Abraham is traditionally regarded as the first of Judaism’s three patriarchs.
In the Book of Genesis, Abraham is presented as the ancestor of the Israelite people through his son Isaac and grandson Jacob. Jewish tradition identifies Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as the three patriarchs. Abraham’s wife Sarah is correspondingly regarded as the first of the four matriarchs.
The biblical story describes Abraham leaving his homeland after receiving a divine call and entering into a covenant. Circumcision becomes a sign of that covenant in the Genesis narrative. Abraham is also a major figure in Christianity and Islam, although the details and interpretations of his story differ among the traditions.
The name Abram is changed to Abraham in Genesis as part of the covenant narrative. The Bible’s account is religious scripture, while historical discussions about Abraham’s existence and period remain separate from the traditional narrative.