Who was Abraham in the Bible?
Abraham was the patriarch God called to leave his homeland and become the father of many nations. He is remembered above all for his faith, which “was credited to him as righteousness.”
Originally named Abram, he left Ur at God’s call for a land he had never seen, on the strength of a promise to make him a great nation and bless all peoples through him.
Though he and Sarah were old and childless, Abraham believed God’s promise of a son. Isaac was born, and Abraham’s faith was later tested when God asked him to offer Isaac — a test he passed when God provided a substitute.
The New Testament holds Abraham up as the model of justifying faith. Romans 4:3 says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” — making him the father of all who believe.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.