Old Testament
Nehemiah 9:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"You are the LORD the God, who chose Abram and brought him out of Ur of the Chaldees and gave him the name Abraham."
Compare translations
Thou art the LORD the God, who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham;
What Nehemiah 9:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse highlights God's sovereignty and His choice of Abram, who later became known as Abraham, the father of many nations. It emphasizes God's initiative in selecting Abram from Ur of the Chaldees, a city known for its pagan practices. By calling Abram, God established a covenant relationship, promising to make him a great nation. This act signifies God's faithfulness and His plan for humanity's redemption through Abraham's lineage. The name change from Abram to Abraham symbolizes a new identity and purpose, reflecting God's transformative power in the lives of those He chooses. This verse serves as a reminder of God's active role in history and His desire to work through individuals to fulfill His divine purposes.
How to apply Nehemiah 9:7 to your life
Understanding that God chooses individuals for His purposes can inspire us to seek our own calling. We should be open to God's leading in our lives, trusting that He has a plan for us, just as He did for Abraham. Embrace your identity in Christ and live out your purpose.
Curated for this public verse page. Nehemiah Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Nehemiah 9:7
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Nehemiah 9:7
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Nehemiah
- Author
- Nehemiah, with Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The post-exilic Jewish community
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Nehemiah 9:7 mean?
Nehemiah 9:7 highlights God's choice of Abram, later named Abraham, emphasizing His sovereignty and initiative in establishing a covenant relationship with him. It signifies God's faithfulness and His plan for humanity's redemption through Abraham's lineage.
What is the significance of Abram's name change in Nehemiah 9:7?
The name change from Abram to Abraham in Nehemiah 9:7 symbolizes a new identity and purpose given by God, reflecting His transformative power in the lives of those He chooses.
What does the verse say about God's choice of Abram?
The verse states that God chose Abram and brought him out of Ur of the Chaldees, indicating His active role in selecting individuals for His divine purposes.
How does Nehemiah 9:7 relate to God's faithfulness?
Nehemiah 9:7 demonstrates God's faithfulness by showing His commitment to Abram and the covenant He established, which laid the foundation for His promises to Abraham's descendants.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.