Read Verse Keyword Strong's
Prev

Genesis 10:32

Next

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.

These are the families {H4940} of the sons {H1121} of Noah {H5146}, after their generations {H8435}, in their nations {H1471}: and by these were the nations {H1471} divided {H6504} in the earth {H776} after {H310} the flood {H3999}.

These were the families of the sons of Noach, according to their generations, in their nations. From these the nations of the earth were divided up after the flood.

All these are the clans of Noah’s sons, according to their generations and nations. From these the nations of the earth spread out after the flood.

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

Commentary

Context

Genesis chapter 10, often called the "Table of Nations," provides a genealogical account of the descendants of Noah's three sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—after the great flood. This chapter details how humanity began to repopulate the earth. Verse 32 serves as a concluding summary statement for the entire chapter, emphasizing that the various peoples and nations originated from these families of Noah's sons.

Key Themes

  • Origin of Nations: The verse explicitly states that the nations of the earth were divided and originated from the families descending from Noah's sons.
  • Fulfillment of God's Command: It highlights the process by which humanity began to fill the earth after the flood, fulfilling the divine mandate given to Noah and his family.
  • Unity and Diversity: While showing the diversity of peoples and nations, the chapter, and this concluding verse, implicitly underscore the common ancestry of all humanity through Noah, linking everyone back to a single family unit after the flood.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "generations" is toledoth (תּוֹלְדֹת), which means "descendants," "history," or "account." This term is used throughout Genesis to structure the book's narrative by introducing sections detailing the "generations of" various patriarchs or events. The word for "nations" is goyim (גּוֹיִם), a common term for peoples or nations, often non-Israelite nations later in the Old Testament, but here referring to the diverse groups emerging from Noah's lineage. "Divided" comes from the root parad (פָּרַד), meaning to separate, divide, or spread out.

Related Scriptures

This verse serves as a bridge, explaining the spread of humanity that leads into the events described in the following chapter, particularly the scattering associated with the Tower of Babel narrative. It reinforces the post-flood instruction found in Genesis 9:1 for Noah and his sons to be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth.

Reflection & Application

Genesis 10:32 provides a foundational biblical perspective on the origin and diversity of human populations. It asserts a common origin for all peoples, rooting them in the family of Noah. For believers today, it speaks to the unity of humanity despite cultural and national differences and helps frame the biblical understanding of history and God's plan for the world's inhabitants. It reminds us that the vast array of languages, cultures, and nations all stem from a single, post-flood source, under the sovereign hand of God.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 9:19 (7 votes)

    These [are] the three sons of Noah: and of them was the whole earth overspread.

  • Acts 17:26 (5 votes)

    And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

  • Genesis 10:1 (4 votes)

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

  • Genesis 10:20 (2 votes)

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

  • Genesis 10:25 (2 votes)

    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 9:7 (2 votes)

    And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein.

  • Genesis 5:29 (2 votes)

    And he called his name Noah, saying, This [same] shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD hath cursed.