When was Abraham called by God?
God calls Abram out of Ur and promises to make him a great nation through whom all families of the earth will be blessed.
Call of Abraham took place c. 2091 BC at From Ur of the Chaldees to Canaan, during the Patriarchs period of Bible history. The account is recorded in Genesis 12:1 (KJV). God calls Abram out of Ur and promises to make him a great nation through whom all families of the earth will be blessed.
"Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:" — Genesis 12:1 (KJV)
The Lord told Abram to leave his country and his kindred and go to a land He would show him, promising land, descendants, and worldwide blessing. Abram believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness.
c. 2091 BC
From Ur of the Chaldees to Canaan
Key KJV Scriptures
"Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:"
"And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed."
"And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness."
Why It Matters
The call of Abraham begins God's covenant programme that runs through Israel and is fulfilled in Christ, the Seed of Abraham in whom all nations are blessed (Galatians 3:8).
Key People
Frequently Asked Questions
How old was Abraham when God called him?
Genesis 12:4 records that Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed out of Haran.
When did call of abraham happen?
Call of Abraham is dated c. 2091 BC, placing it in the Patriarchs era of biblical history. See Genesis 12:1 (KJV).
Where did call of abraham take place?
Scripture places call of abraham at From Ur of the Chaldees to Canaan.
Who was involved in call of abraham?
The key figures are Abraham, Sarah, Lot.
Where is call of abraham in the Bible?
You can read about it in Genesis 12:1, Genesis 12:3, Genesis 15:6 (King James Version).
Why does call of abraham matter?
The call of Abraham begins God's covenant programme that runs through Israel and is fulfilled in Christ, the Seed of Abraham in whom all nations are blessed (Galatians 3:8).
Related Events
Tower of Babel
Post-flood, pre-patriarchal
Humanity unites to build a tower to heaven; God confounds their language and scatters them.
Birth of Isaac
c. 2066 BC
Sarah bears Isaac in her old age, the son of promise through whom the covenant continues.
Joseph Sold into Egypt
c. 1898 BC
Joseph is sold by his brothers, rises to second in Egypt, and saves his family from famine.
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Why Is Abraham Called the Father of Faith?
People & Characters
The Call of Abraham
Genesis 12:1-9 • Faith and Covenant
Genesis 12:1-2 — Meaning & Devotional
Calling
Genesis 12:2 Commentary
In-depth study • Calling & Blessing
Abraham in the Bible
Father of Faith
Sarah in the Bible
Mother of Nations