Genesis 10:20

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

These are the sons {H1121} of Ham {H2526}, after their families {H4940}, after their tongues {H3956}, in their countries {H776}, and in their nations {H1471}.

These were the descendants of Ham, according to their families and languages, in their lands and in their nations.

These are the sons of Ham according to their clans, languages, lands, and nations.

These are the sons of Ham, after their families, after their tongues, in their lands, in their nations.

Commentary

Genesis 10:20 concludes the section detailing the descendants of Ham, one of Noah's three sons, providing a summary of their dispersion and diversification after the Great Flood. This verse, part of the extensive "Table of Nations" in Genesis 10, highlights the formation of distinct family groups, languages, and territories from a common ancestor.

Context

The entire tenth chapter of Genesis serves as a monumental genealogical and geographical record, mapping out the post-Flood population of the earth. It details how the human race, starting from Noah's three sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—spread across various regions. Verse 20 specifically wraps up the account of Ham's lineage, which includes peoples like the Canaanites, Egyptians (Mizraim), Ethiopians (Cush), and Libyans (Put). This enumeration underscores the biblical understanding of the divine command to be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, even as it hints at the complexities of human identity and separation.

Key Themes

  • Diversification of Humanity: The verse explicitly states that Ham's descendants organized "after their families, after their tongues, in their countries, and in their nations." This points to the natural and divinely ordained process of human population growth leading to distinct cultural and geographical groupings.
  • Biblical Anthropology: Genesis 10 is foundational for understanding the biblical view of the origins of various peoples and their geographical distribution. It affirms a common ancestry for all humanity, tracing back to Noah and, ultimately, Adam.
  • Anticipation of Linguistic Division: The mention of "tongues" (languages) is particularly significant. While the direct cause of linguistic divergence is elaborated in the narrative of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11, this verse already acknowledges the reality of different languages among the burgeoning post-Flood population.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "after their tongues" translates the Hebrew word ləšōnōṯām (לְשֹׁנֹתָם), meaning "their languages." This is a crucial detail, as it foreshadows the events of Genesis 11 where God directly intervenes to confuse the languages at Babel, leading to the further dispersion of humanity. The terms "countries" (bəʾarṣōṯām) and "nations" (bəḡōyêhem) emphasize the territorial and socio-political organization that emerged alongside linguistic and familial distinctions.

Practical Application

Genesis 10:20, and the Table of Nations as a whole, serves as a powerful reminder of both the unity and diversity of humankind. Despite our varied origins, languages, and national identities, we are all part of one human family, descended from a common ancestor. This understanding can foster a sense of interconnectedness and challenge ethnocentric biases, promoting the biblical truth that God "hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth" (Acts 17:26). It encourages us to appreciate the rich tapestry of human cultures while recognizing our shared heritage under God.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 10:6 (2 votes)

    ¶ And the sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, and Phut, and Canaan.

  • Genesis 11:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech.

  • Genesis 11:9 (2 votes)

    Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.