Lexical Summary Gacham: Gaham Original Word: גַּחַם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Gaham From an unused root meaning to burn; flame; Gacham, a son of Nahor -- Gaham. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition perhaps "flame," a son of Nahor NASB Translation Gaham (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs גַּ֫חַם proper name, masculine (flame ?) Genesis 22:24 a son of Nahor, brother of Abraham, by רְאוּמָה his concubine. גחן (compare Aramaic גְּחַן, Nasar. Topical Lexicon Identity and Placement in Scripture Gaham (Strong’s Hebrew 1514, גַּחַם) is named once in Scripture—Genesis 22:24—where he is listed as the second son of Reumah, the concubine of Nahor, Abraham’s brother: “And his concubine, whose name was Reumah, bore Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maacah” (Genesis 22:24). His appearance closes the Nahor genealogy that immediately follows the account of the near-sacrifice of Isaac. Genealogical Significance 1. Link to the Patriarchal Family. Nahor’s descendants form the wider family circle from which Rebekah, Laban, and ultimately Rachel and Leah would come (Genesis 24:15; 29:10–28). Mentioning Gaham situates Abraham’s line within the broader Aramean kinship network that God would later use to shape Israel’s history. Historical and Cultural Background Nahor’s household resided in the region of Aram-Naharaim (Mesopotamia), a hub of caravan trade and cultural interchange. In such settings, concubinage expanded family influence and secured alliances. Although no later text explicitly traces a clan, territory, or tribe to Gaham, the preservation of his name hints that his descendants were known enough among Israel’s forefathers to merit mention. Theological Themes • Providence in the Ordinary. Gaham’s appearance in a seemingly minor verse reminds readers that God’s sovereign plan weaves through both prominent and little-known individuals. Practical and Ministry Applications 1. Valuing the Overlooked. Congregations can be encouraged that every believer—whether prominent or unnoticed—matters in God’s record. Related Biblical References Genesis 11:27 – Introduction of Nahor in the Terah genealogy Genesis 22:20–24 – Full list of Nahor’s sons and grandsons, including Gaham Genesis 24:15, 24 – Rebekah identified as granddaughter of Nahor Genesis 31:53 – Jacob’s oath “by the Fear of his father Isaac and the God of Nahor” Summary Though Gaham is mentioned only once, his inclusion in the inspired record reinforces the accuracy of Genesis, connects the patriarchal narratives, and offers enduring lessons on God’s meticulous care for every person within His grand redemptive design. Forms and Transliterations גַּ֔חַם גחם ga·ḥam Gacham gaḥamLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 22:24 HEB: טֶ֣בַח וְאֶת־ גַּ֔חַם וְאֶת־ תַּ֖חַשׁ NAS: Tebah and Gaham and Tahash KJV: also Tebah, and Gaham, and Thahash, INT: he Tebah and Gaham and Tahash and Maacah |