When Did Abraham of the Bible Live?

Abraham, the patriarch of the Israelites, is a central figure in the Bible, revered by Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. The question of when he lived has been the subject of scholarly debate for centuries.

Biblical Timeline

According to the biblical narrative, Abraham was born in Ur of the Chaldeans (modern-day Iraq) around 2166 BC. He lived for 175 years, dying in 1991 BC. These dates are based on the chronological framework provided in the Book of Genesis, which aligns with the genealogies of Abraham's descendants.

Historical Evidence

While the Bible provides a timeline for Abraham's life, there is limited historical evidence to corroborate these dates. Archaeological excavations in Ur have uncovered evidence of a flourishing city during the third millennium BC, which supports the biblical account of Abraham's origins. However, no specific artifacts or inscriptions have been found that conclusively link to Abraham himself.

Non-Biblical Sources

Some ancient non-biblical sources mention individuals who may have been contemporaries of Abraham. The Amarna letters, a collection of diplomatic correspondence from the 14th century BC, include references to a king named Abdi-Hebron, whose name is similar to Abraham's. Additionally, the Sumerian King List mentions a ruler named Apil-Sin, who may have been Abraham's father, Terah.

Scholarly Consensus

Despite the lack of definitive historical evidence, scholarly consensus places Abraham's lifetime within the period of 2000-1750 BC. This timeframe aligns with the archaeological evidence from Ur and the broader understanding of ancient Near Eastern history.

Summary

While the exact dates of Abraham's life are not known with certainty, the biblical timeline and limited historical evidence suggest that he lived between 2000 and 1750 BC. As a legendary figure at the heart of the Abrahamic religions, Abraham's legacy continues to inspire and guide millions worldwide.