Genesis 10:11

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Out of that land {H776} went forth {H3318} Asshur {H804}, and builded {H1129} Nineveh {H5210}, and the city {H5892} Rehoboth {H7344}, and Calah {H3625},

Complete Jewish Bible

Ashur went out from that land and built Ninveh, the city Rechovot, Kelach,

Berean Standard Bible

From that land he went forth into Assyria, where he built Nineveh, Rehoboth-Ir, Calah,

American Standard Version

Out of that land he went forth into Assyria, and builded Nineveh, and Rehoboth-Ir, and Calah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 10:11 intricately details a pivotal moment in the post-Flood expansion of humanity, specifically charting the origins of significant urban centers in Mesopotamia. This verse describes either Asshur, a descendant of Shem, migrating from the land of Shinar to establish the foundational cities of Nineveh, Rehoboth, and Calah, or alternatively, Nimrod's further imperial expansion into the region of Assyria to build these same strategic locations. Regardless of the precise agent, the passage underscores the rapid development of early civilizations and the geographical dispersal of Noah's descendants, laying the groundwork for future geopolitical dynamics in the ancient world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis chapter 10, often referred to as the "Table of Nations," serves as a crucial genealogical and geographical bridge between the Flood narrative and the call of Abraham. It meticulously chronicles the descendants of Noah's three sons—Japheth, Ham, and Shem—detailings their tribal origins and initial settlements across the earth. Verse 11 immediately follows the description of Nimrod, a powerful figure from the lineage of Ham, who established the first kingdoms in the land of Shinar, including Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, as noted in [Genesis 10:10](/genesis/10-10 "Nimrod's Kingdom in Shinar"). This verse then shifts focus northward, introducing the origins of the Assyrian people and their key urban centers, presenting a narrative of continued human expansion and the formation of distinct national identities.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in Genesis 10 represents the formative era of post-Flood civilization, characterized by significant population growth, migration, and the emergence of urban centers and organized societies. The "land of Shinar" (Mesopotamia) was a fertile crescent, ideal for agriculture and early city-states, as evidenced by archaeological discoveries. The cities mentioned—Nineveh, Rehoboth, and Calah—would later become integral parts of the powerful Assyrian Empire, a dominant force in the ancient Near East for centuries. Culturally, this era saw the development of early forms of governance and the consolidation of power, moving beyond nomadic existence towards settled, complex societies. The mention of specific cities like Nineveh and Calah, later confirmed by archaeology, grounds this biblical account within the historical realities of the ancient world.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 10:11 contributes to several overarching themes within the chapter and the broader book. Firstly, it highlights the **fulfillment of God's command to "be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth"** ([Genesis 9:1](/genesis/9-1 "God's Command to Noah to Be Fruitful")). The dispersal of nations, even through human ambition and migration, is part of God's sovereign plan for humanity to inhabit the globe. Secondly, it underscores the **origins of nations and empires**, demonstrating how early human societies began to organize themselves into distinct political entities. The rise of powerful figures like Nimrod and the establishment of major cities foreshadow the geopolitical landscape that would profoundly impact Israel's history. Lastly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **human ambition and potential for both creativity and rebellion**. While city-building represents human ingenuity, the narrative of Babel in [Genesis 11](/genesis/11 "The Tower of Babel") immediately following this chapter reveals the potential for such endeavors to be driven by pride and defiance against God's purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 10:11, "Out of that land went forth Asshur, and builded Nineveh, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah," is a concise yet historically rich statement that has invited significant scholarly discussion, particularly regarding the identity of the builder.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **went forth (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** This primitive root signifies a broad range of movements, from simply "going out" to "proceeding," "issuing forth," or even "leading out." In this context, it describes a movement from one location to another, crucial for understanding whether Asshur himself migrated or Nimrod expanded his dominion *to* Asshur's territory. The verb implies a purposeful departure or expansion.
* **Asshur (Hebrew, _ʼAshshûwr'_):** This term refers to the second son of Shem, but also, by extension, his descendants and the country occupied by them, which is Assyria. The ambiguity lies in whether "Asshur" here denotes the individual person, the people group, or the land/region of Assyria itself. This distinction is central to the interpretive debate of the verse.
* **builded (Hebrew, _bânâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to build" in both literal and figurative senses. It denotes the act of constructing, establishing, or founding. The use of this verb clearly indicates the establishment of permanent urban centers, signifying a foundational act of civilization in the region.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Out of that land went forth Asshur":** This clause introduces the subject of the action and the point of origin. "That land" refers to the land of Shinar, previously associated with Nimrod's kingdom. The phrase "went forth" (Hebrew *yâtsâʼ*) indicates a movement away from Shinar. The critical interpretive question is whether "Asshur" is the subject who "went forth" (meaning the person Asshur or the Assyrian people), or if Nimrod "went forth *to* Asshur" (meaning into the land of Assyria). The traditional King James reading makes Asshur the subject, implying a migration of the Assyrian progenitor or people from Shinar.
* **"and builded Nineveh":** This part of the verse identifies the first major city established. Nineveh was a prominent ancient city on the eastern bank of the Tigris River, which would later become the capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Its founding here marks the early establishment of a city that would play a significant role in biblical history, particularly in the book of [Jonah](/jonah/1 "The Book of Jonah").
* **"and the city Rehoboth":** Following Nineveh, "Rehoboth" is mentioned as another city. The Hebrew *Rechoboth* means "broad places" or "streets," suggesting a sizable or well-planned urban area. Its precise location is debated among scholars, but it is generally considered to be in the vicinity of Nineveh, contributing to the growing urban landscape of early Assyria.
* **"and Calah":** The final city listed, Calah (modern Nimrud), was another major Assyrian capital, particularly flourishing during the Neo-Assyrian period. Archaeological excavations have confirmed its historical importance and grandeur. The inclusion of Calah alongside Nineveh emphasizes the establishment of key strategic and administrative centers that would form the heartland of the future Assyrian Empire.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Genealogy** and **Geographical Listing** to chart the spread of humanity. It functions as a **Historical Record**, documenting the foundational acts of city-building in the post-Flood world. The mention of specific, historically significant cities like Nineveh and Calah serves as **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the future prominence of the Assyrian Empire and its eventual interactions with Israel, which will become a major theme in later Old Testament narratives. The concise, declarative style is characteristic of historical summaries within genealogical accounts, providing essential information without elaborate narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 10:11, while seemingly a simple historical record of city-building, holds profound theological implications. It illustrates God's sovereign hand in the unfolding of human history, even in the establishment of nations that would later oppose His chosen people. The dispersal and organization of humanity into distinct groups and nations, as detailed in the "Table of Nations," is part of God's overarching plan for filling the earth and demonstrating His universal dominion. This verse implicitly highlights the human capacity for organization, innovation, and empire-building, a drive that can be used for both good and ill, but which ultimately operates within the boundaries of divine providence. The rise of powerful nations like Assyria, whose origins are traced here, sets the stage for God's future interactions with them, often using them as instruments of judgment or demonstrating His power over them.

* [Genesis 9:7](/genesis/9-7 "God's Command to Be Fruitful and Multiply")
* [Acts 17:26](/acts/17-26 "God Determines the Times and Boundaries of Nations")
* [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5-6 "Assyria as God's Rod of Anger")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 10:11, though ancient, offers timeless reflections for us today. It reminds us that God's sovereign plan encompasses all of human history, from the earliest migrations and city-building to the complex geopolitical landscape of our present day. Just as God oversaw the establishment of nations like Assyria, He continues to orchestrate the rise and fall of empires, demonstrating His ultimate authority over all peoples and their endeavors. This should instill in us a profound trust in His providential care, knowing that even amidst human ambition, conflict, and the pursuit of power, His purposes will ultimately prevail. It also calls us to recognize that every nation, every people group, and every city has its origin and existence under the watchful eye of God, inviting us to pray for and engage with the diverse cultures of the world with a missional heart, understanding that God desires all peoples to come to know Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed account of early nations in Genesis 10, including the building of cities like Nineveh, deepen your understanding of God's sovereignty over human history?**
* **In what ways do you see human ambition for building and organizing (like the city-building described here) reflected in society today, and how can believers ensure such endeavors are aligned with God's purposes?**
* **Considering the later role of Assyria in Israel's history, how does this early mention of its foundational cities foreshadow God's long-term plan for His people and the nations?**

### FAQ
**Who was Asshur, and why is his role in building these cities debated?**

Answer: Asshur was a son of Shem and a grandson of Noah, identified in [Genesis 10:22](/genesis/10-22 "Asshur among Shem's Sons") as the progenitor of the Assyrian people. His role in building Nineveh, Rehoboth, and Calah is debated due to the ambiguity of the Hebrew preposition *min* (מִן), which can mean "out of," "from," or "to/towards." The traditional King James Version translates it as Asshur "went forth out of that land" (Shinar) to build these cities, attributing the construction to him or his descendants. However, an alternative interpretation, supported by some ancient versions and modern scholars, suggests that Nimrod "went forth *to* Asshur" (meaning into the land of Assyria) and built these cities, thus crediting Nimrod with their founding. Both interpretations have linguistic support, making the precise identity of the builder a point of scholarly discussion.

**What is the significance of the cities mentioned in Genesis 10:11?**

Answer: The cities of Nineveh, Rehoboth, and Calah were crucial foundational centers for the ancient Assyrian civilization. Nineveh and Calah (modern Nimrud) would later become major capitals of the powerful Neo-Assyrian Empire, which dominated the ancient Near East and played a significant, often destructive, role in the history of Israel, particularly in the northern kingdom's exile. Nineveh, in particular, is famously known from the biblical book of [Jonah](/jonah/1 "The Book of Jonah"), where God sent the prophet to preach repentance to its inhabitants, demonstrating God's sovereign concern for even the most powerful Gentile nations. The mention of these cities in Genesis 10:11 thus establishes the early origins of a formidable empire that would profoundly impact the unfolding narrative of God's covenant people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 10:11 directly recounts the origins of nations and early human civilization, it finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan for all humanity. The establishment of nations like Assyria, though initially outside the direct covenant line of Abraham, serves as a crucial backdrop against which God's universal sovereignty is displayed. The very existence and eventual judgment of these powerful empires, as later detailed in prophetic books like [Isaiah](/isaiah/1 "The Book of Isaiah") and [Nahum](/nahum/1 "The Book of Nahum"), underscore God's control over all earthly powers. This divine authority culminates in Christ, who is the King of all nations, not just Israel. Through His atoning work, the blessing promised to Abraham—that "all the families of the earth shall be blessed" ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "God's Promise to Abraham"))—is realized. The geographical and national dispersal described in Genesis 10 ultimately points to the global scope of the Gospel, where people from "every tribe and language and people and nation" are redeemed and gathered into God's kingdom through Christ ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Worthy Is the Lamb")). The rise and fall of these ancient powers ultimately serve to highlight the eternal and universal reign of Jesus Christ.

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

Micah 5:6

And they shall waste the land of Assyria with the sword, and the land of Nimrod in the entrances thereof: thus shall he deliver [us] from the Assyrian, when he cometh into our land, and when he treadeth within our borders.

Nahum 1:1

¶ The burden of Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.

Jonah 1:2

Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me.

Psalms 83:8

Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah.

Zephaniah 2:13

And he will stretch out his hand against the north, and destroy Assyria; and will make Nineveh a desolation, [and] dry like a wilderness.

2 Kings 19:36

So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh.

Numbers 24:22

Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive.