1 Chronicles 1:19

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And unto Eber {H5677} were born {H3205} two {H8147} sons {H1121}: the name {H8034} of the one {H259} was Peleg {H6389}; because in his days {H3117} the earth {H776} was divided {H6385}: and his brother's {H251} name {H8034} was Joktan {H3355}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and to 'Ever were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg [division], because it was during his lifetime that the earth was divided; and his brother's name was Yoktan.

Berean Standard Bible

Two sons were born to Eber: One was named Peleg, because in his days the earth was divided, and his brother was named Joktan.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 1:19 is a concise yet profoundly significant genealogical entry within the opening chapters of Chronicles, detailing the birth of two sons to Eber: Peleg and Joktan. The verse's primary focus is Peleg, whose name is explicitly linked to a pivotal historical event: "because in his days the earth was divided." This statement serves as an etiological explanation, pointing to the dispersion of humanity and the diversification of languages, most notably associated with the events at the Tower of Babel, thereby marking a critical turning point in early human history and the formation of distinct nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the extensive and foundational genealogies of [1 Chronicles 1-9](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1-9 - The Genealogies from Adam to Saul"), which meticulously trace humanity's lineage from Adam through the patriarchs, culminating in the tribes of Israel. Specifically, [1 Chronicles 1:19](/1_chronicles/1-19 "1 Chronicles 1:19 - Peleg and Joktan") appears in the section detailing the descendants of Noah's son Shem, following the account of the Flood. The Chronicler's purpose in presenting these detailed lists is not merely historical record-keeping but to establish the continuity of God's covenant people, reminding the post-exilic community of their identity and heritage rooted in divine promises. The mention of Peleg and the division of the earth serves as a crucial bridge, connecting the universal history of humanity to the more specific history of Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite genealogies were far more than simple family trees; they were vital documents that affirmed identity, established claims to land and inheritance, and validated priestly or royal lineage. For the original audience, likely returning from Babylonian exile, these lists provided a reassuring link to their past, reinforcing their place within God's grand narrative. The figure of Eber is particularly significant as he is traditionally considered the eponymous ancestor of the "Hebrews" (עִבְרִי, _‘ivrî_), making his descendants, including Peleg and Joktan, direct progenitors of the peoples from whom Israel emerged. The reference to the "earth being divided" speaks to a widely understood ancient event, the dispersion of peoples and the confusion of languages, which profoundly shaped the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East, leading to the formation of distinct nations and cultural groups.
* **Key Themes:** The verse encapsulates several key themes prevalent in the early chapters of Genesis and echoed by the Chronicler. Firstly, it highlights **the significance of names**, where a name like Peleg (meaning "division") directly commemorates a major historical event, underscoring the biblical practice of names carrying prophetic or commemorative weight. Secondly, it points to **the division of humanity**, a consequence of human pride and rebellion, as vividly described in the narrative of the [Tower of Babel in Genesis 11](/genesis/11 "Genesis 11 - The Tower of Babel"). This division, while a judgment, also served God's purpose of populating the earth and preventing a unified, potentially tyrannical, global power from opposing Him. Thirdly, it subtly reinforces **God's sovereignty in history**, demonstrating that even amidst human sin and scattering, God's overarching plan for humanity's spread and the eventual formation of nations is unfolding according to His design, as hinted at in [Deuteronomy 32:8](/deuteronomy/32-8 "Deuteronomy 32:8 - God's Division of Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peleg (Hebrew, _Peleg'_):** The name פֶלֶג (_Peleg_), as indicated by H6389, is directly linked to the concept of "division." While the Strong's definition for the proper name itself notes "earthquake," the verse's explicit etiological explanation ("because in his days the earth was divided") ties it directly to the root verb פָּלַג (_pālag_, H6385), meaning "to split" or "to divide." Thus, Peleg's name serves as a perpetual memorial to a pivotal moment of global separation.
* **Eber (Hebrew, _‘Êbêr'_):** The name עֵבֶר (_‘Êbêr_), from H5677, signifies "the region beyond" or "across." Eber holds immense genealogical significance as the eponymous ancestor of the "Hebrews" (עִבְרִי, _‘ivrî_), establishing a crucial link in the lineage that leads directly to Abraham and, subsequently, to the nation of Israel. His presence underscores the specific heritage and identity of God's covenant people.
* **divided (Hebrew, _pâlag'_):** This word, derived from the primitive root פָּלַג (_pâlag_, H6385), means "to split (literally or figuratively)" or "to divide." In 1 Chronicles 1:19, the Hebrew verb form (נִפְלְגָה, _niphləḡâ_) is in the Niph'al stem, indicating a passive action—the earth *was* divided, implying an external, often divine, agent causing the separation. This linguistic connection between Peleg's name and the verb for "divided" powerfully reinforces the etiological explanation provided in the verse.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And unto Eber were born two sons:"** This opening clause establishes the continuation of the patriarchal line through Eber, emphasizing his role as a key genealogical figure. It sets the stage for introducing his significant offspring, maintaining the chronological and familial flow of the genealogies that are central to the Chronicler's purpose.
* **"the name of the one [was] Peleg;"** This introduces the first of Eber's two sons, Peleg. The specificity of naming one son first suggests his particular importance, which is immediately clarified by the subsequent explanatory clause. His name alone signals a profound historical event.
* **"because in his days the earth was divided:"** This is the explanatory core of the verse, providing the etiological reason for Peleg's name. The phrase "the earth was divided" is widely understood to refer to the dispersion of humanity and the confusion of languages at the [Tower of Babel](/genesis/11 "Genesis 11 - The Tower of Babel"), as detailed in [Genesis 11:1-9](/genesis/11-1 "Genesis 11:1-9 - The Confusion of Languages"). This event marked a profound shift from a unified human population to distinct nations and linguistic groups, shaping the course of human history.
* **"and his brother's name [was] Joktan."** This clause introduces Peleg's brother, Joktan, completing the record of Eber's two sons. While Joktan's name does not carry the same etiological weight in this verse, his lineage is also significant, giving rise to various tribes primarily located in the Arabian Peninsula, further illustrating the widespread dispersion of humanity.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 1:19 is **Etiology**. The verse explicitly provides the reason for Peleg's name ("because in his days the earth was divided"), explaining the origin of a significant name by linking it to a major historical event. This etiological explanation serves to embed the historical reality of human dispersion within the very lineage of humanity. Furthermore, there is a clear instance of **Wordplay** or **Punning**, as the name Peleg (פֶלֶג, _Peleg'_) is directly derived from and sounds like the Hebrew verb for "divided" (פָּלָג, _pâlag'_). This linguistic connection reinforces the meaning and significance of the name. The entire context of 1 Chronicles 1 is, of course, a **Genealogy**, a literary form used to establish historical continuity, identity, and the unfolding of God's plan through specific lineages.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 1:19, though brief, carries profound theological weight, connecting the lineage of Israel to the broader narrative of humanity's origins and God's sovereign governance over history. The "division of the earth" in Peleg's days is a clear allusion to the events at the Tower of Babel, where human pride and a unified rebellion against God's command to "fill the earth" led to divine judgment in the form of linguistic confusion and global dispersion. This act of division, while a consequence of sin, simultaneously served God's redemptive purpose by preventing a monolithic, godless empire and ensuring the spread of humanity across the globe, fulfilling the creation mandate. It underscores that even in judgment, God works to achieve His purposes, demonstrating His ultimate control over the destiny of nations and the boundaries of peoples.

* [Genesis 10:25](/genesis/10-25 "Genesis 10:25 - Peleg and Joktan in the Table of Nations")
* [Genesis 11:8-9](/genesis/11-8 "Genesis 11:8-9 - The Dispersion from Babel")
* [Deuteronomy 32:8](/deuteronomy/32-8 "Deuteronomy 32:8 - God's Division of Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly simple genealogical note in 1 Chronicles 1:19 offers rich ground for reflection. It reminds us that our individual lives and family histories are part of a much larger, divinely orchestrated narrative. The "division of the earth" in Peleg's time, born out of human rebellion, highlights the profound and lasting consequences of turning away from God. Yet, it also reveals God's patient yet firm hand in guiding humanity's development, even through acts of judgment, to ensure His ultimate purposes are fulfilled. For believers today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of our shared human origin and the ongoing need for reconciliation and unity in a world still marked by division. It calls us to recognize the beauty and challenge of human diversity, understanding that while languages and cultures may divide, our common humanity and the call to unity in Christ transcend these earthly distinctions. It challenges us to consider how we might contribute to bridging divides, whether cultural, social, or spiritual, in our own contexts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "division" in Peleg's time resonate with divisions we see in the world today, and what is our role as believers in response?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the significance of names, both in biblical times and in our own lives?**
* **How does God's sovereign control over historical events, even those born of human sin, encourage or challenge your faith?**

### FAQ
**What does "the earth was divided" refer to in 1 Chronicles 1:19?**

Answer: The phrase "the earth was divided" in [1 Chronicles 1:19](/1_chronicles/1-19 "1 Chronicles 1:19 - Peleg and Joktan") is widely understood by biblical scholars to be a direct reference to the events surrounding the [Tower of Babel](/genesis/11 "Genesis 11 - The Tower of Babel"), as described in [Genesis 11:1-9](/genesis/11-1 "Genesis 11:1-9 - The Confusion of Languages"). In this narrative, humanity, speaking one language, united to build a tower reaching to the heavens, an act of collective pride and rebellion against God's command to "fill the earth" ([Genesis 9:1](/genesis/9-1 "Genesis 9:1 - Be Fruitful and Multiply")). In response, God confused their languages and scattered them across the face of the earth, leading to the formation of distinct nations and linguistic groups. Thus, Peleg's name, meaning "division," serves as an etiological marker commemorating this pivotal moment in human history.

**Why are genealogies so important in 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies in [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "The Book of 1 Chronicles") are crucial for several reasons, especially for the post-exilic community to whom the book was originally addressed. Firstly, they establish **identity and continuity**, linking the returning exiles back to their ancestral roots, Abraham, and ultimately Adam, reinforcing their place within God's covenant history. Secondly, they validate **land claims and tribal inheritances**, which were essential for rebuilding life in the Promised Land. Thirdly, they confirm **legitimate leadership and priestly lines**, ensuring proper worship and governance. By meticulously listing these lineages, the Chronicler provided a foundational sense of belonging, purpose, and hope, reminding the people that despite their exile, God's promises and their heritage remained intact.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The division of the earth in Peleg's days, a consequence of human rebellion at Babel, foreshadows the deep-seated divisions that would plague humanity throughout history—ethnic, linguistic, and cultural barriers that separate people. However, this ancient historical event finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Where humanity was scattered by judgment, Christ unites by grace. He is the true Peacemaker who, through His crucifixion, broke down the dividing wall of hostility that separated Jew and Gentile, creating "one new humanity" ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). The Pentecost event, where people from "every nation under heaven" heard the gospel in their own languages ([Acts 2:5-11](/acts/2-5 "Acts 2:5-11 - The Day of Pentecost")), stands as a powerful reversal of Babel, demonstrating God's redemptive plan to gather a people for Himself from every tribe, tongue, and nation. Ultimately, the vision of the new heavens and new earth reveals a reconciled humanity, a vast multitude from every nation, standing before the throne and the Lamb, united in worship ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9-10 - The Multitude from Every Nation")), a testament to Christ's triumph over the divisions of sin and history.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 10:21

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

Genesis 10:25

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.

Genesis 11:16

And Eber lived four and thirty years, and begat Peleg:

Genesis 11:17

And Eber lived after he begat Peleg four hundred and thirty years, and begat sons and daughters.

Numbers 24:24

And ships [shall come] from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever.