Genesis 10:25

Commentary on Genesis 10:25 (KJV)

Genesis 10:25 is a concise yet profoundly significant verse within the "Table of Nations" found in Genesis 10. It states: "And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one [was] Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided; and his brother's name [was] Joktan." This verse highlights a pivotal moment in early human history, marking a major turning point in the post-Flood world.

Context

This verse is part of the extensive genealogical record in Genesis chapter 10, often called the "Table of Nations." This chapter meticulously traces the descendants of Noah's three sons—Japheth, Ham, and Shem—after the great Flood. It serves as a foundational text for understanding the origins and early distribution of various peoples and nations across the ancient world. Eber is a significant figure in this lineage, as he is considered an ancestor of the Hebrew people (hence the term "Hebrew" possibly deriving from his name). The mention of Peleg and Joktan, and especially the note about the earth being "divided," provides a crucial chronological marker within this historical account, connecting it directly to subsequent events.

Key Themes

• Genealogy and Lineage: The verse continues the detailed record of the human family tree, emphasizing the importance of ancestry and the divine order in the development of nations. Eber's lineage is particularly important as it leads to Abraham and the nation of Israel.
• The Division of Humanity: The central theme revolves around the phrase "in his days was the earth divided." This points to a significant event that led to the separation of peoples. While some interpret this as a geographical or geological split of landmasses, the prevailing and most biblically consistent understanding links it to the confusion of languages and dispersion of peoples at the Tower of Babel, described in Genesis 11. This event resulted in distinct linguistic and cultural groups.
• Divine Sovereignty: This division, whether linguistic, territorial, or both, was ultimately under God's sovereign hand, shaping the course of human history and the formation of diverse nations according to His plan.

Linguistic Insights

The name Peleg (Hebrew: פֶּלֶג, Peleg) is highly significant, as it directly means "division," "watercourse," or "split." This etymology precisely matches the reason given for his name: "for in his days was the earth divided." This direct correlation between name and event is a common feature in biblical naming conventions, reinforcing the historical reality of the division.

The phrase "the earth was divided" (Hebrew: נִפְלְגָה הָאָרֶץ, niphlegah ha'aretz) uses a verb form related to Peleg's name. As mentioned, the division is most commonly understood to refer to the separation of humanity into distinct language groups and geographical regions, which occurred shortly after the events of the Flood, as detailed in Genesis 11:8.

Practical Application

Genesis 10:25, though an ancient genealogical note, offers profound insights for today:

• Understanding Human Diversity: It provides a biblical explanation for the rich diversity of languages, cultures, and nations across the globe. Rather than random chance, it points to a specific historical event orchestrated by God.
• God's Order in History: The verse reminds us that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, even in shaping the very structure of nations and their geographical distribution. His plans unfold through generations.
• Shared Ancestry: Despite the divisions, the "Table of Nations" ultimately traces all humanity back to Noah and, by extension, to Adam. This underscores our shared ancestry and common humanity, reminding us that we are all part of one family, created by God. This shared heritage calls for unity and understanding among peoples, despite our differences.