אַבְרָהָם
Avraham / Abraham
“Father of many”
Abraham (אַבְרָהָם, Avraham) is a Hebrew boy's name meaning “father of many,” pronounced “av-ra-HAM.” The original name Abram (אַבְרָם) means 'exalted father,' from 'av' (father) + 'ram' (exalted). God changed it to Abraham (אַבְרָהָם) in Genesis 17:5, traditionally understood as 'av' (father) + 'hamon' (multitude).
| Hebrew | אַבְרָהָם |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Avraham |
| English Name | Abraham |
| Meaning | Father of many |
| Pronunciation | av-ra-HAM |
| Gender | Boy |
| Category | Male Biblical Names |
| Variants | Avraham, Avram, Abram, Ibrahim, Abe, Abramo, Bram |
| Key Scripture | Genesis 17:5 |
Abraham's name is itself a story of transformation. Originally called Abram ('exalted father'), God changed his name to Abraham ('father of many') as part of the covenant in Genesis 17 — a divine renaming that embedded a promise into his very identity. Every time someone spoke his name, they were prophesying the future of an entire nation. Abraham is the only person in Scripture whom God calls 'My friend' (Isaiah 41:8), and his name became the foundation upon which three world religions built their identity.
Key Scripture: Genesis 17:5
“No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.”
What Does Abraham Mean in Hebrew?
Composed of אָב (av, 'father') and the element רָהָם related to רָב/הָמוֹן (rav/hamon, 'many/multitude'). The insertion of the letter ה (heh) — associated with God's name — symbolizes divine breath and covenant promise entering the name itself.
Abraham in the Bible
Abraham is the founding patriarch of Israel. God called him out of Ur to an unknown land, promised him descendants as numerous as the stars, and established an everlasting covenant with him through circumcision. His willingness to sacrifice Isaac on Mount Moriah (Genesis 22) is considered the ultimate test of faith in Scripture.
Cultural Context & Modern Usage
Abraham is the shared patriarch of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam — often called the 'Abrahamic faiths.' In Jewish tradition, converts are given 'ben/bat Avraham' (son/daughter of Abraham) as their Hebrew patronymic, symbolizing spiritual rebirth into the family of faith.
Abraham has seen a strong resurgence in the United States, climbing into the top 150 names. In Israel, Avraham remains common especially in religious communities. The name enjoys broad cross-cultural appeal through its shared significance in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Frequently Asked Questions About Abraham
What does Abraham mean in Hebrew?
Abraham (אַבְרָהָם, Avraham) means “Father of many” in Hebrew. The original name Abram (אַבְרָם) means 'exalted father,' from 'av' (father) + 'ram' (exalted). God changed it to Abraham (אַבְרָהָם) in Genesis 17:5, traditionally understood as 'av' (father) + 'hamon' (multitude).
How do you pronounce Abraham in Hebrew?
The Hebrew pronunciation of Abraham is “av-ra-HAM.” The name is written אַבְרָהָם in Hebrew script.
Why did God change Abram's name to Abraham?
God changed Abram's name to Abraham in Genesis 17:5 as part of establishing His covenant. The new name means 'father of many nations,' embedding a prophetic promise directly into his identity. The added Hebrew letter ה (heh) is associated with God's own name, symbolizing divine breath entering Abram's destiny.
What is the difference between Abram and Abraham?
Abram (אַבְרָם) means 'exalted father' — a noble but personal title. Abraham (אַבְרָהָם) means 'father of many nations' — a prophetic, covenantal name. The change marks the moment God formalized His eternal covenant with Abraham, expanding the promise from personal blessing to global significance.
Is Abraham considered a prophet in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam?
Yes. In Judaism, Abraham is the first patriarch and the father of the Jewish people. In Christianity, he is the exemplar of faith (Romans 4). In Islam, Ibrahim is one of the greatest prophets and the builder of the Kaaba. All three traditions trace their spiritual lineage to him.
Sources & Further Study
Related Hebrew Words
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