Lexical Summary Charran: Haran Original Word: Χαρράν Strong's Exhaustive Concordance HaranOf Hebrew origin (Charan); Charrhan (i.e. Charan), a place in Mesopotamia -- Charran. see HEBREW Charan NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Semitic origin, cf. Charan Definition Haran, a city in northwest Mesopotamia NASB Translation Haran (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5488: ΧαρράνΧαρράν (Hebrew חָרָן (i. e. (probably) 'parched', 'arid'), Genesis 11:31; Genesis 12:5; Genesis 27:43), Haran (so R. V.; A. V. (after the Greek) Charran), called Καρραι in Greek writings andCarroe in Latin, a city of Mesopotamia, of great antiquity and made famous by the defeat of Crassus: Acts 7:2, 4. Cf. Winers RWB, under the word; Vaihinger in Herzog 5:539; (Schultz in Herzog edition 2, under the word); Steiner in Sehenkel 2:592; Schrader in Riehm, p. 571. Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting Haran, known in Greek as Χαρράν, lay on the Balikh River in northern Mesopotamia at a crossroads linking Babylon, Damascus, and Asia Minor. Fertile plains, caravan routes, and the cult of the moon-god Sin made it both prosperous and spiritually dark, an apt backdrop for the drama of patriarchal faith and migration. Old Testament Background Genesis records that Terah left Ur “to go to the land of Canaan, but when they came to Haran, they settled there” (Genesis 11:31). Abraham remained until God’s renewed command, “Go from your country and your kindred” (Genesis 12:1). Later narratives return to Haran as the home of Laban and the setting for Jacob’s marriages and the birth of eleven of Israel’s twelve sons (Genesis 27–32). Thus Haran becomes the halfway house between pagan Mesopotamia and covenant Canaan, a place where God’s promises move from announcement to implementation. New Testament Usage Stephen names the city twice: • Acts 7:2: “The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran.” Stephen’s summary highlights two truths: God’s initiative precedes human movement, and the patriarch’s pilgrimage prefigures Israel’s own account of exodus and inheritance. Role in Salvation History 1. Transitional Waypoint: Haran marks the break with ancestral idolatry (Joshua 24:2) and the first tangible step toward the land of promise. Theological Reflections • Divine Calling: Haran underscores that God’s summons uproots believers from security and familiarity, calling them to trust in promises not yet seen (Hebrews 11:8). Lessons for Ministry 1. Preach the Full Call of God: Like Abraham, congregations may camp at their own “Harans,” embracing partial obedience. The gospel summons complete surrender. Related Scriptures for Study Genesis 11:31–12:5; Genesis 24:4–10; Genesis 27:43; Genesis 28:10; Genesis 29:4; Joshua 24:2; Hebrews 11:8–13. Summary Haran represents the threshold between idolatry and promise, between homeland and inheritance. Mentioned by Stephen in Acts 7, it serves as a perpetual witness that the journey of faith requires decisive departure, persevering trust, and anticipation of a destiny secured by the unchanging God of glory. Forms and Transliterations Χαρραν Χαρράν Charran CharránLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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