The genealogy from Shem to Abraham is a significant lineage in the Bible, tracing the descent from Noah's son Shem to the patriarch Abraham. This genealogy is primarily found in the Book of Genesis and is crucial for understanding the biblical narrative of God's covenantal promises and the unfolding of His plan for humanity.

Shem

Shem is one of Noah's three sons, and he is often regarded as the ancestor of the Semitic peoples. After the flood, Noah blessed Shem, saying, "Blessed be the LORD, the God of Shem! May Canaan be the servant of Shem" (Genesis 9:26). Shem's descendants are listed in Genesis 10 and 11, and he is noted for his longevity, living 600 years (Genesis 11:10-11).

Arphaxad

Arphaxad is the son of Shem, born two years after the flood when Shem was 100 years old (Genesis 11:10). Arphaxad lived 438 years and fathered Shelah (Genesis 11:12-13).

Shelah

Shelah, the son of Arphaxad, lived 433 years. He became the father of Eber, continuing the line that would lead to Abraham (Genesis 11:14-15).

Eber

Eber is a significant figure as his name is believed to be the root of the term "Hebrew." Eber lived 464 years and fathered two sons, Peleg and Joktan. The genealogy leading to Abraham continues through Peleg (Genesis 11:16-17).

Peleg

Peleg, whose name means "division," lived 239 years. His time is noted for the division of the earth, which some interpret as a reference to the Tower of Babel event (Genesis 11:18-19).

Reu

Reu, the son of Peleg, lived 239 years and fathered Serug (Genesis 11:20-21).

Serug

Serug, the son of Reu, lived 230 years. He is the father of Nahor (Genesis 11:22-23).

Nahor

Nahor, the son of Serug, lived 148 years and fathered Terah (Genesis 11:24-25).

Terah

Terah is a pivotal figure as the father of Abram (later Abraham), Nahor, and Haran. Terah lived 205 years and is noted for his journey from Ur of the Chaldeans to Haran, where he settled (Genesis 11:26-32).

Abram (Abraham)

Abram, later named Abraham by God, is the son of Terah and the central figure in the Abrahamic covenant. God called Abram to leave his country and promised to make him a great nation, saying, "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing" (Genesis 12:2). Abraham's faith and obedience are foundational to the biblical narrative, and he is considered the father of the Israelite nation and a key figure in the lineage of Jesus Christ.

This genealogy highlights the continuity of God's plan through specific individuals chosen to carry forward His promises. The line from Shem to Abraham is not merely a list of names but a testament to God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive purposes throughout history.