Genesis 10:12

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And Resen {H7449} between Nineveh {H5210} and Calah {H3625}: the same is a great {H1419} city {H5892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and Resen between Ninveh and Kelach — that one is the great city.

Berean Standard Bible

and Resen, which is between Nineveh and the great city of Calah.

American Standard Version

and Resen between Nineveh and Calah (the same is the great city).

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 10:12, a pivotal verse within the "Table of Nations," precisely identifies Resen as "a great city" situated geographically between the prominent cities of Nineveh and Calah. This detail underscores the significant urban development in ancient Assyria during the early post-Flood era, highlighting Nimrod's instrumental role in establishing major centers of civilization and providing a meticulous geographical framework for the spread of early human populations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 10:12 is embedded within the "Table of Nations" (Genesis 10), a unique and comprehensive genealogical and geographical record detailing the descendants of Noah's three sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—following the great flood. This chapter serves as a crucial bridge between the universal history of humanity (creation, fall, flood) and the particular history of Israel, explaining the origins and distribution of various peoples and nations. The verse specifically falls within the section describing the descendants of Ham, focusing on Nimrod, a powerful figure renowned as a "mighty hunter before the LORD" and a foundational kingdom-builder. His initial domain is described in [Genesis 10:10](/genesis/10-10 "Nimrod's Kingdom in Shinar") as encompassing cities in the land of Shinar, including Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh. The narrative then shifts in [Genesis 10:11](/genesis/10-11 "Nimrod's Expansion to Assyria") to describe Nimrod's expansion into Assyria, where he built or was associated with the establishment of Nineveh, Rehoboth-Ir, and Calah. Genesis 10:12 then adds Resen, completing the description of this significant urban complex.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in Genesis 10 reflects the rapid re-population and development of human societies after the global flood. The mention of "great cities" like Nineveh, Calah, and Resen points to the emergence of complex urban centers, organized governance, and significant infrastructure development in Mesopotamia, particularly in the region that would later become the heartland of the Assyrian Empire. This era saw the rise of powerful leaders, exemplified by Nimrod, who consolidated power and established kingdoms, marking a shift from nomadic or tribal existence to more settled, centralized societies. The geographical precision of the "Table of Nations" reflects an ancient understanding of the world's early demographic and political landscape, providing a historical anchor for later biblical narratives concerning these regions and peoples. The description of Resen as a "great city" implies a substantial population, possibly fortified defenses, and a role in regional trade or administration, characteristic of burgeoning ancient Near Eastern metropolises.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 10:12 contributes to several key themes prevalent in the "Table of Nations" and the broader book of Genesis. Firstly, it highlights the **rapid expansion and diversification of humanity** post-Flood, demonstrating God's command to "be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth" ([Genesis 9:1](/genesis/9-1 "God's Covenant with Noah")). Secondly, it underscores the **emergence of human kingdoms and centralized power structures**, exemplified by Nimrod's extensive urban development. This theme foreshadows the ongoing tension between human attempts to build earthly empires and God's sovereign plan for humanity, often culminating in divine judgment, as seen in the subsequent narrative of the [Tower of Babel](/genesis/11 "The Tower of Babel"). Thirdly, the meticulous geographical and genealogical details reinforce the **Bible's commitment to historical and geographical accuracy**, grounding its theological claims in a verifiable reality. Finally, the mention of cities like Nineveh and Calah, which would later play significant roles in Israel's history (e.g., [Jonah](/jonah/1 "Jonah's Call to Nineveh")), subtly introduces the **foundations of future geopolitical interactions** between God's chosen people and the surrounding nations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Resen (Hebrew, _Reçen'_):** (H7449) This proper noun refers to a specific place in Assyria. Its inclusion in the "Table of Nations" provides a precise geographical marker, indicating its existence and significance as an urban center during the early post-Flood period. Though not mentioned elsewhere in the biblical narrative, its placement between Nineveh and Calah suggests it was part of a major urban complex.
* **great (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** (H1419) Derived from a root meaning "to be great," this adjective describes Resen's considerable size, importance, or influence. In the context of ancient cities, "great" would imply a significant population, substantial fortifications, and possibly a role as a regional administrative, economic, or strategic hub. It conveys the scale of urban development attributed to Nimrod.
* **city (Hebrew, _ʻîyr'_):** (H5892) This noun broadly refers to a guarded place or a watch-post, encompassing settlements ranging from encampments to major metropolises. In this context, coupled with "great," it denotes a well-established and substantial urban center, distinct from a mere village or temporary settlement, signifying a level of social organization and permanence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Resen between Nineveh and Calah:"** This clause serves as a precise geographical locator. It positions Resen not in isolation but as an integral part of a larger urban network in ancient Assyria. By placing it "between" two already mentioned and well-known cities (Nineveh and Calah, both associated with Nimrod's kingdom in [Genesis 10:11](/genesis/10-11 "Nimrod's Cities in Assyria")), the text provides a clear spatial reference point for its readers, indicating a significant concentration of human settlement and power in this region.
* **"the same [is] a great city."** This declarative statement provides a qualitative assessment of Resen. The phrase "a great city" (Hebrew: _'îr gĕdōlāh_) emphasizes its considerable size, importance, and possibly its strategic or administrative significance within Nimrod's burgeoning kingdom. It suggests that Resen was not a minor settlement but a substantial urban center, contributing to the overall impression of Nimrod's prowess as a kingdom-builder and the rapid development of post-Flood civilization.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Genesis 10:12 is **Geographical Precision**. The text meticulously names specific locations (Resen, Nineveh, Calah) and defines their spatial relationship ("between"), providing a detailed map of early post-Flood settlements. This precision grounds the narrative in a tangible reality, lending credibility to the historical claims of the "Table of Nations." Furthermore, the use of **Descriptive Language**, specifically the epithet "a great city," elevates Resen beyond a mere name, conveying its significance and scale. This brief but impactful description highlights the burgeoning urbanism of the era and the ambitious scope of Nimrod's kingdom-building endeavors. The verse also functions as part of a larger **Enumeration or Cataloging**, characteristic of Genesis 10, systematically listing the descendants of Noah and the territories they occupied, thereby constructing a comprehensive historical and geographical framework.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 10:12, though seemingly a simple geographical detail, subtly contributes to profound theological and thematic insights. It illustrates the rapid 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")) after the Flood, demonstrating humanity's capacity for organization and development, even in its fallen state. The rise of "great cities" and powerful figures like Nimrod highlights the emergence of human-centered kingdoms and the concentration of power, a recurring theme throughout biblical history that often stands in contrast to God's divine sovereignty. This verse, along with the entire "Table of Nations," underscores the Bible's commitment to presenting a historically grounded narrative, affirming the reality of early civilizations and their geographical locations.

* [Genesis 11:4](/genesis/11-4 "The Ambition of Babel") - Illustrates humanity's ambition to build great cities and towers, seeking to make a name for themselves apart from God.
* [Isaiah 10:5-11](/isaiah/10-5-11 "God's Use of Assyria") - Shows God's sovereign use of powerful earthly empires, like Assyria (whose capital was Nineveh, a neighbor to Resen), to accomplish His purposes, even when they act in arrogance.
* [Revelation 18:2](/revelation/18-2 "Fall of Babylon the Great") - Foreshadows the ultimate fall of all "great cities" and human empires that oppose God, culminating in the destruction of "Babylon the Great."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief mention of Resen as "a great city" between Nineveh and Calah in Genesis 10:12 serves as a powerful reminder of the Bible's historical depth and its meticulous attention to the details of early human civilization. While Resen itself does not reappear, its inclusion validates the geographical and historical accuracy of the "Table of Nations," grounding the biblical narrative in a tangible reality. This verse invites us to appreciate the vast sweep of biblical history, from the earliest post-Flood settlements to the grand narratives of salvation. It encourages us to recognize that even seemingly minor details in Scripture contribute to a larger, divinely orchestrated story. Furthermore, the description of a "great city" built by human hands, like those of Nimrod, prompts reflection on the nature of human ambition and achievement. It challenges us to consider what truly constitutes "greatness" in God's eyes and whether our endeavors are built upon temporary earthly foundations or eternal divine purposes. Understanding these foundational cities helps us grasp the historical context for later biblical events, such as Nineveh, mentioned as a neighbor to Resen, later becoming a central city in the book of [Jonah](/jonah/1-2 "God's Command to Jonah concerning Nineveh"), demonstrating the long-term historical significance of these early urban centers established by figures like Nimrod.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Bible's attention to historical and geographical detail, as seen in Genesis 10:12, strengthen your trust in its overall message?**
* **What does the rapid development of "great cities" like Resen, built by human ambition, reveal about the nature of early post-Flood societies?**
* **In what ways do our modern "great cities" and human achievements echo the ambitions seen in Nimrod's kingdom-building, and how should a Christian perspective inform our view of them?**

### FAQ
**Why is Resen mentioned only once in the Bible?**

Answer: Resen's singular mention in [Genesis 10:12](/genesis/10-12 "The Location of Resen") is consistent with the "Table of Nations'" primary purpose: to provide a foundational, comprehensive overview of early human settlements and their origins, rather than to detail the ongoing history of every city. Its inclusion serves to complete the geographical description of Nimrod's expanding kingdom, emphasizing the vastness and interconnectedness of his urban network in Assyria, even if its specific historical trajectory is not further elaborated in the biblical narrative.

**What does "a great city" signify about Resen?**

Answer: The description "a great city" (Hebrew: _'îr gĕdōlāh_) indicates that Resen was a settlement of considerable size, importance, and likely strategic value. It suggests a well-developed urban center, possibly playing a role in administration, trade, or defense within the Assyrian region. This designation highlights the significant urban development occurring in the early post-Flood era and underscores the scale of Nimrod's kingdom-building achievements.

**How does Genesis 10:12 contribute to our understanding of Nimrod?**

Answer: This verse reinforces Nimrod's reputation as a powerful and ambitious kingdom-builder, expanding his influence beyond his initial domain in Shinar ([Genesis 10:10](/genesis/10-10 "Nimrod's Kingdom in Shinar")) into Assyria. By listing Resen alongside major cities like Nineveh and Calah ([Genesis 10:11](/genesis/10-11 "Nimrod's Cities in Assyria")), the verse underscores the scale and ambition of his urban development projects, portraying him as a significant figure in early post-Flood civilization and a pioneer of centralized human power structures.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Genesis 10:12](/genesis/10-12 "Resen: A Great City") describes the establishment of earthly kingdoms and "great cities" by powerful figures like Nimrod, it subtly points to the broader biblical narrative of God's ultimate, eternal kingdom. These human-built empires, though "great" in their temporal influence, are ultimately fleeting and fall short of God's perfect and everlasting reign. Christ, as the true King, establishes a spiritual kingdom that is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")), a kingdom that transcends all human-built cities and empires. The ambition to build "great cities" and establish earthly dominion, seen in Nimrod, finds its counterpoint and ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who builds His church—a spiritual city whose "builder and maker is God" ([Hebrews 11:10](/hebrews/11-10 "Abraham Looked for a City with Foundations")). The true "great city" is the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city where God dwells eternally with His redeemed people ([Revelation 21:2-3](/revelation/21-2 "The New Jerusalem Comes Down from Heaven")), a city far surpassing any earthly metropolis in glory, permanence, and divine presence.

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.