Nahor
Nahor is an ancient city mentioned in the Old Testament, located in the region of Syria in modern-day Syria. Known today as Harran. It appears across 1 verse in Scripture.
Biblical History
The city of Nahor appears in Genesis 24:10, where Abraham's servant traveled to "the city of Nahor" in Aram-naharaim (Mesopotamia) to find a wife for Isaac. There he met Rebekah at the well outside the city, a pivotal moment in the patriarchal narrative that ensured the covenant line would continue through a bride from Abraham's own kindred. The city bears the name of Abraham's brother Nahor, who had settled in the region around Harran after the family departed Ur of the Chaldeans (Genesis 11:31). This connection highlights the ongoing relationship between Abraham's family in Canaan and their relatives who remained in upper Mesopotamia. The city of Nahor also appears implicitly in the story of Jacob's journey to Laban's household (Genesis 29), as Jacob traveled to the same region to find his wives Leah and Rachel. This city thus played a crucial role in God's redemptive plan by serving as the ancestral homeland from which the matriarchs of Israel were chosen, preserving the family's identity within the broader covenant narrative.
Archaeological & Historical Notes
The city of Nahor is widely identified with Harran (modern Harran in southeastern Turkey, near the Syrian border), one of the most important ancient cities of upper Mesopotamia. Cuneiform texts from Mari (18th century BC) mention a city called Nakhur in the Balikh River region, confirming the biblical tradition. Harran was a major center of the moon-god Sin and a critical crossroads on ancient trade routes. Extensive archaeological excavations have uncovered remains spanning from the Early Bronze Age through the Islamic period, including the famous Ulu Cami ruins and the ancient city walls. The site remains a small village today, with ongoing archaeological research continuing to illuminate its rich history.
Verse Appearances (1)
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Sources: ISBE Encyclopedia · OpenBible Geocoding (CC BY) · Pleiades Gazetteer View all →