Genesis 10:26

KJV

And Joktan begat Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joktan {H3355} begat {H3205} Almodad {H486}, and Sheleph {H8026}, and Hazarmaveth {H2700}, and Jerah {H3392},

Complete Jewish Bible

Yoktan fathered Almodad, Shelef, Hatzar-Mavet, Yerach,

Berean Standard Bible

And Joktan was the father of Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah,

American Standard Version

And Joktan begat Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 10:26 is a pivotal entry within the "Table of Nations," meticulously documenting four of Joktan's thirteen sons: Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, and Jerah. As integral members of the Shemitic lineage, these individuals represent foundational tribal and national groups that emerged in the post-Flood world, illustrating the early dispersion and diversification of humanity across the earth in direct fulfillment of God's divine command to populate the planet.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis chapter 10, famously known as the "Table of Nations," provides a comprehensive genealogical record of the descendants of Noah's three sons—Japheth, Ham, and Shem—from whom all nations on earth originated after the global Flood. This chapter systematically details the proliferation of humanity, transitioning from broad family groups to distinct peoples and geographical regions. Genesis 10:26 specifically falls within the Shemitic line, tracing the lineage from Shem through Arphaxad, Shelah, and Eber, whose son Joktan is the patriarch in focus here. The verse immediately follows the introduction of Joktan and his brother Peleg in [Genesis 10:25](/genesis/10-25 "Genesis 10:25 - Peleg and Joktan"), setting the stage for the extensive list of Joktan's thirteen sons that continues into [Genesis 10:29](/genesis/10-29 "Genesis 10:29 - Joktan's Descendants"). This meticulous record serves as a historical bridge, leading directly into the narrative of the [Tower of Babel](/genesis/11 "Genesis 11 - The Tower of Babel"), which provides the theological explanation for the linguistic and further geographical divisions among these newly formed nations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following the catastrophic global Flood, humanity was tasked by God with repopulating the earth, as commanded in [Genesis 9:1](/genesis/9-1 "Genesis 9:1 - God's Command to Noah"). The period immediately after the Flood saw rapid population growth and significant migrations as Noah's descendants spread out from the ark's landing site. Genealogies were of paramount importance in the ancient Near East, serving not merely as family trees but as foundational documents for establishing identity, land claims, political legitimacy, and historical continuity. They provided a framework for understanding tribal relationships and the origins of various peoples. The names listed in Genesis 10, including those in [Genesis 10:26](/genesis/10-26 "Genesis 10:26 - Joktan's Sons"), often correspond to known geographical regions, cities, or tribal groups, particularly in the Arabian Peninsula for Joktan's descendants. This suggests a historical basis for the early movements and settlements of these nascent nations, providing a biblical perspective on the ethnogenesis of the world's peoples.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 10:26 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Sovereignty** over human history, demonstrating God's meticulous plan for the repopulation and ordering of the earth, even down to the formation of specific family lines and nations. Secondly, the verse, as part of the Table of Nations, powerfully illustrates the **Unity and Diversity of Humanity**. All peoples stem from a common ancestor (Noah), yet they diversify into distinct languages, cultures, and geographical groups, reflecting God's design for a rich tapestry of human experience. Thirdly, the rapid proliferation of descendants, exemplified by Joktan's numerous offspring, highlights the faithful **Fulfillment of God's Command** to "be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the earth" ([Genesis 9:7](/genesis/9-7 "Genesis 9:7 - God's Blessing and Command")). Finally, the specificity of names, some with identifiable geographical links like Hazarmaveth, reinforces the **Historical Reliability of Scripture**, presenting the Bible not as a collection of myths but as a grounded account of real events and peoples in history. This sets the stage for God's redemptive plan to unfold within the concrete realities of human existence, as seen in the subsequent call of Abraham in [Genesis 12](/genesis/12 "Genesis 12 - The Call of Abram").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 10:26 presents four names from the extensive lineage of Joktan, a key figure in the Shemitic line, stating, "And Joktan begat Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah." This seemingly simple list is rich with historical and theological implications.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Joktan (Hebrew, _Yoqṭân'_):** From the root meaning "he will be made little," Joktan is an Arabian patriarch, a son of Eber and a descendant of Shem. His name's potential meaning might allude to a humble beginning or a promise of future growth, contrasting with the vast number of descendants attributed to him, who are traditionally associated with the southern Arabian Peninsula.
* **begat (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** This primitive root verb is fundamental to biblical genealogies, signifying the act of bearing young or, in the masculine form, begetting offspring. It emphasizes direct lineal descent and the continuity of generations, establishing the biological and historical reality of the family lines and their progression through time. In the context of the Table of Nations, it underscores the rapid and divinely ordained proliferation of humanity.
* **Hazarmaveth (Hebrew, _Chătsarmâveth'_):** This compound name, meaning "village of death" or "enclosure of death," identifies a specific place in Arabia and is widely recognized as the ancient region of Hadhramaut, a prominent area in modern-day Yemen. The inclusion of such a geographically identifiable name provides a strong anchor for the early movements and settlements of Joktan's descendants, lending historical verisimilitude to the biblical account.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joktan begat":** This opening clause establishes the direct paternal link, identifying Joktan as the progenitor of the individuals who follow. The verb "begat" (Hebrew _yalad_) is a foundational term in biblical genealogies, signifying the act of procreation and the continuity of family lines. It emphasizes the historical and biological reality of the lineage, demonstrating the systematic unfolding of God's plan for populating the earth through specific family units.
* **"Almodad, and Sheleph":** These are the first two of Joktan's sons listed in this verse. Almodad is likely of foreign derivation, and its precise meaning is debated, though some suggest connections to concepts of immeasurability or vastness, perhaps hinting at the future spread of his descendants. Sheleph, derived from a root meaning "extract," might refer to a specific geographic feature or a practice associated with his people, such as drawing water. These names, while less definitively linked to modern geography than Hazarmaveth, represent distinct tribal or family groups that emerged from Joktan.
* **"and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah":** These are the next two sons mentioned, continuing the enumeration of Joktan's numerous offspring. Hazarmaveth is particularly significant due to its strong and widely accepted identification with the ancient region of Hadhramaut in the southern Arabian Peninsula, providing a crucial geographical anchor for the early migrations of Joktan's descendants. Jerah, meaning "moon" or "new moon," could indicate a connection to lunar practices, a tribal affiliation, or simply a common name of the era, further diversifying the cultural and geographical landscape of Joktan's progeny.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Genesis 10:26, and indeed throughout the "Table of Nations," is **Genealogy** (or **Annalistic Listing**). This meticulous enumeration of names and their paternal connections serves a crucial function in biblical narrative: it establishes historical continuity, demonstrates the fulfillment of divine commands to multiply, and provides a framework for understanding the origins and relationships of various peoples. The repetitive use of "begat" (or implied "and") creates a rhythmic, almost litany-like quality, emphasizing the unbroken chain of descent. Furthermore, the inclusion of names with potential **Etymological Significance** or clear geographical links, such as Hazarmaveth, functions as a form of **Verisimilitude**, lending credibility and historical grounding to the biblical account by connecting these ancient records to identifiable places and peoples. This detailed listing is not merely a dry record but a foundational **Historical Narrative** that sets the stage for God's unfolding plan of redemption through specific lineages.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 10:26, as a fragment of the Table of Nations, profoundly illustrates God's sovereign hand in orchestrating the dispersion and diversification of humanity while maintaining a unified origin. It reveals that the formation of distinct peoples and nations is not a random process but part of a divine blueprint to populate the earth and establish the stage for His redemptive narrative. This verse underscores the meticulous nature of God's providence, demonstrating His care for every generation and every branch of humanity, even those seemingly distant from the direct line of covenant promise. It reminds us that every person, regardless of their ethnic or national origin, traces their lineage back to a common ancestor, highlighting the inherent dignity and shared humanity of all people under God's watchful eye.

* [Genesis 9:1](/genesis/9-1 "God's Command to Noah to Multiply"): God's initial post-Flood command to Noah and his sons to "be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth" finds its literal and expansive fulfillment in the detailed genealogies of Genesis 10, including Joktan's numerous offspring.
* [Acts 17:26](/acts/17-26 "Paul's Sermon on Mars Hill"): Paul's declaration that God "hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth" directly echoes the theological truth presented in the Table of Nations, affirming the common ancestry of all humanity despite their diverse geographical and cultural expressions.
* [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Multitude from Every Nation Worshiping God"): The ultimate vision of a redeemed multitude from "all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues" worshiping God before His throne points back to the initial dispersion of nations in Genesis 10, showing that God's plan encompasses the redemption of people from every group He originally brought forth.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Genesis 10:26 might initially appear as a mere historical record of names, it offers profound insights for contemporary reflection and application. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's meticulous attention to detail and His overarching sovereignty in human history. Every individual, every family, and every nation holds significance in His grand design, demonstrating that our origins and diversity are part of a divine plan, not a cosmic accident. This understanding should cultivate a deep sense of trust in God's providence, knowing that He is actively involved in the unfolding of history and the lives of all peoples. Furthermore, recognizing the common ancestry of all humanity, as meticulously detailed in the Table of Nations, compels us to embrace unity, understanding, and mutual respect across cultural and ethnic divides. It challenges us to see beyond superficial differences and recognize the shared image of God in every person, fostering a spirit of reconciliation and global community. The historical accuracy embedded in these ancient records also reinforces the reliability of Scripture, encouraging us to place our faith in its account of God's unfolding work from creation and dispersion to ultimate redemption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of genealogies like Genesis 10:26 deepen your understanding of God's sovereignty over human history?**
* **In what ways does recognizing the common ancestry of all humanity, as presented in the Table of Nations, impact your view of cultural diversity and inter-ethnic relations today?**
* **How can the historical reliability implied by specific geographical links in these ancient records strengthen your trust in the broader narrative of Scripture?**
* **What practical steps can you take to foster unity and understanding with people from different backgrounds, informed by the biblical truth of our shared origin?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies so detailed in Genesis?**

Answer: The detailed genealogies in Genesis, including [Genesis 10:26](/genesis/10-26 "Genesis 10:26 - Joktan's Sons"), serve several crucial purposes within the biblical narrative. Firstly, they establish the historical reality of the events and people described, demonstrating that the Bible's account is rooted in actual history, not myth. Secondly, they meticulously trace the lineage of humanity from a common ancestor (Noah), powerfully highlighting the unity of all people despite their subsequent dispersion and diversification. Thirdly, and perhaps most crucially from a theological perspective, these genealogies meticulously preserve the specific line through which God's covenant promises would be passed down, ultimately leading to the lineage of Abraham and, eventually, the Messiah. They are a testament to God's faithfulness in preparing the way for His redemptive plan.

**What is the significance of Joktan's descendants specifically?**

Answer: Joktan's descendants hold particular significance primarily because they are traditionally associated with the early settlement of the Arabian Peninsula. Names like Hazarmaveth, mentioned in [Genesis 10:26](/genesis/10-26 "Genesis 10:26 - Hazarmaveth"), have strong and widely accepted geographical links to regions such as Hadhramaut in modern-day Yemen. This provides tangible, extra-biblical evidence that aligns with the biblical account of early human migration patterns and the formation of distinct peoples. As part of the Shemitic line, Joktan's lineage contributes to the broader narrative of God's chosen people and the preservation of the messianic line, even as it illustrates the vast and rapid spread of humanity across the globe in fulfillment of God's command to "fill the earth" ([Genesis 9:1](/genesis/9-1 "Genesis 9:1 - God's Command to Replenish the Earth")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 10:26, while detailing the descendants of Joktan, holds profound Christ-centered significance as an integral part of the broader "Table of Nations." Joktan belongs to the lineage of Shem, the son through whom God's redemptive covenant would ultimately be established. It is from Shem's line that Abraham, the patriarch of Israel and the recipient of God's foundational covenant promises, would eventually arise ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Call of Abram and God's Promise")). This meticulous preservation of a specific lineage through countless generations, even in seemingly minor details like the enumeration of Joktan's sons, underscores God's providential care and sovereign orchestration in preparing the historical and theological pathway for the ultimate fulfillment of His promises in Jesus Christ. The New Testament genealogies, such as those found in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus"), explicitly trace Jesus' ancestry back through Shem, demonstrating how these ancient records meticulously preserved the historical and theological path leading directly to the birth of the Savior of the world, through whom all the families of the earth would ultimately be blessed ([Galatians 3:8](/galatians/3-8 "Galatians 3:8 - The Gospel Preached to Abraham")).

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

1 Chronicles 1:20

And Joktan begat Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah,

1 Chronicles 1:28

¶ The sons of Abraham; Isaac, and Ishmael.