Haran
malePatriarchalMeaning: “Mountaineer”
A brother of Abraham who died young in Ur, leaving a son, Lot, who would travel with Abraham toward Canaan.
Biography
Haran is the youngest brother of Abraham and the father of Lot. His brief mention carries weight because of his son's later role.
Death in Ur
"Haran died before his father Terah in the land of his nativity, in Ur of the Chaldees" (Genesis 11:28) — one of the first recorded instances of a child predeceasing a parent. He left behind Lot, Milcah, and Iscah (Genesis 11:29).
His legacy through Lot
Abraham took his orphaned nephew Lot with him on the journey from Haran to Canaan (Genesis 12:5). Lot's descendants, the Moabites and Ammonites (Genesis 19:37–38), would later interact — sometimes in conflict — with Israel.
Life Timeline
Fathers Lot
Dies in Ur of the Chaldees before his father
On the Bible timeline
Haran belongs to the Creation & the Early World era (Beginning – c. 2100 BC).
- c. 2400 BC (traditional)The Flood
- c. 2200 BCThe Tower of Babel
Family Tree
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Themes & lessons from Haran
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Haran appears.
People they appear with
Places in their story
Scripture Appearances
4 verses in 1 bookGenesis4 verses
Genesis 11:26
And Terah lived seventy years, and begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran.
Genesis 11:27
Now these are the generations of Terah: Terah begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran begat Lot.
Genesis 11:28
And Haran died before his father Terah in the land of his nativity, in Ur of the Chaldees.
Genesis 11:29
And Abram and Nahor took them wives: the name of Abram's wife was Sarai; and the name of Nahor's wife, Milcah, the daughter of Haran, the father of Milcah, and the father of Iscah.
Frequently asked about Haran
Who was Haran in the Bible?
A brother of Abraham who died young in Ur, leaving a son, Lot, who would travel with Abraham toward Canaan.
What does the name Haran mean?
The name Haran means “Mountaineer”.
What did Haran do in the Bible?
Haran served as patriarch, of the tribe of Hebrew.
Who were Haran's children?
Haran's children include Lot.
Who were Haran's parents?
Haran was the child of Terah.
Where does Haran appear in the Bible?
Haran is mentioned 4 times across 1 book: Genesis.
What can we learn from Haran?
The story of Haran touches on themes of genealogy, haran, shem, terah — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Haran's life.
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