Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for interpreting the New Testament in its original language and for gaining insights into the cultural and historical contexts of ancient Greek society. The Greek word Θάρα (Strong’s G2291: Thara) is particularly significant as it is a transliteration of the Hebrew name “Terah,” a key figure in Biblical genealogies, and the father of Abraham. This word appears in the New Testament and is essential for understanding the lineage and narrative of the patriarchs in both Jewish and Christian traditions.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: Θάρα (Thara), [THA-rah]
- Etymology: A transliteration from the Hebrew name תֶּרַח (Terah), which might be related to the Hebrew root for “delay” or “wander.”
- Part of Speech: Proper noun (masculine); a declinable noun.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- A personal name referring to the Biblical figure Terah, the father of Abraham.
Similar Words: Ἀβραάμ (Abraam), [ab-RAHM] – the Greek transliteration of “Abraham,” Terah’s son and a central figure in the Bible. Ναχώρ (Nachor), [na-KHOR] – another family name connected to Terah’s lineage, highlighting different but related patriarchal roles.
Further Insights: Θάρα is a proper noun and follows typical patterns for masculine proper names in Greek. As it is a transliterated name from Hebrew, it does not have a declension in the traditional sense; however, it retains the nominal endings for nominative, genitive, and other cases.
Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek: Understanding Greek Grammar: A Beginner’s Guide.
Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Discusses Θάρα as the Greek rendering of the Hebrew name Terah, noting its genealogical importance in the lineage of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
- Thayers: Defines Θάρα as a proper noun referring to Terah, the father of Abraham. It also explores its Old Testament origins and connection to Jewish history.
- Vines: Focuses on the significance of Terah as an ancestral figure and his mention in genealogical records, noting his appearance in both Old and New Testaments.
- LSJ: Describes Θάρα as a transliteration from Hebrew, emphasizing its use in both Jewish and Christian Greek literature.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Identifies Θάρα with Terah, the father of Abraham, providing references to its occurrences in the New Testament.
Related Scripture References
- Luke 3:34: “The son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of [Θάρα], the son of Nahor.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English text |
|---|---|---|
| Philo of Alexandria | De Abrahamo | “For Terah (Θάρα) was not only the father of Abraham but also of other sons who were lesser-known.” |
| Josephus | Antiquities of the Jews | “Terah (Θάρα) left his homeland with his son Abraham and the rest of his family.” |
| Septuagint | Genesis 11:26 | “And Terah (Θάρα) lived seventy years and became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran.” |
| Septuagint | Joshua 24:2 | “Thus says the Lord God of Israel, ‘From ancient times your fathers lived beyond the River, namely, Terah (Θάρα), the father of Abraham and the father of Nahor.'” |
| Septuagint | 1 Chronicles 1:26 | “Serug, Nahor, Terah (Θάρα), Abram, that is Abraham.” |
Summary of Θάρα (G2291: Thara)
The Greek word Θάρα (G2291: Thara) is a transliteration of the Hebrew name Terah, the father of Abraham. It appears in the New Testament in genealogical contexts, emphasizing the importance of family lineage in Jewish and Christian traditions. This name is significant in understanding the heritage and history of the patriarchs and serves as a bridge between the Old and New Testament narratives. Its usage in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint further underscores its importance in the Biblical world and in the development of Judeo-Christian thought.
Did You Know?
Terah (Θάρα) is not only remembered as the father of Abraham, but also as a figure who left his homeland with his family to journey toward Canaan. His story sets the stage for Abraham’s covenant with God and the future of the Israelite nation.
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