Genesis / Chapter 10

Genesis 10

32 verses • Westminster Leningrad Codex

Translator's Introduction

What This Chapter Is About

The Table of Nations traces the descendants of Shem, Ham, and Japheth as they spread across the ancient world after the flood. Seventy peoples are catalogued, organized by family, language, territory, and nation. Nimrod emerges as the first empire-builder, and the Canaanite clans are mapped in detail.

What Makes This Chapter Remarkable

This is the Bible's most expansive statement of human unity — all nations derive from one family. The number seventy (the total of named peoples) carries symbolic weight as a number of completeness. Nimrod's description as a gibbor ('mighty one,' v. 8) and the founding of Babel (v. 10) connect this chapter to the tower narrative that follows. The Canaanite territorial boundaries (v. 19) will define the promised land's inhabitants whom Israel later displaces.

Translation Friction

Many of the proper names in this chapter have uncertain identifications, and we rendered them as the Hebrew presents them without attempting modern geographical equivalences in the main text. The phrase 'in his days the earth was divided' regarding Peleg (v. 25) is ambiguous — it may refer to the Babel dispersion or to a geographical division. We preserved the Hebrew's terseness and noted the ambiguity.

Connections

The seventy nations anticipate the seventy members of Jacob's family who enter Egypt (46:27) and the seventy elders of Israel (Exodus 24:1; Numbers 11:16). The Canaanite boundaries (10:19) map the territory promised to Abraham (15:18-21). Nimrod's kingdom in Shinar (10:10) sets the stage for the Babel narrative (11:1-9).

Genesis 10:1

וְאֵ֙לֶּה֙ תּוֹלְדֹ֣ת בְּנֵי־נֹ֔חַ שֵׁ֖ם חָ֣ם וָיָ֑פֶת וַיִּוָּלְד֥וּ לָהֶ֛ם בָּנִ֖ים אַחַ֥ר הַמַּבּֽוּל׃

These are the generations of the sons of Noah—Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Sons were born to them after the flood.

KJV Now these are the generations of the sons of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth: and unto them were sons born after the flood.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

The fourth toledot formula (cf. 2:4; 5:1; 6:9). This chapter is often called the 'Table of Nations' — a unique document in the ancient world that maps the known peoples of the earth into a single family tree. It presents all humanity as descended from one family, unified by common origin despite linguistic and geographic diversity.

Genesis 10:2

בְּנֵ֣י יֶ֔פֶת גֹּ֣מֶר וּמָג֔וֹג וּמָדַ֖י וְיָוָ֣ן וְתֻבָ֑ל וּמֶ֖שֶׁךְ וְתִירָֽס׃

The sons of Japheth: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras.

KJV The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

Japheth's sons generally correspond to peoples in Asia Minor, the Aegean, and regions north and west of the ancient Near East: Gomer (Cimmerians), Magog (Scythians or a northern people), Madai (Medes), Javan (Ionians/Greeks), Tubal and Meshech (Anatolian peoples), Tiras (possibly Thracians or Etruscans). These identifications are approximate and debated.

Genesis 10:3

וּבְנֵ֖י גֹּ֑מֶר אַשְׁכְּנַ֥ז וְרִיפַ֖ת וְתֹגַרְמָֽה׃

The sons of Gomer: Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah.

KJV And the sons of Gomer; Ashkenaz, and Riphath, and Togarmah.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

Ashkenaz is later associated with the Scythians and, in medieval Jewish tradition, with Germanic peoples (hence 'Ashkenazi Jews'). Togarmah is associated with Armenia or southeastern Anatolia (cf. Ezekiel 27:14; 38:6).

Genesis 10:4

וּבְנֵ֥י יָוָ֖ן אֱלִישָׁ֣ה וְתַרְשִׁ֑ישׁ כִּתִּ֖ים וְדֹדָנִֽים׃

The sons of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.

KJV And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

Javan's sons represent Mediterranean peoples: Elishah (possibly Alashiya/Cyprus), Tarshish (a distant western port, possibly Tartessus in Spain or Tarsus in Cilicia), Kittim (Cyprus, later extended to other Mediterranean peoples), Dodanim (possibly Rhodes; 1 Chronicles 1:7 reads 'Rodanim').

Genesis 10:5

מֵ֠אֵלֶּה נִפְרְד֞וּ אִיֵּ֤י הַגּוֹיִם֙ בְּאַרְצֹתָ֔ם אִ֖ישׁ לִלְשֹׁנ֑וֹ לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם בְּגוֹיֵהֶֽם׃

From these the coastland peoples spread out in their lands, each with his own language, by their clans, in their nations.

KJV By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

'Coastland peoples' (iyyei haggoyim, אִיֵּי הַגּוֹיִם) — iyy refers to islands or coastlands, typically the Mediterranean coasts and islands. The Japhethites are associated with maritime regions.
'Each with his own language' — this reference to diverse languages precedes the Tower of Babel narrative (chapter 11), which explains how linguistic diversity originated. The Table of Nations describes the result; Babel explains the cause.

Genesis 10:6

וּבְנֵ֖י חָ֑ם כּ֥וּשׁ וּמִצְרַ֖יִם וּפ֥וּט וּכְנָֽעַן׃

The sons of Ham: Cush, Mizraim, Put, and Canaan.

KJV And the sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, and Phut, and Canaan.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

Ham's sons represent African and Near Eastern peoples: Cush (Ethiopia/Nubia/Upper Nile region), Mizraim (Egypt — the Hebrew name for Egypt is Mitsrayim), Put (Libya or Punt), and Canaan (the land of Canaan / Levantine coast). The Hamitic peoples occupy Africa and the eastern Mediterranean.

Genesis 10:7

וּבְנֵ֣י כ֔וּשׁ סְבָא֙ וַחֲוִילָ֔ה וְסַבְתָּ֥ה וְרַעְמָ֖ה וְסַבְתְּכָ֑א וּבְנֵ֥י רַעְמָ֖ה שְׁבָ֥א וּדְדָֽן׃

The sons of Cush: Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Raamah, and Sabteca. The sons of Raamah: Sheba and Dedan.

KJV And the sons of Cush; Seba, and Havilah, and Sabtah, and Raamah, and Sabtechah: and the sons of Raamah; Sheba, and Dedan.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

These names are associated with peoples and regions in Africa and Arabia. Sheba is linked to the Sabean kingdom of southwestern Arabia (modern Yemen). Havilah appears also in 2:11. Dedan is associated with northwestern Arabia.

Genesis 10:8

וְכ֖וּשׁ יָלַ֣ד אֶת־נִמְרֹ֑ד ה֣וּא הֵחֵ֔ל לִהְי֥וֹת גִּבֹּ֖ר בָּאָֽרֶץ׃

Cush fathered Nimrod. He was the first mighty warrior on the earth.

KJV And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty one in the earth.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

'Nimrod' (נִמְרֹד) — the first individual singled out for extended description in the Table of Nations. His name may be related to the verb marad (מָרַד, 'to rebel'), though this etymology is debated.
'The first mighty warrior on the earth' (hu hechel lihyot gibbor ba'arets) — literally 'he began to be a mighty one on the earth.' The word gibbor (גִּבֹּר, 'mighty one, warrior, hero') connects Nimrod to the gibborim of 6:4. The verb hechel ('began') suggests he was the originator or prototype of the warrior-king.

Genesis 10:9

הוּא־הָיָ֥ה גִבֹּר־צַ֖יִד לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה עַל־כֵּן֙ יֵֽאָמַ֔ר כְּנִמְרֹ֛ד גִּבּ֥וֹר צַ֖יִד לִפְנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה׃

He was a mighty hunter before the LORD. Therefore it is said, "Like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before the LORD."

KJV He was a mighty hunter before the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

'A mighty hunter before the LORD' (gibbor-tsayid lifnei YHWH) — the phrase lifnei YHWH ('before the LORD') can mean 'in the LORD's sight/estimation' or 'in defiance of the LORD.' The proverb 'like Nimrod' suggests his reputation was proverbial — he became the standard by which mighty hunters were measured.
Whether 'before the LORD' is positive (with God's approval) or negative (in opposition to God) is debated. The context — his kingdom-building in Babylon and Assyria (vv. 10–12) — and the possible wordplay with 'rebel' have led many interpreters to see Nimrod negatively.

Genesis 10:10

וַתְּהִ֨י רֵאשִׁ֤ית מַמְלַכְתּוֹ֙ בָּבֶ֔ל וְאֶ֖רֶךְ וְאַכַּ֣ד וְכַלְנֵ֑ה בְּאֶ֖רֶץ שִׁנְעָֽר׃

His kingdom started with Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh — all in the land of Shinar.

KJV And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

'Babel' (בָּבֶל) — Babylon. This is the first mention of Babylon, which will become one of the Bible's most significant cities — the site of the Tower of Babel (chapter 11) and later the empire that destroys Jerusalem and exiles Judah. Its founding is attributed to Nimrod.
'The land of Shinar' (erets Shin'ar) — the region of southern Mesopotamia (modern Iraq). Shinar appears again in 11:2 as the location of the Tower of Babel.
Erech is ancient Uruk, one of the world's first great cities. Accad is the capital of the Akkadian Empire. These are historical cities of ancient Mesopotamia.

Genesis 10:11

מִן־הָאָ֥רֶץ הַהִ֖וא יָצָ֣א אַשּׁ֑וּר וַיִּ֙בֶן֙ אֶת־נִ֣ינְוֵ֔ה וְאֶת־רְחֹבֹ֥ת עִ֖יר וְאֶת־כָּֽלַח׃

From that land he went to Assyria and built Nineveh, Rehoboth-Ir, and Calah,

KJV Out of that land went forth Asshur, and builded Nineveh, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

The subject is ambiguous — 'he went to Assyria' could mean Nimrod went to Assyria (extending his kingdom), or Asshur (Assyria personified) went out. The rendering follows the reading that Nimrod is the subject, extending his empire from Babylon into Assyria.
Nineveh becomes the capital of the Assyrian Empire and plays a central role in the book of Jonah and in the prophets. Its founding is connected to Nimrod's expansionism.

Genesis 10:12

וְאֶת־רֶ֕סֶן בֵּ֥ין נִינְוֵ֖ה וּבֵ֣ין כָּ֑לַח הִ֖וא הָעִ֥יר הַגְּדֹלָֽה׃

and Resen between Nineveh and Calah—that is the great city.

KJV And Resen between Nineveh and Calah: the same is a great city.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

'The great city' (ha'ir haggedolah) — which city is 'the great city' is ambiguous. It could refer to Resen, Calah, or the entire urban complex between Nineveh and Calah. Nineveh is called 'the great city' in Jonah 1:2; 3:2–3.

Genesis 10:13

וּמִצְרַ֡יִם יָלַ֞ד אֶת־לוּדִ֧ים וְאֶת־עֲנָמִ֛ים וְאֶת־לְהָבִ֖ים וְאֶת־נַפְתֻּחִֽים׃

Mizraim fathered the Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtuhim,

KJV And Mizraim begat Ludim, and Anamim, and Lehabim, and Naphtuhim,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

These names are in plural form (the -im ending), indicating peoples or ethnic groups rather than individuals. Mizraim (Egypt) is the ancestor of various North African peoples. The Ludim may be Libyans; the Lehabim are also possibly Libyan.

Genesis 10:14

וְאֶת־פַּתְרֻסִ֞ים וְאֶת־כַּסְלֻחִ֗ים אֲשֶׁ֨ר יָצְא֤וּ מִשָּׁם֙ פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים וְאֶת־כַּפְתֹּרִֽים׃

Pathrusim, Casluhim (from whom the Philistines came), and Caphtorim.

KJV And Pathrusim, and Casluhim, (out of whom came Philistim,) and Caphtorim.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

'From whom the Philistines came' — this parenthetical note identifies the origin of the Philistines, Israel's future nemesis. However, other passages (Amos 9:7; Jeremiah 47:4) associate the Philistines with Caphtor (likely Crete). The parenthetical may be displaced — some scholars suggest it originally modified Caphtorim rather than Casluhim.
Pathrusim are associated with Upper Egypt (Pathros). Caphtorim are from Caphtor, widely identified with Crete or the Aegean region.

Genesis 10:15

וּכְנַ֗עַן יָלַ֛ד אֶת־צִידֹ֥ן בְּכֹר֖וֹ וְאֶת־חֵֽת׃

Canaan fathered Sidon his firstborn, and Heth,

KJV And Canaan begat Sidon his firstborn, and Heth,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

Sidon is the ancient Phoenician city on the Lebanese coast. Heth is the ancestor of the Hittites (benei-Chet), who appear later in Genesis as inhabitants of Canaan from whom Abraham purchases a burial cave (chapter 23).

Genesis 10:16

וְאֶת־הַיְבוּסִי֙ וְאֶת־הָ֣אֱמֹרִ֔י וְאֵ֖ת הַגִּרְגָּשִֽׁי׃

the Jebusites, the Amorites, the Girgashites,

KJV And the Jebusite, and the Amorite, and the Girgasite,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

These are the peoples of Canaan who will be displaced by Israel. The Jebusites inhabit Jerusalem (called Jebus) until David's conquest. The Amorites are a major population group throughout Canaan and Transjordan.

Genesis 10:17

וְאֶת־הַחִוִּ֥י וְאֶת־הַעַרְקִ֖י וְאֶת־הַסִּינִֽי׃

the Hivites, the Arkites, the Sinites,

KJV And the Hivite, and the Arkite, and the Sinite,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

The Hivites are a Canaanite people (cf. 34:2; Joshua 9:7; 11:19). The Arkites are from Arqa in northern Phoenicia (modern Lebanon). The Sinites are possibly from a town near Arqa.

Genesis 10:18

וְאֶת־הָאַרְוָדִ֥י וְאֶת־הַצְּמָרִ֖י וְאֶת־הַחֲמָתִ֑י וְאַחַ֣ר נָפֹ֔צוּ מִשְׁפְּח֖וֹת הַכְּנַעֲנִֽי׃

the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites. Afterward the clans of the Canaanites spread out.

KJV And the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite: and afterward were the families of the Canaanites spread abroad.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

Arvad is an island city off the Syrian coast. Hamath is a major city in Syria (modern Hama). These represent the northern extent of Canaanite territory. The Canaanites are presented as a widespread and diverse group of peoples.

Genesis 10:19

וַיְהִ֞י גְּב֤וּל הַכְּנַעֲנִי֙ מִצִּידֹ֔ן בֹּאֲכָ֥ה גְרָ֖רָה עַד־עַזָּ֑ה בֹּאֲכָ֞ה סְדֹ֧מָה וַעֲמֹרָ֛ה וְאַדְמָ֥ה וּצְבֹיִ֖ם עַד־לָֽשַׁע׃

The territory of the Canaanites extended from Sidon in the direction of Gerar as far as Gaza, and in the direction of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, as far as Lasha.

KJV And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as thou comest to Gerar, unto Gaza; as thou goest, unto Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboim, even unto Lasha.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

The Canaanite territory is described by its boundaries — from the Phoenician coast (Sidon) south to Gaza and inland to the cities of the plain (Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim). These cities will feature prominently in chapters 13–14 and 18–19. This geographical note anticipates the setting for Abraham's story.

Genesis 10:20

אֵ֣לֶּה בְנֵי־חָ֔ם לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם לִלְשֹׁנֹתָ֑ם בְּאַרְצֹתָ֖ם בְּגוֹיֵהֶֽם׃

These are the sons of Ham, by their clans, their languages, their lands, and their nations.

KJV These are the sons of Ham, after their families, after their tongues, in their countries, and in their nations.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

A summary formula closing the Hamite section, matching the Japhethite summary in verse 5. The four categories — clans, languages, lands, nations — present each people group as a complete social unit.

Genesis 10:21

וּלְשֵׁ֥ם יֻלַּ֖ד גַּם־ה֑וּא אֲבִ֤י כָל־בְּנֵי־עֵ֙בֶר֙ אֲחִ֣י יֶ֔פֶת הַגָּדֽוֹל׃

To Shem also, the father of all the sons of Eber and the older brother of Japheth, children were born.

KJV Unto Shem also, the father of all the children of Eber, the brother of Japheth the elder, even to him were children born.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

'The father of all the sons of Eber' — Shem is identified specifically as Eber's ancestor. Eber (Ever, עֵבֶר) is the eponymous ancestor of the 'Hebrews' (Ivrim). The name Hebrew (Ivri) derives from Eber. This identification marks Shem's line as the one that leads to Abraham and Israel.
'The older brother of Japheth' (achi Yephet haggadol) — this phrase is ambiguous: either 'the brother of Japheth the elder' (Japheth is the older) or 'the elder brother of Japheth' (Shem is the older). The Hebrew allows both readings. The rendering follows the reading that Shem is older.

Genesis 10:22

בְּנֵ֥י שֵׁ֖ם עֵילָ֣ם וְאַשּׁ֑וּר וְאַרְפַּכְשַׁ֖ד וְל֥וּד וַאֲרָֽם׃

The sons of Shem: Elam, Asshur, Arpachshad, Lud, and Aram.

KJV The children of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

Shem's sons represent peoples of the Near East: Elam (southwestern Iran), Asshur (Assyria), Arpachshad (uncertain — possibly associated with Chaldea/southern Mesopotamia), Lud (Lydia in western Anatolia), and Aram (Arameans of Syria). Arpachshad is the ancestor through whom the line leads to Abraham (11:10–26).

Genesis 10:23

וּבְנֵ֖י אֲרָ֑ם ע֥וּץ וְח֖וּל וְגֶ֥תֶר וָמַֽשׁ׃

The sons of Aram: Uz, Hul, Gether, and Mash.

KJV And the children of Aram; Uz, and Hul, and Gether, and Mash.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

Uz is notable as the homeland of Job ('the land of Uz,' Job 1:1). The region is associated with the area east of the Jordan, possibly Edom or northern Arabia.

Genesis 10:24

וְאַרְפַּכְשַׁ֖ד יָלַ֣ד אֶת־שָׁ֑לַח וְשֶׁ֖לַח יָלַ֥ד אֶת־עֵֽבֶר׃

Arpachshad fathered Shelah, and Shelah fathered Eber.

KJV And Arphaxad begat Salah; and Salah begat Eber.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

This genealogical line — Arpachshad → Shelah → Eber — will be expanded in 11:10–17. Eber is the key figure as the ancestor of the Hebrews.

Genesis 10:25

וּלְעֵ֥בֶר יֻלַּ֖ד שְׁנֵ֣י בָנִ֑ים שֵׁ֣ם הָאֶחָ֞ד פֶּ֗לֶג כִּ֤י בְיָמָיו֙ נִפְלְגָ֣ה הָאָ֔רֶץ וְשֵׁ֥ם אָחִ֖יו יָקְטָֽן׃

To Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided, and the name of his brother was Joktan.

KJV And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided; and his brother's name was Joktan.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

'Peleg' (פֶּלֶג) means 'division' — from palag (פָּלַג, 'to divide'). The explanation 'in his days the earth was divided' (niphlegah ha'arets) is a wordplay on his name. The 'division' likely refers to the division of peoples and languages at Babel (chapter 11), though some have suggested a geographical or political division.
Peleg's line leads to Abraham (11:18–26); Joktan's line leads to Arabian peoples (vv. 26–29).

Genesis 10:26

וְיָקְטָ֣ן יָלַ֔ד אֶת־אַלְמוֹדָ֖ד וְאֶת־שָׁ֑לֶף וְאֶת־חֲצַרְמָ֖וֶת וְאֶת־יָֽרַח׃

Joktan fathered Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah,

KJV And Joktan begat Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

Joktan's sons are associated with Arabian peoples and places. Hazarmaveth corresponds to the Hadramaut region of southern Arabia (modern Yemen). These names trace the genealogy of South Arabian peoples.

Genesis 10:27

וְאֶת־הֲדוֹרָ֥ם וְאֶת־אוּזָ֖ל וְאֶת־דִּקְלָֽה׃

Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah,

KJV And Hadoram, and Uzal, and Diklah,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

Uzal may be associated with Sanaa, the capital of Yemen. Diklah may mean 'palm grove.'

Genesis 10:28

וְאֶת־עוֹבָ֥ל וְאֶת־אֲבִימָאֵ֖ל וְאֶת־שְׁבָֽא׃

Obal, Abimael, Sheba,

KJV And Obal, and Abimael, and Sheba,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

Sheba appears both here (in Joktan's line) and in verse 7 (in Cush's line). The Sabean kingdom may have had connections to both Cushite and Semitic populations.

Genesis 10:29

וְאֶת־אוֹפִ֥ר וְאֶת־חֲוִילָ֖ה וְאֶת־יוֹבָ֑ב כָּל־אֵ֖לֶּה בְּנֵ֥י יָקְטָֽן׃

Ophir, Havilah. Jobab. All these were the sons of Joktan.

KJV And Ophir, and Havilah, and Jobab: all these were the sons of Joktan.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

Ophir is famous as a source of gold (1 Kings 9:28; 10:11; 22:48) — its location is debated (Arabia, East Africa, or even India have been proposed). Havilah, like Sheba, appears in multiple genealogies (v. 7 and 2:11), suggesting shared traditions or overlapping populations.

Genesis 10:30

וַיְהִ֥י מוֹשָׁבָ֖ם מִמֵּשָׁ֑א בֹּאֲכָ֥ה סְפָ֖רָה הַ֥ר הַקֶּֽדֶם׃

Their territory extended from Mesha in the direction of Sephar, the hill country of the east.

KJV And their dwelling was from Mesha, as thou goest unto Sephar a mount of the east.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

The geographic boundaries of the Joktanite peoples — from Mesha to Sephar — are uncertain. 'The hill country of the east' (har haqqedem) points toward the mountainous regions of Arabia or beyond.

Genesis 10:31

אֵ֣לֶּה בְנֵי־שֵׁ֔ם לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם לִלְשֹׁנֹתָ֑ם בְּאַרְצֹתָ֖ם לְגוֹיֵהֶֽם׃

These are the sons of Shem, by their clans, their languages, their lands, and their nations.

KJV These are the sons of Shem, after their families, after their tongues, in their lands, after their nations.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

The summary formula for the Shemite section matches the Japhethite (v. 5) and Hamite (v. 20) summaries. The four-category framework (clans, languages, lands, nations) applies uniformly to all three branches of humanity.

Genesis 10:32

אֵ֣לֶּה מִשְׁפְּחֹ֧ת בְּנֵי־נֹ֛חַ לְתוֹלְדֹתָ֖ם בְּגוֹיֵהֶ֑ם וּמֵאֵ֜לֶּה נִפְרְד֧וּ הַגּוֹיִ֛ם בָּאָ֖רֶץ אַחַ֥ר הַמַּבּֽוּל׃

These are the clans of the sons of Noah, according to their genealogies, in their nations, and from these the nations spread out on the earth after the flood.

KJV These are the families of the sons of Noah, after their generations, in their nations: and by these were the nations divided in the earth after the flood.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

The concluding formula encompasses all three sections. The Table of Nations presents a unified picture: all the peoples of the known world descend from one family, branching out from Noah's three sons after the flood. Despite the diversity of languages, lands, and nations, there is a fundamental unity of origin. The chapter anticipates the immediate question: how did this diversity arise? Chapter 11 will provide the answer in the Babel narrative.

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