Genesis 10:21

KJV

¶ Unto Shem also, the father of all the children of Eber, the brother of Japheth the elder, even to him were [children] born.

KJV (with Strong's)

Unto Shem {H8035} also, the father {H1} of all the children {H1121} of Eber {H5677}, the brother {H251} of Japheth {H3315} the elder {H1419}, even to him were children born {H3205}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Children were also born to Shem, ancestor of all the descendants of ‘Ever and older brother of Yefet.

Berean Standard Bible

And sons were also born to Shem, the older brother of Japheth; Shem was the forefather of all the sons of Eber.

American Standard Version

And unto Shem, the father of all the children of Eber, the elder brother of Japheth, to him also were children born.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 10:21 serves as a crucial genealogical marker within the "Table of Nations," meticulously introducing the lineage of Shem, one of Noah's three sons. This verse specifically highlights Shem's unique role as the ancestor of Eber, thereby establishing the foundational line from which the Hebrew people would descend. It is a pivotal link in the biblical narrative, setting the stage for the unfolding of God's covenant promises and the ultimate arrival of the Messiah through this chosen lineage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 10, often referred to as the "Table of Nations," provides a comprehensive overview of the post-Flood dispersion and settlement of humanity through the descendants of Noah's three sons: Japheth, Ham, and Shem. The chapter begins with Japheth's descendants ([Genesis 10:2-5](/genesis/10-2-5 "Descendants of Japheth in Genesis 10")), followed by Ham's ([Genesis 10:6-20](/genesis/10-6-20 "Descendants of Ham in Genesis 10")), and finally, Shem's. Genesis 10:21 marks the transition to Shem's lineage, which is presented with particular detail and significance, anticipating the more focused genealogical account in [Genesis 11:10-26](/genesis/11-10-26 "The Lineage from Shem to Abram in Genesis 11"). This verse, therefore, acts as a bridge, connecting the broader history of humanity to the specific, chosen line through whom God's redemptive plan would progress.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "Table of Nations" reflects an ancient understanding of ethnography and the origins of various peoples known to the Israelites. While not a modern ethnographic survey, it provides a theological framework for understanding the diversity of humanity as originating from a common ancestor, Noah, after the global Flood. The emphasis on specific lineages, particularly Shem's, underscores the cultural importance of ancestry and tribal identity in the ancient Near East. Genealogies were not merely lists of names but served to establish legitimacy, inheritance, and divine favor. The identification of Shem as the "father of all the children of Eber" is culturally significant, firmly rooting the identity of the Hebrew people—God's chosen nation—within a specific, divinely ordained lineage, distinguishing them from the surrounding nations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Election**, demonstrating God's meticulous hand in guiding human history and selecting a specific lineage through which His covenant promises would be fulfilled. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Continuity of God's Plan**, showing an unbroken thread from Noah's family to the patriarchs, indicating that God's redemptive purpose is unfolding systematically. Thirdly, the focus on Eber's descendants establishes the **Foundation of Israelite Identity**, linking the future nation of Israel directly to this post-Flood ancestry. This genealogical precision underscores the theological truth that God works through specific individuals and families to accomplish His grand design, as seen in the subsequent call of Abraham in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's Call to Abram and His Promises in Genesis 12").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 10:21 provides a concise yet profoundly significant statement regarding Shem's progeny, setting the stage for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through a specific lineage. The KJV text states, "¶ Unto Shem also, the father of all the children of Eber, the brother of Japheth the elder, even to him were [children] born." This verse, while seemingly a simple genealogical entry, contains critical details that establish the identity and future role of a chosen people.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **father (Hebrew, _ʼâb'_):** This term (H1) signifies not only a literal progenitor but also a chief or head of a family or lineage. In this context, Shem is presented as the foundational head from whom the specific line of Eber would descend, implying a position of authority and origin for this particular branch of humanity.
* **children (Hebrew, _bên'_):** This word (H1121) denotes a son or descendant in the widest sense, encompassing literal and figurative relationships, including grandsons, subjects, or even a nation. Here, it emphasizes the numerous progeny of Eber, highlighting the growth and expansion of this specific family line into a significant people group.
* **elder (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** This term (H1419) means "great" in any sense, including older, mightier, or more prominent. When applied to Japheth, it can indicate seniority in age or perhaps a greater number of descendants or influence among the nations that sprang from him. The inclusion of this detail serves to clearly identify Shem in relation to his well-known brother.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Unto Shem also,"**: This introductory phrase signals a deliberate shift in focus within the "Table of Nations." After detailing the descendants of Japheth and Ham, the narrative now turns specifically to Shem, indicating his unique and paramount importance in the unfolding biblical story. The "also" implies a continuation of the genealogical record but with a particular emphasis on this son of Noah.
* **"the father of all the children of Eber,"**: This is the most crucial identifying descriptor in the verse. Shem is explicitly linked to Eber, a key descendant in his line. The term "Hebrew" (עִבְרִי, *‘Ivrî*) is traditionally understood to be derived from Eber, meaning "one from beyond" or "one who passed over." Thus, this phrase unequivocally identifies Shem as the direct ancestor of the Hebrew people through Eber, establishing their ancient and divinely ordained roots. This connection is foundational for understanding the identity of Israel.
* **"the brother of Japheth the elder,"**: This phrase serves to further identify Shem by referencing his relationship to his well-known brother, Japheth. The term "elder" (or "the great") can refer to age, prominence, or the extent of his progeny. Regardless of the precise nuance, it situates Shem within the immediate family of Noah, providing a clear familial context for his lineage.
* **"even to him were [children] born."**: This concluding statement reaffirms the continuity of Shem's lineage. It emphasizes that Shem had descendants, ensuring the perpetuation of his line, which is the primary focus of the verse and the subsequent genealogical record in [Genesis 11](/genesis/11 "The Genealogy from Shem to Abram in Genesis 11"). This simple declaration underscores the successful propagation of the chosen line.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Genesis 10:21 is **Genealogy**, which serves not merely as a historical record but as a theological statement. Genealogies in the Bible are highly selective, highlighting specific individuals and lineages that are significant to God's redemptive plan. The meticulous tracing of Shem's line through Eber demonstrates **Emphasis** and **Foreshadowing**, signaling to the reader that this particular branch of humanity holds special importance. The inclusion of descriptive phrases like "the father of all the children of Eber" and "the brother of Japheth the elder" employs **Apposition** and **Identification**, providing crucial context and distinguishing Shem's lineage from the others. This precise identification sets the stage for the narrowing of the biblical narrative's focus to the Hebrew people, who are central to the unfolding of God's covenant promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 10:21 is not merely a dry historical record but a profound theological statement on God's sovereign election and the meticulous unfolding of His redemptive plan. By explicitly identifying Shem as the progenitor of Eber, the ancestor of the Hebrews, the verse underscores God's deliberate choice of a specific lineage through whom He would establish His covenant and bring salvation to humanity. This highlights the theme of divine particularity within universal history, demonstrating that while all nations stem from Noah, God's salvific focus is narrowed to a chosen people. This meticulous tracing of ancestry reveals God's faithfulness in preserving a line of promise, ensuring the continuity of His redemptive purpose from the Flood to the patriarchs and beyond.

* [Genesis 9:26](/genesis/9-26 "Noah's Prophecy Regarding Shem in Genesis 9:26"): Noah's blessing, "Blessed be the LORD God of Shem," foreshadows the divine favor and special relationship God would establish with Shem's descendants.
* [Genesis 11:10-26](/genesis/11-10-26 "The Lineage from Shem to Abram in Genesis 11:10-26"): This passage provides the detailed genealogy from Shem to Abram, confirming the specific lineage through which God's covenant promises would be realized.
* [Luke 3:36](/luke/3-36 "Eber in the Genealogy of Jesus in Luke 3:36"): Eber is explicitly named in the genealogy of Jesus, demonstrating the direct historical and theological link from Shem to the Messiah.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 10:21, though a brief genealogical entry, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's purposes are meticulously planned and executed across generations. The careful tracing of Shem's lineage to Eber, and subsequently to the Hebrew people, demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving a chosen line through whom His redemptive plan would unfold. For us, this underscores the importance of our spiritual heritage and the continuity of God's work throughout history. We are part of a grand narrative of redemption, intricately woven by a sovereign God. This verse encourages us to trust in God's long-term faithfulness, even when His plans seem to unfold slowly or through unexpected paths. It also invites us to consider our own place within God's ongoing story, recognizing that our lives, too, are part of His divine design, called to bear witness to His faithfulness across generations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous tracing of Shem's lineage in this verse deepen your understanding of God's sovereignty and intentionality in human history?**
* **What significance does the identification of Shem as the "father of all the children of Eber" hold for the identity of God's people, both ancient Israel and the church today?**
* **In what ways does this verse encourage you to trust in God's faithfulness to His long-term plans, even when immediate circumstances are unclear?**

### FAQ
**Why is Shem singled out for special attention in the Table of Nations?**

Answer: Shem is singled out because his lineage is the one through which God's redemptive plan will primarily unfold. While all nations descend from Noah's sons, the biblical narrative narrows its focus to Shem's descendants because the covenant promises, the lineage of Abraham, and the ultimate arrival of the Messiah are tied to this specific line. This is foreshadowed by Noah's prophetic blessing in [Genesis 9:26](/genesis/9-26 "Noah's Blessing on Shem in Genesis 9:26"), where God is called "the God of Shem," indicating a special divine relationship.

**What is the significance of the phrase "the father of all the children of Eber"?**

Answer: This phrase is profoundly significant because Eber is the ancestor from whom the term "Hebrew" (עִבְרִי, *‘Ivrî*) is derived. By identifying Shem as the "father of all the children of Eber," the verse explicitly links Shem's lineage to the origin of the Israelite people. This establishes their ancient, divinely ordained identity and highlights that their existence is not accidental but a deliberate part of God's historical and redemptive plan.

**Does "Japheth the elder" definitively mean Japheth was Noah's oldest son?**

Answer: The phrase "Japheth the elder" (or "the great") can be interpreted in several ways. While it often suggests seniority in age, the Hebrew word *gâdôwl* (H1419) can also imply greatness in terms of prominence, influence, or the extent of his descendants. The Bible does not explicitly state the precise birth order of Noah's sons, and other verses, such as [Genesis 5:32](/genesis/5-32 "Noah's Sons at 500 Years Old in Genesis 5:32"), could be interpreted to suggest Shem or Ham were born earlier. The primary purpose of the phrase here is to clearly identify Shem in relation to his well-known brother, rather than to establish a definitive birth order.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 10:21 stands as a foundational stone in the grand narrative of Christ-centered fulfillment, meticulously tracing the lineage through which God would bring forth His ultimate salvation. By identifying Shem as "the father of all the children of Eber," this verse establishes the specific human ancestry that would become the Hebrew people, the nation of Israel, from whom, according to the flesh, the Messiah would come ([Romans 9:5](/romans/9-5 "Christ According to the Flesh in Romans 9:5")). This seemingly simple genealogical entry is a crucial link in the unbroken chain of God's redemptive plan, beginning with the promise of the Seed in [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "The Protoevangelium in Genesis 3:15"), carried through Noah, then Shem, and subsequently detailed in the genealogies of Jesus found in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ in Matthew 1") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ in Luke 3"). The precision of this verse underscores God's sovereign and unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, demonstrating that every step in history, even the most ancient lineages, was purposefully orchestrated to culminate in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Son of David, Son of Abraham, and Son of God.

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

Numbers 24:24

And ships [shall come] from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever.

Genesis 11:10

¶ These [are] the generations of Shem: Shem [was] an hundred years old, and begat Arphaxad two years after the flood:

Genesis 11:26

And Terah lived seventy years, and begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran.