Genesis 10:24

KJV

And Arphaxad begat Salah; and Salah begat Eber.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Arphaxad {H775} begat {H3205} Salah {H7974}; and Salah {H7974} begat {H3205} Eber {H5677}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Arpakhshad fathered Shelach, and Shelach fathered ‘Ever.

Berean Standard Bible

Arphaxad was the father of Shelah, and Shelah was the father of Eber.

American Standard Version

And Arpachshad begat Shelah; and Shelah begat Eber.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 10:24, a concise yet profoundly significant genealogical entry, meticulously traces the lineage from Arphaxad to Salah, and then to Eber, a pivotal figure from whom the "Hebrew" people derive their name. Situated within the broader "Table of Nations," this verse underscores God's precise and deliberate preservation of a specific family line through Shem, essential for the unfolding of His redemptive plan that would culminate in the call of Abraham and, ultimately, the advent of the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 10, often termed the "Table of Nations," provides a comprehensive genealogical account of the descendants of Noah's three sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—following the Great Flood. This chapter serves as a bridge between the universal judgment of the flood and the particularistic focus on Abraham's lineage, detailing the foundational origins and dispersion of various peoples and nations across the earth. Within this expansive record, the narrative progressively narrows its focus. While [Genesis 10:2-5](/genesis/10-2-5 "The Descendants of Japheth") details Japheth's descendants and [Genesis 10:6-20](/genesis/10-6-20 "The Descendants of Ham") describes Ham's, [Genesis 10:21-31](/genesis/10-21-31 "The Descendants of Shem") concentrates on Shem's line. Genesis 10:24, specifically, is a critical link within Shem's genealogy, establishing the direct, divinely preserved ancestral chain that will lead to Abraham, setting the stage for the covenant promises of [Genesis 12](/genesis/12 "God's Call to Abraham").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "Table of Nations" reflects an ancient Near Eastern understanding of ethnic and geographical relationships, serving not merely as a historical record but also as a theological statement about the unity of humanity and the divine ordering of nations. Genealogies in this context were more than mere lists; they served to establish identity, legitimate claims, and trace the flow of divine blessing or curse. The post-Flood world was undergoing a repopulation and reorganization, with various peoples settling distinct regions. The emphasis on Shem's line, particularly the connection to Eber, highlights a distinct identity for the Hebrews, distinguishing them from the surrounding nations. This distinction would become increasingly significant as God prepared to call a specific people to Himself, setting them apart from the idolatrous practices prevalent in the region during the patriarchal period.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating God's meticulous oversight in preserving a specific lineage despite the vast dispersion of humanity described elsewhere in [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "The Table of Nations"). Secondly, it highlights the **Importance of Lineage in God's Redemptive Plan**, showing that God works through specific families and individuals to bring about His purposes, a theme that continues through the patriarchal narratives and beyond. Thirdly, the mention of Eber foreshadows the **Emergence of a Distinct People**, the "Hebrews," who would be the recipients of God's covenant promises and the vehicle for His revelation to the world, as seen in the subsequent narrative of [Abraham's call](/genesis/12-1-3 "The Call of Abraham and God's Promise"). This meticulous tracing of ancestry underscores God's faithfulness and long-term vision for salvation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **begat (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** This primitive root signifies "to bear young" or, causatively, "to beget." In genealogical contexts, it denotes the act of fathering a child, establishing a direct lineage. Its repeated use in this verse emphasizes the unbroken, generation-by-generation succession that is crucial for tracing the promised line. It highlights the natural, yet divinely directed, process of procreation that ensures the continuation of the family tree.
* **Arphaxad (Hebrew, _ʼArpakshad'_):** Identified as a son of Shem (Genesis 10:22), Arphaxad is a significant figure in the post-Flood genealogy. His name, likely of foreign origin, marks the continuation of the chosen line after Shem. His inclusion here is not merely for historical record but to show the specific branch through which God's redemptive plan is progressing.
* **Eber (Hebrew, _ʻÊbêr'_):** This name is profoundly significant as it is the etymological root of the term "Hebrew" (עִבְרִי, _‘Ivrî_). The name itself is related to the concept of "passing over" or "the region beyond." Eber thus represents the ancestral figure from whom the distinct identity of Abraham and his descendants, the "Hebrews," would emerge. His presence in this lineage solidifies the foundation of a unique people chosen by God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Arphaxad begat Salah":** This clause establishes the first link in the specific, divinely preserved lineage after Arphaxad, a son of Shem. It signifies the continuation of the patriarchal line through natural procreation, yet within the context of God's overarching plan for humanity. Arphaxad, though not as prominent as Noah or Shem, is a vital link, ensuring the unbroken chain of descent.
* **"and Salah begat Eber":** This second clause continues the direct succession, introducing Salah as the son of Arphaxad and the father of Eber. The introduction of Eber is particularly crucial, as his name serves as the linguistic origin for the term "Hebrew." This simple statement carries profound implications for the identity of God's chosen people, marking the point where their distinct ethnic and spiritual designation begins to solidify within the biblical narrative.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Genesis 10:24 is **Genealogy**. This verse is a concise, formulaic entry within a larger genealogical list, serving to establish a direct, unbroken line of descent. The **Repetition** of the verb "begat" (yâlad) reinforces the continuity and precision of the lineage, emphasizing that each generation is explicitly connected to the next. This repetitive structure provides a sense of certainty and divine oversight in the unfolding of history. Furthermore, there is an element of **Foreshadowing**, particularly with the mention of Eber. While seemingly just another name in a list, Eber's name subtly anticipates the distinct identity of the "Hebrew" people, who will play a central role in God's redemptive narrative, setting them apart from the surrounding nations. The brevity and directness of the verse also contribute to its impact, highlighting the importance of this specific link without unnecessary elaboration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 10:24, though a brief genealogical note, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous sovereignty and unwavering faithfulness in orchestrating human history for His redemptive purposes. It demonstrates that even in the seemingly mundane details of lineage, God is actively at work, carefully preserving a specific ancestral line through which His covenant promises will be revealed and ultimately fulfilled. This verse serves as a critical bridge, narrowing the focus from the broad "Table of Nations" to the precise lineage that will lead to Abraham, the patriarch of Israel, and through whom the Messiah would come. It underscores the biblical principle that God's plan unfolds through specific individuals and families, chosen not for their inherent merit, but for His divine purpose.

* [Genesis 5:1-32](/genesis/5 "The Genealogy from Adam to Noah"): This extended genealogy from Adam to Noah demonstrates God's consistent preservation of a righteous line even amidst widespread sin, mirroring the careful tracing of lineage in Genesis 10:24.
* [Luke 3:35-36](/luke/3-35-36 "Jesus' Genealogy through Eber"): Luke's genealogy of Jesus explicitly includes Salah and Eber, directly linking Christ's human ancestry back through this very line, affirming its profound importance in God's redemptive history.
* [Hebrews 11:8-10](/hebrews/11-8-10 "Abraham's Faith"): The faith of Abraham, a descendant of Eber, is foundational to God's covenant, showing how the preserved lineage ultimately leads to those who respond in faith to God's call.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Though a concise genealogical note, Genesis 10:24 is profoundly significant, serving as a vital link in the chain of God's unfolding plan of salvation. It reminds us that God's faithfulness extends across generations, meticulously preserving the lineage that would eventually lead to the [call of Abraham](/genesis/12-1 "God's Call to Abraham") and, ultimately, to the Messiah. For believers today, this verse encourages a deep trust in God's sovereign hand, recognizing that even the seemingly minor details of life, and indeed the grand sweep of history, are woven into His meticulously designed tapestry. It assures us that God's promises are secure and that His purposes will be accomplished, regardless of the vastness or complexity of human events. Just as He preserved a specific line for His redemptive work, He continues to work in our lives with precision and purpose, inviting us to find our place within His ongoing narrative of grace and redemption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous tracing of genealogies in Scripture, like Genesis 10:24, deepen your understanding of God's sovereignty and His long-term plan?**
* **In what ways does knowing that God works through specific individuals and families encourage you in your own walk of faith and your role within God's larger story?**
* **How can the concept of "crossing over," implied by the name Eber, inspire you to live a life distinct from the world, as a "Hebrew" in a spiritual sense?**

### FAQ
**Why is this specific genealogy important within the "Table of Nations"?**

Answer: This genealogy, though brief, is critically important because it narrows the expansive "Table of Nations" to the specific lineage of Shem, which is the direct ancestral line leading to Abraham. It demonstrates God's precise and intentional preservation of a particular family through whom His covenant promises and redemptive plan would unfold, culminating in the nation of Israel and, ultimately, the Messiah. It highlights God's selective focus within the broader human family to achieve His redemptive purposes, as seen in [Genesis 11:10-26](/genesis/11-10-26 "The Line of Shem to Abraham").

**What is the significance of the name "Eber"?**

Answer: The name "Eber" (Hebrew: _‘Ēber_, H5677) is highly significant as it is the root from which the term "Hebrew" (_‘Ivrî_) is derived. It is commonly understood to mean "the region beyond" or "to cross over." This linguistic connection highlights the distinct identity of Abraham and his descendants as a people who "crossed over"—whether geographically from Mesopotamia to Canaan (as Abraham did in [Genesis 12:1-5](/genesis/12-1-5 "Abraham's Journey to Canaan")) or conceptually, distinguishing themselves as God's chosen people set apart from the nations.

**Does "begat" imply a direct father-son relationship in all biblical genealogies?**

Answer: While "begat" (Hebrew: _yalad_, H3205) often indicates a direct father-son relationship, in biblical genealogies, it can sometimes signify a broader ancestral connection, meaning "was the ancestor of" or "fathered the line of," potentially skipping generations for conciseness or thematic emphasis. However, in the immediate context of [Genesis 10:24](/genesis/10-24 "Arphaxad Begat Salah") and the surrounding genealogies in Genesis 10 and 11, the succession of Arphaxad to Salah to Eber is generally understood as a direct father-son lineage, emphasizing the unbroken and precise chain leading to Abraham.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly simple genealogical record in [Genesis 10:24](/genesis/10-24 "Arphaxad Begat Salah") serves as a foundational stone in the grand narrative of Christ-centered fulfillment. By meticulously preserving the lineage through Shem, Arphaxad, Salah, and Eber, God was providentially preparing the way for the [call of Abraham](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's Covenant with Abraham"), through whom all the families of the earth would be blessed. This unbroken chain, carefully recorded through generations, ultimately culminates in the birth of Jesus Christ, the promised Seed (as prophesied in [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "The Protoevangelium")), the Son of David (as affirmed in [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")), and the Messiah. The precise tracing of this lineage underscores God's unwavering faithfulness across millennia to bring about the salvation of humanity through His Son, Jesus, who, as the ultimate "Hebrew" in His human lineage, fulfills the promise made to Abraham and embodies the "crossing over" from death to life for all who believe, as described in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God So Loved the World").

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 11:12

And Arphaxad lived five and thirty years, and begat Salah:

Genesis 11:15

And Salah lived after he begat Eber four hundred and three years, and begat sons and daughters.

Luke 3:35

Which was [the son] of Saruch, which was [the son] of Ragau, which was [the son] of Phalec, which was [the son] of Heber, which was [the son] of Sala,