Genesis 10:27

KJV

And Hadoram, and Uzal, and Diklah,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Hadoram {H1913}, and Uzal {H187}, and Diklah {H1853},

Complete Jewish Bible

Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah,

Berean Standard Bible

Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah,

American Standard Version

and Hadoram, and Uzal, and Diklah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 10:27 is a concise entry within the "Table of Nations," meticulously listing Hadoram, Uzal, and Diklah as three of Joktan's thirteen sons, all descendants of Shem. This verse contributes to the comprehensive biblical record of humanity's post-flood dispersion, detailing the formation of distinct family lines and emerging nations, particularly those associated with the Arabian Peninsula.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis chapter 10, often referred to as the "Table of Nations," serves as a pivotal genealogical bridge between the universal flood narrative and the specific calling of Abraham in Genesis 12. It systematically outlines the descendants of Noah's three sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—illustrating how the earth was repopulated and divided into various peoples and geographical regions. Genesis 10:27 is specifically situated within the section detailing the lineage of Shem, focusing on the sons of Joktan (Genesis 10:26-29). This placement highlights the orderly and intentional spread of humanity, laying the groundwork for the subsequent narrative of God's covenant with a particular family line. The brevity of the verse, a mere listing of names, underscores its function as part of a larger, comprehensive historical record rather than a narrative event.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "Table of Nations" reflects an ancient understanding of ethnography and geography, categorizing peoples based on their perceived ancestral origins and geographical distribution. The descendants of Joktan, including Hadoram, Uzal, and Diklah, are consistently associated with the Arabian Peninsula. This region was a vital crossroads for trade and migration in the ancient Near East. The names themselves often correspond to known ancient cities, regions, or tribal groups, such as Uzal being widely identified with Sana'a in Yemen, and Diklah possibly referencing a palm-rich area. This connection grounds the biblical genealogies in a recognizable historical and geographical reality, suggesting that the biblical author was drawing upon or presenting a tradition that resonated with the knowledge of his audience regarding the origins of the peoples around them.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 10:27, as part of the "Table of Nations," contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **unity of humanity**, tracing all diverse peoples back to a common ancestor, Noah, and ultimately Adam. This foundational truth is crucial for understanding God's universal redemptive plan. Secondly, it illustrates the **fulfillment of the creation mandate** to "be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth" ([Genesis 9:1](/genesis/9-1 "God's Command to Noah to Be Fruitful")). The rapid and systematic repopulation described in this chapter demonstrates God's providential oversight in spreading humanity across the globe. Lastly, while detailing the general dispersion, the chapter also subtly begins to narrow the focus towards the lineage of Shem, from whom Abraham would descend, foreshadowing God's particular redemptive work through Israel, as seen in the broader narrative of [Genesis](/genesis/1 "The Book of Genesis").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hadoram (Hebrew, _Hădôwrâm'_):** Probably of foreign derivation, Hadoram is identified as a son of Joktan and the progenitor of a tribe descended from him. This name signifies a foundational figure in the genealogical record, linking a specific lineage to the broader post-flood dispersion, likely within the Arabian context.
* **Uzal (Hebrew, _ʼÛwzâl'_):** Of uncertain derivation, Uzal is listed as another son of Joktan. Historically, Uzal is strongly associated with a significant region or city in ancient Yemen, often identified with modern Sana'a. Its inclusion underscores the geographical specificity of the Table of Nations, connecting biblical genealogies to identifiable historical locations and peoples.
* **Diklah (Hebrew, _Diqlâh'_):** Of foreign origin, Diklah is presented as a region of Arabia. The name itself is often linked to the Hebrew word for "palm tree" (*dekel*), suggesting an area characterized by abundant date palms. This name points to another distinct geographical or tribal entity within the Arabian Peninsula, further illustrating the diverse spread of Joktan's descendants.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Hadoram,"**: This introduces the first of three additional sons of Joktan mentioned in this specific verse. Hadoram represents an ancestral figure and the lineage or tribal group that descended from him, contributing to the repopulation of the earth after the flood.
* **"and Uzal,"**: This second name refers to another son of Joktan. Uzal is particularly significant due to its strong historical and geographical association with a major ancient city or region in Yemen, suggesting the biblical genealogies are rooted in concrete historical realities.
* **"and Diklah,"**: The final name in this verse, Diklah, refers to a third son of Joktan. Like Uzal, Diklah is often associated with a specific region in Arabia, possibly known for its palm trees, further emphasizing the geographical reach and distinct identities of Joktan's descendants.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Genesis 10:27, and indeed throughout the "Table of Nations," is **Genealogy**. This is a specific form of historical record-keeping that lists ancestral lines. Its purpose here is not merely to provide a dry list of names but to establish historical continuity, demonstrate the fulfillment of God's command to "be fruitful and multiply," and to show the orderly dispersion of humanity from a common origin. The use of **Eponyms** is also prevalent, where the names of individuals (like Hadoram, Uzal, and Diklah) also serve to represent the tribal groups or geographical regions that descended from them. This dual function allows for a concise yet comprehensive mapping of early human settlement. The repetitive structure ("And X, and Y, and Z") creates a sense of **enumeration** and thoroughness, emphasizing the meticulous nature of the biblical record in tracing the origins of all peoples.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 10:27, as part of the "Table of Nations," profoundly illustrates God's sovereign hand in orchestrating the repopulation and distribution of humanity across the globe. It underscores the meticulous detail of divine providence, demonstrating that even the seemingly disparate origins of various peoples are part of God's overarching plan. This chapter is a testament to the unity of the human race, all tracing their lineage back to Noah, and ultimately to Adam, emphasizing that all humanity shares a common origin and is equally subject to God's universal reign and redemptive purposes.

* [Genesis 10:32](/genesis/10-32 "The Families of the Sons of Noah") - "These are the families of the sons of Noah, after their generations, in their nations: and by these were the nations divided in the earth after the flood."
* [Acts 17:26](/acts/17-26 "Paul's Sermon on Mars Hill: One Blood") - "And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;"
* [Colossians 3:11](/colossians/3-11 "New Self in Christ: No Greek or Jew") - "Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Genesis 10:27 may appear to be just a list of ancient names, its inclusion in the biblical canon offers profound insights for contemporary reflection. It reminds us that God is deeply involved in the grand sweep of human history, meticulously guiding the repopulation and distribution of humanity after the flood. The diverse nations and cultures we observe today, all stemming from a common ancestor, reinforce the fundamental unity of the human race. This unity calls us to recognize the inherent dignity and value of every individual and people group, regardless of their origin or cultural distinctives. It challenges us to move beyond ethnic or nationalistic divisions, embracing a global perspective rooted in our shared humanity and common Creator. Furthermore, the Bible's commitment to such detailed historical records strengthens our confidence in its overall reliability, encouraging us to seek God's purpose in every aspect of life, knowing that He is sovereign over all nations and all time.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of a common ancestry for all humanity, as presented in Genesis 10, impact your view of diverse cultures and nations today?**
* **In what ways does God's meticulous attention to the "Table of Nations" demonstrate His providential care over human history?**
* **How might understanding the unity of humanity, as taught in this chapter, influence your approach to evangelism or cross-cultural ministry?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies like Genesis 10:27 included in the Bible?**

Answer: Genealogies serve several crucial purposes within the biblical narrative. They establish historical continuity, demonstrating the orderly progression of God's plan through generations. They confirm the fulfillment of God's commands, such as the mandate to "be fruitful and multiply" ([Genesis 9:1](/genesis/9-1 "God's command to Noah to be fruitful and multiply")). Crucially, they highlight the common origin of all humanity, underscoring the universal scope of both sin and salvation. Ultimately, these genealogies meticulously trace the lineage leading to the promised Messiah, ensuring the historical authenticity of God's redemptive plan.

**Do the names Hadoram, Uzal, and Diklah represent individuals or tribes/regions?**

Answer: In the context of the "Table of Nations" ([Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "The Table of Nations")), these names often function as eponymous ancestors. This means they represent both the individuals who were the direct descendants of Joktan and the tribal groups or geographical regions that subsequently descended from or were associated with them. For example, Uzal is strongly identified with a specific region in ancient Yemen (modern Sana'a), suggesting the name refers to both the person and the people/place that originated from him. This dual function allows the biblical text to convey both genealogical and ethno-geographical information concisely.

**How does Genesis 10:27 relate to modern understanding of human origins?**

Answer: From a biblical perspective, [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "The Table of Nations") provides the foundational account of human dispersion from a single point of origin after the global flood. It posits a common ancestry for all peoples, aligning with the concept of a single human family. While modern anthropology and genetics explore human migration patterns and genetic diversity, the biblical narrative offers a theological framework that emphasizes the unity of humanity and God's sovereign hand in the distribution of peoples across the earth. It provides the theological "why" and "who" behind the origins of nations, complementing scientific inquiry into the "how" and "when."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Though Genesis 10:27 appears as a simple listing of names within a genealogical record, its ultimate significance is found within the broader unfolding of God's redemptive plan, which culminates in Jesus Christ. The meticulously preserved genealogies, including those in the "Table of Nations," underscore the historical reality of humanity's descent from Noah, and ultimately from Adam, establishing the universal scope of sin and the consequent need for a universal Savior. These lineages, though seemingly disparate in their immediate context, ultimately converge upon the line of Shem, from which Abraham would come ([Genesis 11:10-26](/genesis/11-10-26 "The Lineage of Shem to Abraham")), and through him, the nation of Israel, leading directly to the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")). Thus, even these ancient names point to the divine purpose of bringing forth the Messiah, who would redeem all peoples—Jew and Gentile alike—from every nation, tribe, and tongue ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "The Multitude from Every Nation Worshipping God")), fulfilling God's original command to fill the earth and His promise of salvation for all humanity through the Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John the Baptist Identifies Jesus as the Lamb 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

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.