Genesis 10:17

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And the Hivite {H2340}, and the Arkite {H6208}, and the Sinite {H5513},

Complete Jewish Bible

the Hivi, the ‘Arki, the Sini,

Berean Standard Bible

the Hivites, the Arkites, the Sinites,

American Standard Version

and the Hivite, and the Arkite, and the Sinite,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 10:17 is a concise but vital verse within the "Table of Nations," meticulously listing the Hivite, Arkite, and Sinite as three more descendants of Canaan, son of Ham. This verse highlights the meticulous biblical record of humanity's post-Flood diversification and geographical spread, establishing the origins of distinct tribal groups who would eventually populate the ancient world and interact with the burgeoning nation of Israel, thereby underscoring God's sovereign orchestration of history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 10:17 is situated within the comprehensive "Table of Nations" in [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "The Table of Nations"), a crucial genealogical record detailing the descendants of Noah's three sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—after the Great Flood. Specifically, this verse is part of the enumeration of Canaan's lineage, found in [Genesis 10:15-18](/genesis/10-15-18 "Descendants of Canaan"), Canaan being a son of Ham. The entire chapter functions as a foundational historical document, illustrating how humanity diversified and spread across the earth from a single family, fulfilling God's command to "be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth" found in [Genesis 9:1](/genesis/9-1 "God's Command to Noah to Multiply"). The peoples listed here, including the Hivites, Arkites, and Sinites, would eventually form the nations and tribes that populate the biblical narrative, particularly those that interacted with the Israelites in the Promised Land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "Table of Nations" reflects an ancient Near Eastern understanding of ethnography and geography, presenting a comprehensive, albeit selective, account of early human settlement. In this cultural milieu, genealogies were not merely lists of names but served as vital historical, political, and even theological documents, establishing origins, relationships, and claims to territory. The peoples mentioned in [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "The Table of Nations") represent distinct tribal or national entities known in the ancient world. The Hivites were a significant pre-Israelite group in Canaan. The Arkites were likely associated with the city of Arqa in modern-day Lebanon, and the Sinites, though less certain in their precise identification, point to another distinct group, possibly in northern Phoenicia or even further afield, demonstrating the wide geographical spread from a common ancestor.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of the "Table of Nations," contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **divine command to multiply and fill the earth**, first given in [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "The Cultural Mandate") and reiterated to Noah in [Genesis 9:1](/genesis/9-1 "God's Command to Noah to Multiply"). The rapid proliferation and diversification of peoples demonstrate the fulfillment of this mandate. Secondly, it highlights the **unity and diversity of humanity**, emphasizing that all peoples, despite their distinct identities, share a common origin in Noah's family, reinforcing the biblical truth that all humanity is interconnected. Lastly, the meticulous listing of nations, particularly those who would later inhabit the land of Canaan, subtly introduces the theme of **God's sovereign preparation for redemptive history**, setting the stage for the call of Abraham and the formation of the nation of Israel, whose destiny would be intertwined with many of these listed groups.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hivite (Hebrew, _Chivvîy'_):** This term, likely derived from a root meaning "villager," identifies one of the aboriginal tribes of Palestine. The Hivites were a significant group frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as inhabitants of Canaan, often found in regions such as Shechem and Gibeon, and notably, the Gibeonites who deceived Joshua were identified as Hivites (e.g., [Joshua 9:7](/joshua/9-7 "The Gibeonites Deceive Joshua")).
* **Arkite (Hebrew, _ʻArqîy'_):** This is a gentilic term, meaning "an inhabitant of Erek." While the Strong's data suggests a connection to an unused name meaning "a tush," the primary identification is with the ancient city of Arqa (also known as Arka), located in what is modern-day Lebanon, north of Tripoli. This indicates the geographical spread of Canaan's descendants into the northern Levant, a significant Phoenician settlement.
* **Sinite (Hebrew, _Çîynîy'_):** Derived from an otherwise unknown personal name, "Sinite" refers to a descendant of one of the sons of Canaan. The precise location and identity of the Sinites are less certain than the Hivites or Arkites. Some scholars suggest a connection to a people in northern Lebanon, while others propose a more distant origin, possibly linking them to the region of Sinim mentioned in [Isaiah 49:12](/isaiah/49-12 "Prophecy of Return from Distant Lands"), though this identification remains debated. Regardless of their exact location, their inclusion further underscores the extensive diversification and geographical spread of Canaan's lineage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Hivite":** This phrase introduces the first of three distinct tribal or ethnic groups listed in this verse as descendants of Canaan. The Hivites were a well-known people group in the land of Canaan, often mentioned among the pre-Israelite inhabitants, indicating their significant presence in the region that would later become the Promised Land.
* **"and the Arkite":** Following the Hivite, this phrase introduces another descendant of Canaan, identifying a people group associated with the ancient city of Arqa in the northern Levant. Their inclusion demonstrates the geographical reach of Canaan's descendants beyond the immediate central Canaanite heartland, extending into what is now Lebanon.
* **"and the Sinite":** The final phrase in this concise verse names the Sinite people. While their exact geographical location is less certain than the other two, their inclusion completes the enumeration of these specific Canaanite lineages, further emphasizing the extensive and diverse proliferation of Noah's descendants across the ancient world.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [Genesis 10:17](/genesis/10-17 "The Hivite, Arkite, and Sinite"), and indeed throughout [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "The Table of Nations"), is **Genealogy** or **List**. This meticulous enumeration of names serves to establish historical and ethnic origins, providing a structured account of human diversification and geographical spread after the Flood. The repetitive conjunction "and" (polysyndeton) linking each name ("And the Hivite, and the Arkite, and the Sinite") creates a rhythmic, cumulative effect, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the list and the continuous proliferation of peoples. While subtle, for the Hivites in particular, there is an element of **Foreshadowing**, as their future interactions with the Israelites in the land of Canaan are hinted at by their early inclusion in this foundational genealogical record.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 10:17, as part of the "Table of Nations," profoundly illustrates God's meticulous and sovereign ordering of human history. Far from being a mere dry list of names, this verse speaks to God's precise hand in the development and spread of nations, demonstrating His overarching plan for humanity. It underscores the biblical truth that all peoples, regardless of their distinct identities or geographical locations, share a common origin and are under the sovereign gaze of the Creator. This divine oversight ensures that the stage is set for God's unfolding redemptive narrative, which will eventually involve many of these nations.

* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms") - "He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding."
* [Acts 17:26](/acts/17-26 "All Nations from One Man") - "And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place."
* [Genesis 9:1](/genesis/9-1 "God's Command to Noah to Multiply") - "And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.'"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Genesis 10:17 appears to be a simple list of names, it offers profound insights for contemporary reflection and application. It reminds us that God is intimately involved in the details of human history, meticulously ordering the rise and spread of nations. This calls us to recognize His sovereignty over global events and the diverse cultures of the world, fostering a deeper trust in His overarching plan, even when circumstances seem chaotic. Furthermore, understanding our common ancestry in Noah's family should foster a profound sense of unity and empathy among all peoples, transcending ethnic, national, and cultural divisions. It encourages us to view every individual as bearing the image of God, regardless of their lineage or geographical origin, and to participate in God's ongoing work of reconciliation and redemption across all nations, recognizing that His plan encompasses all humanity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of the "Table of Nations" in Genesis 10, including verses like Genesis 10:17, challenge our understanding of God's involvement in global history?**
* **In what ways should the shared ancestry of all humanity, as presented in this chapter, shape our attitudes and interactions with people from different cultural or ethnic backgrounds?**
* **How does recognizing God's sovereignty over the rise and spread of nations influence our prayers for world leaders and global events?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Bible list so many seemingly obscure names in Genesis 10?**

Answer: The detailed genealogies in [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "The Table of Nations"), including names like the Hivite, Arkite, and Sinite, serve several crucial purposes. They provide a historical framework for the spread of humanity after the Flood, demonstrating the fulfillment of God's command to "be fruitful and multiply" given in [Genesis 9:1](/genesis/9-1 "God's Command to Noah to Multiply"). They also establish the common origin of all peoples, countering later notions of racial or ethnic superiority. Furthermore, these lists lay the groundwork for future biblical narratives, identifying the nations and tribes that would interact with Abraham and his descendants, particularly those inhabiting the Promised Land, thus providing essential context for the unfolding story of redemption.

**Were the Hivites, Arkites, and Sinites significant in later biblical history?**

Answer: Of the three groups mentioned in [Genesis 10:17](/genesis/10-17 "The Hivite, Arkite, and Sinite"), the Hivites are the most frequently mentioned and significant in later biblical history, particularly in the accounts of the Israelite conquest of Canaan. They were one of the major groups inhabiting the land promised to Abraham, and their interactions with Israel, such as the Gibeonites' deceptive treaty with Joshua (recorded in [Joshua 9:7](/joshua/9-7 "The Gibeonites (Hivites) and Joshua")), are well-documented. The Arkites and Sinites, while historically attested outside the Bible as ancient peoples, play a less direct role in the subsequent biblical narrative, primarily serving to illustrate the broader spread and diversification of Canaan's descendants across the ancient Near East.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous genealogies in [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "The Table of Nations"), including the enumeration of the Hivite, Arkite, and Sinite, underscore God's sovereign plan for humanity's spread and the eventual establishment of nations. This orderly unfolding of history, from a single family to diverse peoples, ultimately points towards the universal scope of God's redemptive purpose, which culminates in Jesus Christ. While these specific tribes do not directly prophesy Christ, their inclusion in the "Table of Nations" highlights that God's plan of salvation was never limited to one people but was always intended to encompass "all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "The Great Commission to All Nations")), through the lineage that would eventually lead to the Messiah. In Christ, the divisions and animosities that arose among these diverse nations are ultimately overcome, as He "has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Christ is Our Peace")), uniting people from every tribe, language, and nation into one new humanity under His headship ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "The Lamb Redeems from Every Tribe")).

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 34:2

And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her.