The name transformation marking covenant relationship

Abram (Hebrew: אברם, Avram, “high father” or “exalted father”) was the original name of the patriarch whom God later renamed Abraham as part of establishing the covenant relationship. The name appears 60 times in Torah, primarily in Genesis 11-17 before the divine name change.

Name Usage Timeline

Pre-Covenant Period (Gen 11#26 - Gen 17#4)

Abram used during:

The Name Change (Gen 17#1-8)

Divine transformation at age 99:

  • Divine Declaration: “Your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations” (Gen 17#5)
  • Covenant Context: Linked to circumcision and expanded promises
  • Prophetic Fulfillment: Name change preceded promise fulfillment
  • Identity Shift: From “high father” to “father of multitudes”

Theological Significance of Original Name

Abram - “High Father”

The original name carried important meaning:

  • Parental Hope: Parents’ aspiration for their son’s greatness
  • Leadership Indication: “High” suggested elevated position
  • Incomplete Promise: Great name without great descendants
  • Human Perspective: Earthly aspiration versus divine calling

Pre-Covenant Character

As Abram, he demonstrated:

Statistical Analysis

Usage Distribution

  • Total Occurrences: 60 times in Torah
  • Primary Book: Genesis (all 60 references)
  • Chapter Range: Genesis 11-17, with few later references
  • Peak Usage: Genesis 12-16 (covenant preparation period)

Transition Period

  • Last “Abram”: Gen 17#5 - announcement of name change
  • First “Abraham”: Gen 17#5 - within same verse
  • Overlap: Brief period where both names used
  • Complete Transition: By Gen 17#9, only Abraham used

Cross-References to Abraham Entry

For complete biographical information, see Abraham.md which covers:

  • Full life story from birth to death
  • All major covenantal promises and fulfillments
  • Relationships with Sarah, Hagar, Isaac, Ishmael
  • Testing through near-sacrifice of Isaac
  • Death and burial at Machpelah

Name Change Pattern

Abram’s transformation parallels other biblical name changes:

  • Jacob → Israel: After wrestling with God (Gen 32#28)
  • Sarai → Sarah: Simultaneous with Abram → Abraham (Gen 17#15)
  • Simon → Peter: New Testament parallel (Matthew 16:17-18)
  • Saul → Paul: Apostolic calling and identity shift

Usage in Atlas System

  • Abram entries redirect to Abraham for complete information
  • Historical Context: Understanding pre-covenant relationship with God
  • Name Significance: Theological importance of divine naming
  • Covenant Theology: How names reflect relationship development

Study Applications

  • Progressive Revelation: How God reveals himself through name changes
  • Identity Formation: Divine calling shapes personal identity
  • Covenant Development: Name changes mark theological transitions
  • Faith Journey: Growth from human aspiration to divine promise

Abram represents the preparatory phase of Abraham‘s relationship with God - the period of calling, testing, and gradual revelation that culminated in the great covenant promises. The name change from “high father” to “father of multitudes” marked not just personal transformation but the beginning of salvation history through the chosen people.

See Abraham.md for complete biographical details.

“No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations” (Genesis 17:5)