father65 (at Jared's birth, Gen 5:15)
Cause of deathnot stated
Siblings"sons and daughters" of Kenan implied (Gen 5:13)
Archaeological evidenceNo direct archaeological evidence
Extra-biblical mentionsLuke 3:37; Josephus, Antiquities I.3
Historicity statusLITERARY
Books appearing inGenesis; 1 Chronicles 1:2; Luke 3:37
Character arcA transitional figure in the antediluvian genealogy; no personal narrative.
Year from creation395
Year from creation end1290
Yered(Jared)962 years (Gen 5:20)
Meaning"descent" (from yarad, to go down)
OriginBORN
Birth yearAM 460 (395 + 65; Gen 5:15)
Death yearAM 1422 (460 + 962; Gen 5:20)
Lifespan962 years (Gen 5:20)
FatherMahalalel (Gen 5:15)
Mothernot stated
Spouse(s)not stated
ChildrenChanokh (Enoch) (Gen 5:18); "sons and daughters" (Gen 5:19)
Location(s)not specified
First mentionGen 5:15
Mentioned inGen 5:15–20
Key eventsBegot Enoch at age 162 (5:18); died at 962 (5:20)
Familiar nameJared
Professionnot stated
Social classnot stated
Hometownnot stated
Places livednot specified
Age when became father162 (at Enoch's birth, Gen 5:18)
Cause of deathnot stated
Siblings"sons and daughters" of Mahalalel implied (Gen 5:16)
Archaeological evidenceNo direct archaeological evidence
Extra-biblical mentionsLuke 3:37; Josephus, Antiquities I.3; 1 Enoch 6 (names Jared as the father of Enoch, consistent with MT)
Historicity statusLITERARY
Books appearing inGenesis; 1 Chronicles 1:2; Luke 3:37
Character arcA transitional figure in the antediluvian genealogy; notable only as the father of Enoch, the figure taken by God.
Year from creation460
Year from creation end1422
Chanokh(Enoch)365 years (Gen 5:23)
Meaning"dedicated" / "initiated" (from chanakh, to dedicate)
OriginBORN
Birth yearAM 622 (460 + 162; Gen 5:18)
Death yearnot applicable ("he was not, for God took him," Gen 5:24)
Lifespan365 years (Gen 5:23)
FatherYered (Gen 5:18)
Mothernot stated
Spouse(s)not stated
ChildrenMetushelach (Methuselah) (Gen 5:21); "sons and daughters" (Gen 5:22)
Location(s)not specified
First mentionGen 5:18 (Sethite Chanokh (Enoch)); cf. Gen 4:17 (Cainite Enoch, son of Qayin (Cain))
Mentioned inGen 5:18–24
Key eventsBegot Methuselah at age 65 (5:21); "walked with God" for 300 years after begetting Methuselah (5:22); total days: 365 years (5:23); "walked with God, and he was not, for God took him" (5:24)
Familiar nameEnoch
Professionnot stated
Social classnot stated
Hometownnot stated
Places livednot specified; "walked with God" suggests a unique relationship transcending geography
Age when became father65 (at Methuselah's birth, Gen 5:21)
Cause of deathnot applicable — "God took him" (Gen 5:24); no death recorded
Siblings"sons and daughters" of Jared implied (Gen 5:19)
Archaeological evidenceNo direct archaeological evidence
Extra-biblical mentionsJosephus, Antiquities I.3; Hebrews 11:5; Jude 1:14–15 (quotes 1 Enoch); Sirach 44:16; 49:14; 1 Enoch (extensive Second Temple literature); Quran, Sura 19:56–57 (Idris, identified by some Muslim tradition with Enoch)
Historicity statusLITERARY
Books appearing inGenesis; 1 Chronicles 1:3; Luke 3:37; Hebrews 11:5; Jude 1:14
Character arcThe only antediluvian patriarch who does not die; his "walking with God" twice (5:22, 24) distinguishes him, and his disappearance — taken rather than dying — stands apart from every other genealogical entry.
Year from creation622
Year from creation end987 (year of being "taken," not death)
NoteThe formula "and he died" is absent. The 365-year lifespan equals the number of days in a solar year. Enoch is the seventh from Adam in the Sethite line. A Cainite Enoch (son of Cain) also appears at Gen 4:17 — different person, same name.
Metushelach(Methuselah)969 years (Gen 5:27) — longest recorded lifespan in the MT
MeaningUNCERTAIN ("man of the weapon/missile" from mat + shelach; or "his death shall send" — folk etymology)
OriginBORN
Birth yearAM 687 (622 + 65; Gen 5:21)
Death yearAM 1656 (687 + 969; Gen 5:27)
Lifespan969 years (Gen 5:27) — longest recorded lifespan in the MT
FatherChanokh (Enoch) (Gen 5:21)
Mothernot stated
Spouse(s)not stated
ChildrenLemekh (Lamech) (Sethite, Gen 5:25); "sons and daughters" (Gen 5:26)
Location(s)not specified
First mentionGen 5:21
Mentioned inGen 5:21–27
Key eventsBegot Lamech at age 187 (5:25); died at 969 (5:27)
Familiar nameMethuselah
Professionnot stated
Social classnot stated
Hometownnot stated
Places livednot specified
Age when became father187 (at Lamech's birth, Gen 5:25)
Cause of deathnot stated (Gen 5:27 records "and he died"; by MT arithmetic his death coincides with the flood year)
Siblings"sons and daughters" of Enoch implied (Gen 5:22)
Archaeological evidenceNo direct archaeological evidence
Extra-biblical mentionsJosephus, Antiquities I.3; Luke 3:37; various rabbinic traditions on the significance of his death year
Historicity statusLITERARY
Books appearing inGenesis; 1 Chronicles 1:3; Luke 3:37
Character arcThe longest-lived person in the MT; his life spans from the generation of Enoch ("taken" by God) to the year of the flood, the arithmetical coincidence of which the text leaves unremarked.
Year from creation687
Year from creation end1656
NoteBy the MT's own arithmetic, Metushelach (Methuselah)'s death year (AM 1656) coincides exactly with the flood year (Noach (Noah) was 600 at the flood [Gen 7:6]; Noah born AM 1056; 1056 + 600 = 1656). The text does not comment on this coincidence.
Lemekh(Lamech) — Sethite line777 years (Gen 5:31)
MeaningUNCERTAIN (possibly "powerful" or "lowly" — debated)
OriginBORN
Birth yearAM 874 (687 + 187; Gen 5:25)
Death yearAM 1651 (874 + 777; Gen 5:31)
Lifespan777 years (Gen 5:31)
FatherMetushelach (Methuselah) (Gen 5:25)
Mothernot stated
Spouse(s)not stated
ChildrenNoach (Noah) (Gen 5:29); "sons and daughters" (Gen 5:30)
Location(s)not specified
First mentionGen 5:25
Mentioned inGen 5:25–31
Key eventsBegot Noah at age 182 (5:28–29); named Noah with the words "This one shall comfort us from our work and from the toil of our hands, from the ground which YHWH cursed" (5:29); died at 777 (5:31)
Familiar nameLamech
Professionnot stated
Social classnot stated
Hometownnot stated
Places livednot specified
Age when became father182 (at Noah's birth, Gen 5:28–29)
Cause of deathnot stated (Gen 5:31 records "and he died"; by MT arithmetic he dies five years before the flood)
Siblings"sons and daughters" of Methuselah implied (Gen 5:26)
Archaeological evidenceNo direct archaeological evidence
Extra-biblical mentionsJosephus, Antiquities I.3; Luke 3:36
Historicity statusLITERARY
Books appearing inGenesis; 1 Chronicles 1:3; Luke 3:36
Character arcHe names his son Noah with a hope tied to the cursed ground; he dies before the flood that his son will survive, and the text records that his hope was not misplaced.
Year from creation874
Year from creation end1651
NoteNot to be confused with the Cainite Lemekh (Lamech) (Gen 4:18–24), who took two wives (Adah and Tsillah) and spoke the song of escalated violence (4:23–24). The Sethite Lamech dies five years before the flood (AM 1651 vs. flood at AM 1656).
Noach(Noah)950 years (Gen 9:29)
Meaning"rest" / "comfort" (Gen 5:29; name-etymology from nacham, to comfort/regret — the same root reappears at Gen 6:6 as divine "regret")
OriginBORN
Birth yearAM 1056 (874 + 182; Gen 5:28–29)
Death yearAM 2006 (1056 + 950; Gen 9:29)
Lifespan950 years (Gen 9:29)
FatherLemekh (Lamech) (Sethite, Gen 5:28–29)
Mothernot stated
Spouse(s)unnamed ("your woman," Gen 6:18)
ChildrenShem, Cham (Ham), Yafet (Japheth) (Gen 5:32; 6:10)
Location(s)the tebah (ark); post-flood land; planted a vineyard (Gen 9:20)
First mentionGen 5:29
Mentioned inGen 5:28–32; 6:8–22; 7:1–24; 8:1–22; 9:1–29; 10:1, 32
Key eventsNamed with hope tied to the cursed ground (5:29); found favor in the eyes of YHWH (6:8); righteous, whole in his generations, walked with God (6:9); begot Shem, Ham, Japheth at age 500 (5:32); commanded to build the tebah (6:14–16); entered the tebah with family and animals (7:1–9); survived the flood (7:17–8:19); built an altar, offered burnt offerings (8:20); received the Noachide covenant, including the rainbow sign (9:1–17); planted a vineyard, became drunk, uncovered himself (9:20–21); cursed Kenaan (Canaan), blessed Shem, blessed/enlarged Japheth (9:25–27); lived 350 years after the flood (9:28); died at 950 (9:29)
Familiar nameNoah
Professionfarmer / vinedresser (Gen 9:20); builder (of the tebah, Gen 6:14)
Social classnot stated (functions as patriarch and covenant recipient)
Hometownnot stated (pre-flood); settled post-flood, planted a vineyard (Gen 9:20)
Places livedpre-flood land (unspecified); the tebah (ark) during the flood; post-flood land
Age when became father500 (begot Shem, Ham, Japheth, Gen 5:32)
Cause of deathnot stated (Gen 9:29 simply records "and he died")
Siblings"sons and daughters" of Lamech implied (Gen 5:30)
Archaeological evidenceNo direct archaeological evidence. Flood deposit strata have been identified at various Mesopotamian sites (Ur, Shuruppak, Kish) but none are contemporary or uniquely linked to any single flood event matching the Genesis narrative.
Extra-biblical mentionsJosephus, Antiquities I.3–4; Quran, Sura 11:25–49 (Nuh, extensive narrative); Hebrews 11:7; 1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 2:5; 3:6; Sirach 44:17–18; 1 Enoch 106–107; Sibylline Oracles; Atrahasis Epic and Gilgamesh Tablet XI (Mesopotamian flood figures Atrahasis/Utnapishtim compared by scholars)
Historicity statusUNCERTAIN
Books appearing inGenesis; Isaiah 54:9; Ezekiel 14:14, 20; 1 Chronicles 1:4; Matthew 24:37–38; Luke 3:36; 17:26–27; Hebrews 11:7; 1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 2:5
Character arcFound righteous in a corrupt generation, Noah is chosen to preserve life through the flood; after the cataclysm he builds an altar, receives a covenant, and then plants a vineyard — a scene of drunkenness and family conflict that complicates his righteousness.
Year from creation1056
Year from creation end2006
Shem600 years (Gen 11:10–11)
Meaning"name" (shem)
OriginBORN
Birth yearAM 1558 (Shem was 100 two years after the flood [Gen 11:10]; flood at AM 1656; therefore born AM 1558; this places his birth when Noach (Noah) was 502, not 500 — an internal tension the text does not resolve)
Death yearAM 2158 (1558 + 600; Gen 11:10–11)
Lifespan600 years (Gen 11:10–11)
FatherNoah (Gen 5:32)
Mothernot stated
Spouse(s)not stated
ChildrenArpakhshad (Gen 11:10); Elam, Ashshur, Lud, Aram (Gen 10:22); "sons and daughters" (Gen 11:11)
Location(s)the tebah; post-flood land
First mentionGen 5:32
Mentioned inGen 5:32; 6:10; 7:13; 9:18, 23, 26–27; 10:1, 21–31; 11:10–11
Key eventsBorn to Noah (5:32); entered the tebah (7:13); covered his father's nakedness with Yafet (Japheth) (9:23); blessed by Noah — "Blessed be YHWH, God of Shem" (9:26); father of all the sons of Ever (10:21); begot Arpakhshad at age 100, two years after the flood (11:10); died at 600 (11:11)
Familiar nameShem
Professionnot stated
Social classnot stated
Hometownnot stated (born pre-flood; settled post-flood)
Places livedthe tebah during the flood; post-flood land (unspecified)
Age when became father100 (at Arpakhshad's birth, two years after the flood, Gen 11:10)
Cause of deathnot stated (Gen 11:11 records "and he died")
SiblingsHam (Cham), Japheth (Yafet)
Archaeological evidenceNo direct archaeological evidence
Extra-biblical mentionsJosephus, Antiquities I.4–6; Luke 3:36; various Semitic origin traditions connecting "Shem" to the Semitic peoples
Historicity statusUNCERTAIN
Books appearing inGenesis; 1 Chronicles 1:4, 17; Luke 3:36
Character arcHe covers his father's nakedness with honor, is blessed as the one in whose God dwells, and becomes the ancestor through whom the covenant line reaches Abram.
Year from creation1558
Year from creation end2158
NoteShem is listed first among Noah's sons but may not be the eldest — Gen 10:21 calls Japheth "the elder" (though this is ambiguous: "the brother of Japheth the elder" could modify either Shem or Japheth). The blessed line runs through Shem to Avram (Abram).
Cham(Ham)not stated
MeaningUNCERTAIN ("hot" / "dark" — debated, no etymology given in text)
OriginBORN
Birth yearAM 1559 (computed: Gen 5:32 begins Noach's begetting at age 500; Gen 11:10 places Shem at AM 1558; Gen 9:24 calls Cham "youngest son" — one year after Shem is the minimum-commit reading consistent with the text's three-brothers-begun-at-500 frame)
Death yearnot stated
Lifespannot stated
FatherNoah (Gen 5:32)
Mothernot stated
Spouse(s)not stated
ChildrenKush, Mitsrayim (Egypt), Put, Kenaan (Canaan) (Gen 10:6)
Location(s)the tebah; post-flood land
First mentionGen 5:32
Mentioned inGen 5:32; 6:10; 7:13; 9:18, 22; 10:1, 6–20
Key eventsBorn to Noah (5:32); entered the tebah (7:13); "father of Canaan" (9:18, 22); saw the nakedness of his father and told his two brothers (9:22); Noah cursed Canaan (not Cham (Ham) directly) in response (9:25)
Familiar nameHam
Professionnot stated
Social classnot stated
Hometownnot stated (born pre-flood; settled post-flood)
Places livedthe tebah during the flood; post-flood land (unspecified); his descendants associated with Africa and southern regions (Gen 10:6–20)
Age when became fathernot stated
Cause of deathnot stated
SiblingsShem, Japheth (Yafet); called "youngest" (Gen 9:24)
Archaeological evidenceNo direct archaeological evidence
Extra-biblical mentionsJosephus, Antiquities I.4–6; various later traditions associating Ham with Africa and Egypt (Mitsrayim = Egypt is his son's name)
Historicity statusUNCERTAIN
Books appearing inGenesis; 1 Chronicles 1:4, 8; Psalm 78:51; 105:23, 27; 106:22
Character arcHe sees his father's nakedness and tells his brothers; his son Canaan, not Ham himself, receives the curse — a narrative gap the text leaves unexplained.
Year from creation1559
Year from creation endnot stated
Regions by textKush (Gen 10:6, DOCUMENTED); Mitsrayim (Gen 10:6, DOCUMENTED); Put (Gen 10:6, DOCUMENTED); Kenaan (Gen 10:6, DOCUMENTED)
NoteGen 9:24 calls Ham "his youngest son" (beno ha-qatan). The curse falls on Canaan, not on Ham himself — the text does not explain why.
Restricted to regions and peoples the biblical text itself names. Per the anti-misuse safeguards in Genesis 9 and 10, this section MUST NOT be read as descent claims about modern peoples or nations. See chapter companions for the full safeguards.
Yafet(Japheth)not stated
Meaning"enlargement" / "may he enlarge" (Gen 9:27; wordplay — "may God enlarge [yaft] Yafet (Japheth)")
OriginBORN
Birth yearAM 1556 (computed: Gen 5:32 begins Noach's begetting at age 500; Gen 10:21 reads most naturally as "Yafet the elder" — making Yafet the firstborn; Shem then born AM 1558 per Gen 11:10, Cham AM 1559 per Gen 9:24 "youngest")
Death yearnot stated
Lifespannot stated
FatherNoah (Gen 5:32)
Mothernot stated
Spouse(s)not stated
ChildrenGomer, Magog, Madai, Yavan, Tuval, Meshekh, Tiras (Gen 10:2)
Location(s)the tebah; post-flood land; coastland peoples spread from his line (Gen 10:5)
First mentionGen 5:32
Mentioned inGen 5:32; 6:10; 7:13; 9:18, 23, 27; 10:1–5
Key eventsBorn to Noah (5:32); entered the tebah (7:13); covered his father's nakedness with Shem (9:23); blessed by Noah — "May God enlarge Japheth, and may he dwell in the tents of Shem" (9:27)
Familiar nameJapheth
Professionnot stated
Social classnot stated
Hometownnot stated (born pre-flood; settled post-flood)
Places livedthe tebah during the flood; post-flood land; coastlands spread from his descendants (Gen 10:5)
Age when became fathernot stated
Cause of deathnot stated
SiblingsShem, Ham (Cham); possibly the eldest (Gen 10:21, though ambiguous)
Archaeological evidenceNo direct archaeological evidence
Extra-biblical mentionsJosephus, Antiquities I.4–6; later traditions associating Japheth with Indo-European peoples and northern/western regions
Historicity statusUNCERTAIN
Books appearing inGenesis; 1 Chronicles 1:4–5
Character arcHe walks backward with Shem to cover their father, acts with honor, and receives the blessing of enlargement — a brief but dignified role in a scene of family crisis.
Year from creation1556
Year from creation endnot stated
NoteThe subject of "may he dwell in the tents of Shem" (9:27) is ambiguous — it could be Japheth or God. The TT preserves this ambiguity.
Kenaan(Canaan)not stated
Meaning"lowland" or "merchant" (debated; no etymology given in text)
OriginBORN
Birth yearnot stated
Death yearnot stated
Lifespannot stated
FatherCham (Ham) (Gen 10:6)
Mothernot stated
Spouse(s)not stated
ChildrenTsidon, Chet, and the peoples listed in Gen 10:15–18; his territory described in Gen 10:19
Location(s)Kenaan (Canaan) (eponymous territory, Gen 10:19)
First mentionGen 9:18
Mentioned inGen 9:18, 22, 25–27; 10:6, 15–19
Key eventsNamed as son of Ham and eponymous ancestor of the Kenaani peoples (9:18); Noach (Noah) cursed Canaan after Ham's act of seeing his nakedness (9:25) â "Cursed be Canaan; servant of servants shall he be to his brothers"; Noah's blessing of Shem and Yafet (Japheth) reiterated in terms of Canaan's subjugation (9:26–27); his territory boundaries given in Gen 10:19
Familiar nameCanaan
Professionnot stated
Social classeponymous ancestor; his descendants form distinct peoples (Gen 10:15–18)
HometownCanaan (the territory bears his name, Gen 10:19)
Places livedCanaan (territory described Gen 10:19)
Age when became fathernot stated
Cause of deathnot stated
SiblingsKush, Mitsrayim (Egypt), Put (Gen 10:6)
Archaeological evidenceNo direct archaeological evidence for the individual; the Canaanite peoples and their cities (Sidon, etc.) are extensively attested archaeologically
Extra-biblical mentionsJosephus, Antiquities I.6; later traditions linking Canaan to the Canaanite peoples of the Levant
Historicity statusLITERARY (eponymous ancestor figure)
Books appearing inGenesis; Joshua (as territory/peoples); 1 Chronicles 1:8, 13
Character arcHe appears only as recipient of a curse he did not personally earn; his role is structural — to explain through genealogy the subordination of the Canaanites to Israel and her neighbors.
Year from creationnot stated
Year from creation endnot stated
NoteThe curse falls on Canaan, not on Ham who committed the act (9:22, 25). The text does not explain the displacement. Canaan is singled out despite being listed as only one of Ham's four sons (10:6).
Nimrodnot stated
Meaningpossibly "we shall rebel" (from marad, to rebel — folk etymology; UNCERTAIN)
OriginBORN
Birth yearnot stated
Death yearnot stated
Lifespannot stated
FatherKush (Gen 10:8)
Mothernot stated
Spouse(s)not stated
Childrennot stated
Location(s)Bavel, Erekh, Akkad, Kalneh in the land of Shinar (Gen 10:10); Ashshur â Nineveh, Rechovot-Ir, Kelach, Resen (Gen 10:11–12)
First mentionGen 10:8
Mentioned inGen 10:8–12
Key eventsBegan to be a mighty one (gibbor) on the land (10:8); mighty hunter before YHWH â proverbial: "Like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before YHWH" (10:9); his kingdom began at Bavel (10:10); built Nineveh and other cities (10:11–12)
Familiar nameNimrod
Professionhunter; king / empire-builder (Gen 10:8–12; "his kingdom" implies rule)
Social classwarrior-king / mighty one (gibbor, Gen 10:8)
HometownBavel (Babel) / land of Shinar (Gen 10:10)
Places livedShinar (Bavel, Erekh, Akkad, Kalneh, Gen 10:10); Ashshur / Nineveh and other cities (Gen 10:11–12)
Age when became fathernot stated
Cause of deathnot stated
Siblingsnot stated (Kush's other sons listed in Gen 10:7 but their relation to Nimrod is only as father)
Archaeological evidenceNo direct archaeological evidence for an individual named Nimrod. The cities named (Nineveh, Calah/Kalhu, Erech/Uruk, Babylon/Babel) are extensively attested archaeologically. Some scholars propose connections to Mesopotamian kings (Tukulti-Ninurta I, Sargon of Akkad, Gilgamesh) but these remain UNCERTAIN and speculative.
Extra-biblical mentionsJosephus, Antiquities I.4 (Nimrod as tyrant opposing YHWH); Micah 5:6 ("land of Nimrod"); 1 Chronicles 1:10; various rabbinic traditions (Nimrod as the builder of Babel, oppressor of Abraham — not in Genesis itself); Quran does not name Nimrod but traditions connect him to the Abrahamic narratives
Historicity statusUNCERTAIN
Books appearing inGenesis; 1 Chronicles 1:10; Micah 5:6
Character arcHe appears suddenly as a "mighty hunter" and city-builder, then disappears; his ambiguous relationship with YHWH ("before YHWH" in 10:9) and his construction of Babel (10:10) set up the Babel narrative without the text making the connection explicit.
Year from creationnot stated
Year from creation endnot stated
Note"Before YHWH" (10:9) is ambiguous — it may indicate divine approval or divine defiance. The text does not resolve this. The Nimrod passage is the only narrative expansion in the otherwise list-driven table of nations.
Terach(Terah)205 years (Gen 11:32)
MeaningUNCERTAIN (possibly "ibex" or "delay" — debated)
OriginBORN
Birth yearAM 1878 (Nachor (Nahor) was 29 when he fathered Terach (Terah); Gen 11:24)
Death yearAM 2083 (Gen 11:32 — lived 205 years; 1878 + 205 = 2083)
Lifespan205 years (Gen 11:32)
FatherNahor (Gen 11:24)
Mothernot stated
Spouse(s)not stated
ChildrenAvram (Abram), Nahor (II), Haran (Gen 11:26–27)
Location(s)Ur of the Kasdim (Gen 11:28, 31); Charan (Gen 11:31)
First mentionGen 11:24
Mentioned inGen 11:24–32
Key eventsBegot Abram, Nahor (II), and Haran (11:26); his own toledot formula — "These are the toledot of Terah" (11:27); took Abram, Lot, and Sarai from Ur of the Kasdim to go to Kenaan (Canaan); they came to Charan and settled there (11:31); died in Charan at 205 (11:32)
Familiar nameTerah
Professionnot stated in Genesis (Josephus and Joshua 24:2 suggest idolatry; not in the Genesis text itself)
Social classpatriarch / family head
HometownUr of the Kasdim (Gen 11:28, 31)
Places livedUr of the Kasdim; Charan (Gen 11:31; died there)
Age when became father70 (at the birth of his first son, Gen 11:26; see note on the tension with Abram's age)
Cause of deathnot stated (Gen 11:32 records "and Terah died")
Siblingsnot stated
Archaeological evidenceNo direct archaeological evidence
Extra-biblical mentionsJosephus, Antiquities I.6–7; Joshua 24:2 (his family "served other gods" â not in Genesis itself); Acts 7:2–4 (Stephen's speech); various rabbinic traditions depicting him as an idol-maker
Historicity statusUNCERTAIN
Books appearing inGenesis; Joshua 24:2; 1 Chronicles 1:26; Luke 3:34; Acts 7:2–4
Character arcHe initiates the journey from Ur toward Canaan but stops in Charan and dies there; his son Abram completes the journey he began, embedding the patriarch's call within a larger family movement that stalled.
Year from creation1878
Year from creation end2083
NoteTerah's departure from Ur is directed toward Canaan but he stops at Charan and dies there. The journey is completed by Abram alone in Gen 12:4–5. The toledot formula at 11:27 frames Abram's story as embedded in Terah's, not the reverse.
Harannot stated
MeaningUNCERTAIN (possibly "mountaineer" — debated)
OriginBORN
Birth yearnot stated
Death yearnot stated (died in Ur of the Kasdim before his father Terach (Terah); Gen 11:28)
Lifespannot stated
FatherTerah (Gen 11:26)
Mothernot stated
Spouse(s)not stated
ChildrenLot (Gen 11:27); Milkah (Gen 11:29); Yiskah (Gen 11:29)
Location(s)Ur of the Kasdim (Gen 11:28)
First mentionGen 11:26
Mentioned inGen 11:26–29
Key eventsNamed as third son of Terah alongside Avram (Abram) and Nachor (Nahor) (II) (11:26); died in Ur of the Kasdim in the presence of his father Terah (11:28) — first recorded death of a son before his father in Genesis; father of Lot, Milkah, and Yiskah (11:27, 29)
Familiar nameHaran
Professionnot stated
Social classnot stated
HometownUr of the Kasdim (Gen 11:28)
Places livedUr of the Kasdim (died there, Gen 11:28)
Age when became fathernot stated
Cause of deathnot stated; died in Ur of the Kasdim in the presence of his father Terah (Gen 11:28) — the text's only description is the unusual note of dying before his father
SiblingsAbram (Avram), Nahor (II)
Archaeological evidenceNo direct archaeological evidence
Extra-biblical mentionsJosephus, Antiquities I.6 (mentioned in passing)
Historicity statusUNCERTAIN
Books appearing inGenesis
Character arcHe appears only in genealogy and the note of his premature death; his significance is structural — his death orphans Lot and binds Lot to Abram.
Year from creationnot stated
Year from creation endnot stated (died before AM 1948, before Abram's birth)
NoteHaran's death before his father (11:28) is the stated reason for Lot's attachment to Abram. Milkah becomes the wife of Nahor (II), Abram's brother (11:29). Yiskah is not mentioned again in Gen 1–12.
Avram(Abram (name changed to Abraham in Gen 17, outside this file's scope))not stated within Gen 1–12
Meaning"exalted father" (av + ram)
OriginBORN
Birth yearAM 1948 (per MT arithmetic: Shem 1558 + Arpakhshad at 100 [=1658] + Shelach at 35 [=1693] + Ever at 30 [=1723] + Peleg at 34 [=1757] + Re'u at 30 [=1787] + Serug at 32 [=1819] + Nachor (Nahor) at 30 [=1849] + Terach (Terah) at 29 [=1878] + Avram (Abram) at 70 [=1948]; but see note)
Death yearnot stated within Gen 1–12
Lifespannot stated within Gen 1–12
FatherTerah (Gen 11:26–27)
Mothernot stated
Spouse(s)Sarai (Gen 11:29; 12:11–13)
Childrennone yet within Gen 1–12 (Sarai is barren, Gen 11:30)
Location(s)Ur of the Kasdim (Gen 11:28, 31); Charan (Gen 11:31; 12:4); land of Kenaan (Canaan) (12:5); Shekhem (Shechem), oak of Moreh (12:6); hill country between Beyt-El (Bethel) and Ai (12:8); the Negev (12:9); Egypt (12:10–20)
First mentionGen 11:26
Mentioned inGen 11:26–32; 12:1–20
Key eventsBorn to Terah (11:26); married Sarai (11:29); departed from Ur with Terah, Sarai, and Lot toward Canaan, settled in Charan (11:31); called by YHWH â lekh lekha (12:1); received five-fold promise (12:2–3); departed Charan at age 75 (12:4); arrived in Canaan (12:5); passed through to Shechem, YHWH appeared and promised the land to his seed (12:6–7); built altars at Shechem and between Bethel and Ai (12:7–8); called on the name of YHWH (12:8); went down to Egypt due to famine (12:10); told Sarai to say she was his sister (12:11–13); Pharaoh struck with plagues on account of Sarai (12:17); rebuked by Pharaoh and sent away (12:18–20)
Familiar nameAbram (name changed to Abraham in Gen 17, outside this file's scope)
Professionherder / wealthy pastoralist (Gen 12:16; 13:2); altar-builder; called to be a nation (Gen 12:2)
Social classwealthy patriarch; owner of servants, livestock, silver, and gold (Gen 12:16; 13:2)
HometownUr of the Kasdim (Gen 11:28, 31)
Places livedUr of the Kasdim; Charan (Gen 11:31; 12:4); land of Canaan (Gen 12:5); Shechem (Gen 12:6); hill country between Bethel and Ai (Gen 12:8); the Negev (Gen 12:9); Egypt (Gen 12:10–20)
Age when became fathernot reached within Gen 1–12 (Sarai barren; first son Ishmael born in Gen 16, outside scope)
Cause of deathnot stated within Gen 1–12
Siblingsnot stated in Gen 1–12 (Gen 20:12 later reveals Sarai is his half-sister â same father, different mother)
Archaeological evidenceNo direct archaeological evidence for Abram as an individual. The patriarchal period (Middle Bronze Age, ca. 2000–1550 BCE) is consistent with some social and legal customs mentioned (servant-heir practices, Nuzi tablets). The identification remains UNCERTAIN and debated.
Extra-biblical mentionsJosephus, Antiquities I.7–8; Quran, Sura 2:124–129; 6:74–83; 19:41–50; 21:51–73 (Ibrahim, extensive narrative); Acts 7:2–8; Romans 4; Galatians 3; Hebrews 11:8–19; James 2:21–23
Historicity statusUNCERTAIN
Books appearing inGenesis; Joshua 24:2–3; Nehemiah 9:7; Isaiah 29:22; 41:8; 51:2; Romans 4; Galatians 3; Hebrews 11:8–19; and many others
Character arcHe leaves home at YHWH's call with a promise and no map, builds altars, and journeys through famine to Egypt — where he immediately compromises Sarai for his own safety; the gap between vocation and character is established from the first episode.
Year from creation1948
Year from creation end2123 (AM; but his death is not recorded in Gen 1–12; full lifespan 175 years, Gen 25:7, is outside this file's scope)
NoteIf Abram is Terah's firstborn (listed first at 11:26) and Terah was 70 at the birth of his first son, then Abram was born AM 1948. However, Gen 12:4 states Abram was 75 when he left Charan, and Gen 11:32 states Terah died in Charan at 205. If Abram left after Terah's death, Abram was born when Terah was 130 (205 - 75), not 70. The text does not harmonize these figures. Listed here is the calculation assuming Terah was 70 at Abram's birth, but the tension is noted.
Sarai(Sarai (name changed to Sarah in Gen 17:15, outside this file's scope))not stated within Gen 1–12
Meaning"my princess" (sarah / sarai; the name change to Sarah occurs later, Gen 17:15, outside this file's scope)
OriginAPPEARS (no birth narrative given)
Birth yearnot stated
Death yearnot stated within Gen 1–12
Lifespannot stated within Gen 1–12
Fathernot stated in Gen 1–12 (Gen 20:12 later identifies her as Avram (Abram)'s half-sister)
Mothernot stated
Spouse(s)Abram (Gen 11:29)
Childrennone within Gen 1–12 (barren, Gen 11:30)
Location(s)Ur of the Kasdim (Gen 11:31); Charan (Gen 11:31); Kenaan (Canaan) (Gen 12:5); Egypt (Gen 12:11–20)
First mentionGen 11:29
Mentioned inGen 11:29–31; 12:5, 11–17
Key eventsNamed as wife of Abram (11:29); stated to be barren (11:30); departed Ur with Terach (Terah) and Abram (11:31); taken to Egypt with Abram (12:5); Abram asked her to say she was his sister (12:11–13); taken into Pharaoh's house (12:15); YHWH struck Pharaoh with plagues on her account (12:17)
Familiar nameSarai (name changed to Sarah in Gen 17:15, outside this file's scope)
Professionnot stated
Social classwife of a wealthy patriarch; taken into Pharaoh's household (Gen 12:15), implying recognized beauty and status
HometownUr of the Kasdim (Gen 11:31)
Places livedUr of the Kasdim; Charan (Gen 11:31); land of Canaan (Gen 12:5); Egypt (Gen 12:11–20)
Age when became fathernot applicable
Cause of deathnot stated within Gen 1–12
Siblingsnot stated in Gen 1–12 (Gen 20:12 later reveals she is Abram's half-sister)
Archaeological evidenceNo direct archaeological evidence
Extra-biblical mentionsJosephus, Antiquities I.8; Quran (Sarah unnamed but present in Ibrahim narratives, Sura 11:71–73); Hebrews 11:11; 1 Peter 3:6
Historicity statusUNCERTAIN
Books appearing inGenesis; Isaiah 51:2; Romans 4:19; 9:9; Hebrews 11:11; 1 Peter 3:6
Character arcIntroduced as barren and beautiful, she is twice put at risk by Abram's self-protective deception; within Gen 1–12 she is entirely object rather than agent, but her barrenness drives the narrative tension into the promise.
Year from creationnot stated
Year from creation endnot stated within Gen 1–12
Lotnot stated within Gen 1–12
Meaning"covering" / "veil" (UNCERTAIN)
OriginBORN
Birth yearnot stated
Death yearnot stated within Gen 1–12
Lifespannot stated within Gen 1–12
FatherHaran (Gen 11:27)
Mothernot stated
Spouse(s)not stated within Gen 1–12
Childrennot stated within Gen 1–12
Location(s)Ur of the Kasdim (Gen 11:28, 31); Charan (Gen 11:31); Kenaan (Canaan) (Gen 12:5)
First mentionGen 11:27
Mentioned inGen 11:27, 31; 12:4–5
Key eventsBorn to Haran (11:27); his father Haran died in Ur (11:28); taken by Terach (Terah) from Ur toward Canaan (11:31); went with Avram (Abram) from Charan to Canaan (12:4–5)
Familiar nameLot
Professionnot stated within Gen 1–12 (later shown as a prosperous herder in Gen 13)
Social classnot stated; travels with Abram as dependent nephew
HometownUr of the Kasdim (Gen 11:28)
Places livedUr of the Kasdim; Charan (Gen 11:31); land of Canaan (Gen 12:5)
Age when became fathernot stated within Gen 1–12
Cause of deathnot stated
SiblingsMilkah, Yiskah (Gen 11:29)
Archaeological evidenceNo direct archaeological evidence
Extra-biblical mentionsJosephus, Antiquities I.8–11; Quran, Sura 7:80–84; 11:77–83; 15:59–77 (Lut, extensive narrative); 2 Peter 2:7
Historicity statusUNCERTAIN
Books appearing inGenesis; Luke 17:28–32; 2 Peter 2:7
Character arcOrphaned in Ur, he attaches to Abram and travels with him; within Gen 1–12 he is a dependent who has not yet made any independent choice â his testing comes later.
Year from creationnot stated
Year from creation endnot stated
NoteLot is Abram's nephew (son of Abram's brother Haran). His separation from Abram and the Sedom narrative occur in Gen 13–19, outside this file's scope.
Genealogy tables
Shem-to-Avram Genealogy (Gen 11:10–26)
All dates AM, per Masoretic Text arithmetic.
| Person | Born AM | Age at firstborn son | Son | Remaining years | Died AM | Total lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shem | 1558 | 100 | Arpakhshad | 500 | 2158 | 600 |
| Arpakhshad | 1658 | 35 | Shelach | 403 | 2096 | 438 |
| Shelach | 1693 | 30 | Ever | 403 | 2126 | 433 |
| Ever | 1723 | 34 | Peleg | 430 | 2187 | 464 |
| Peleg | 1757 | 30 | Re'u | 209 | 1996 | 239 |
| Re'u | 1787 | 32 | Serug | 207 | 2026 | 239 |
| Serug | 1819 | 30 | Nachor (Nahor) | 200 | 2049 | 230 |
| Nahor | 1849 | 29 | Terach (Terah) | 119 | 1997 | 148 |
| Terah | 1878 | 70 | Avram (Abram) (see note) | 135 | 2083 | 205 |
| Abram | 1948 | — | — | — | — | — |
Note. Lifespans drop sharply from the pre-flood to post-flood period. The pre-flood patriarchs live 777–969 years; the post-flood line drops from 600 (Shem) to 148 (Nahor). The text records the numbers without comment.
Adam-to-Noach Genealogy (Gen 5)
All dates AM, per Masoretic Text arithmetic.
| Person | Born AM | Age at firstborn son | Son | Remaining years | Died AM | Total lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adam | 1 | 130 | Shet (Seth) | 800 | 930 | 930 |
| Seth | 130 | 105 | Enosh | 807 | 1042 | 912 |
| Enosh | 235 | 90 | Qenan | 815 | 1140 | 905 |
| Qenan | 325 | 70 | Mahalalel | 840 | 1235 | 910 |
| Mahalalel | 395 | 65 | Yered | 830 | 1290 | 895 |
| Yered | 460 | 162 | Chanokh (Enoch) | 800 | 1422 | 962 |
| Enoch | 622 | 65 | Metushelach (Methuselah) | 300 | — (taken) | 365 |
| Methuselah | 687 | 187 | Lemekh (Lamech) | 782 | 1656 | 969 |
| Lamech | 874 | 182 | Noach (Noah) | 595 | 1651 | 777 |
| Noah | 1056 | 500 | Shem, Cham (Ham), Yafet (Japheth) | 450 | 2006 | 950 |
Note. The flood occurs in AM 1656 (Noah age 600, Gen 7:6). By MT arithmetic, Methuselah dies in the flood year. Lamech dies five years before the flood. Adam dies AM 930 — well before the flood but overlapping with Lamech's lifetime (born AM 874).
Sources consulted
• Primary text: Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia (BHS), 5th ed. (Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1997). All genealogical arithmetic derived from MT figures.
• Lexica: HALOT (Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament); BDB (Brown-Driver-Briggs).
• Commentaries: Westermann, C., Genesis 1–11 (Augsburg, 1984); Hamilton, V., The Book of Genesis (NICOT, 1990); Wenham, G., Genesis 1–15 (WBC, 1987).
• Chronology: Hasel, G., "The Meaning of the Chronogenealogies of Genesis 5 and 11," Origins 7 (1980): 53–70.
Editorial provenance: Drafted by Claude Opus 4.6 (1M context) on 2026-04-27. Not yet reviewed. This file is a provisional scholarly resource governed by TT Rule 29.
• Lexica: HALOT (Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament); BDB (Brown-Driver-Briggs).
• Commentaries: Westermann, C., Genesis 1–11 (Augsburg, 1984); Hamilton, V., The Book of Genesis (NICOT, 1990); Wenham, G., Genesis 1–15 (WBC, 1987).
• Chronology: Hasel, G., "The Meaning of the Chronogenealogies of Genesis 5 and 11," Origins 7 (1980): 53–70.
Editorial provenance: Drafted by Claude Opus 4.6 (1M context) on 2026-04-27. Not yet reviewed. This file is a provisional scholarly resource governed by TT Rule 29.