What is…
Padan Aram

also known as: Padanaram, Padan-aram, Paddan-aram, Paddan

Hebrew: פַדַּן אֲרָם —meaning: the plain of Aram, or the plain of the highlands (a flat land between mountainous regions) —occurrences: 11 times, all in the book of Genesis (Genesis 25:20; 28:2-7; 31:18; 33:18; 35:9, 26; 46:15; 48:17)

This is an important place in biblical history, linked to a number of key figures. Its name first appears in Genesis 25:20.

Padan Aram was a portion of Aram-Naharaim, the ancient land of the Arameans—the people of Aram. Aramaic is the historic language of the Arameans.

Abraham

Padan Aram is an area of Mesopotamia around Haran, the city where Abram (Abraham) and his father Terah settled after leaving Ur of the Chaldees (where an Aramaic dialect was spoken), while en route to Canaan.

Abraham’s brother Nahor permanently settled in Padan Aram.

Abraham’s nephew Bethuel, son of Nahor and Milcah, and father of Laban and Rebecca, lived in Padan Aram.

Isacc and Rebecca

Abraham sent his steward back to Padan Aram to find a suitable wife for his son Isaac among Abraham’s relatives. The steward found Rebecca and brought her to Abraham and Isaac.

Jacob

Isaac and Rebecca’s son Jacob (Israel) was later sent to Padan Aram to avoid the wrath of his twin brother Esau. There Jacob worked for Laban, married Leah and Rachel, and fathered 11 sons and a daughter (Dinah) (Gen. 35:22–26; 46:15). Jacob became wealthy here, and then left to go to Shechem in what later became known as the Land of Israel (the new name which YHWH gave Jacob, Gen. 35:10).

More information

Article Version: August 13, 2024