בראשית, פרק כ״ב, פסוק כ״ב

The genealogy of Nahor's family serves as a vital bridge, establishing the historical origins of nations and key figures that will soon step onto the biblical stage. One of the descendants listed is Kesed, who stands as the historical founder of the famous Chaldean nation [רד״ק]. As centuries passed, the pronunciation of this name evolved naturally. Following the ancient linguistic rules of the Assyrian and Babylonian empires, the original sounds of the name shifted, eventually transforming into "Kalad." Consequently, in later Rabbinic, Greek, and Roman writings, this group became known as the Chaldeans. Rather than being a mispronunciation or a borrowed foreign term, this later title is a precise reflection of the original ancient dialect.

In biblical and ancient literature, the identity of these Chaldeans carries a dual meaning. At times, the title refers to the entire nation, while in other contexts, it identifies a highly specific, elite sect of priests and astrologers. This mirrors a broader pattern in ancient texts where a single name can represent both a vast ethnic group and an exclusive religious order [אם למקרא].

Concluding this branch of the family tree is Bethuel, who is noted as the youngest son of Nahor [ביאור שטיינזלץ].