Genesis 10:5

By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.

By these were the isles {H339} of the Gentiles {H1471} divided in {H6504} their lands {H776}; every one {H376} after his tongue {H3956}, after their families {H4940}, in their nations {H1471}.

From these the islands of the nations were divided into their lands, each according to its language, according to their families, in their nations.

From these, the maritime peoples separated into their territories, according to their languages, by clans within their nations.

Of these were the isles of the nations divided in their lands, every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.

Commentary

Genesis 10:5 concludes the description of the descendants of Japheth, one of Noah's sons, detailing how these peoples spread out to inhabit various regions of the earth after the Great Flood. This verse highlights the formation of distinct nations, identified by their geographical locations, languages, and family lines.

Context

This verse is part of the "Table of Nations" found in Genesis chapter 10, a crucial genealogical record outlining the descendants of Noah's three sonsโ€”Shem, Ham, and Japhethโ€”and their subsequent distribution across the globe. Specifically, verse 5 refers to the sons of Javan (mentioned in Genesis 10:4), who were descendants of Japheth (Genesis 10:2). This chapter serves as a foundational text for understanding the early population of the post-Flood world, setting the stage for the diverse cultures and nations that would emerge.

Key Themes

  • The Spread of Humanity: The verse vividly describes the initial dispersion of peoples, fulfilling God's command to "be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth" (Genesis 9:1). It marks the beginning of distinct national identities.
  • Geographical and Linguistic Division: The mention of "isles of the Gentiles" and division "after his tongue, after their families, in their nations" underscores the formation of separate ethnic and national groups, each with their own language and territory. This foreshadows the linguistic diversification detailed in the account of the Tower of Babel.
  • Divine Providence: Even in the early stages of human history, God's sovereign hand is evident in guiding the settlement and organization of different peoples across the earth, establishing the boundaries of nations (Acts 17:26).

Linguistic Insights

  • "Isles of the Gentiles": The Hebrew word for "isles" is 'iyyim (ืึดื™ึผึดื™ื), which broadly refers not only to literal islands but also to coastlands, maritime regions, and distant lands accessible by sea. This suggests that the descendants of Javan primarily settled along the Mediterranean coastlines and associated islands, becoming seafaring peoples. "Gentiles" (Hebrew: ื’ึผื•ึนื™ึดื, goyim) here simply means "nations" or "peoples," referring to non-Israelite groups before the nation of Israel was formed.
  • "After his tongue": This phrase is particularly significant as it directly anticipates the event at Babel where God confused human languages, leading to the further separation of peoples based on their linguistic distinctions (Genesis 11:7).

Practical Application

Genesis 10:5 reminds us of the divine origin of human diversity. It teaches us that the variety of languages, cultures, and nations is part of God's design for populating the earth. While differences exist, the Bible consistently calls for unity in Christ, recognizing that in Him, there is neither Jew nor Gentile (Galatians 3:28). This verse encourages us to appreciate the richness of global cultures while seeking to share the universal truth of the Gospel with all peoples, regardless of their origin or tongue.

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Cross-References

  • Zephaniah 2:11 (5 votes)

    The LORD [will be] terrible unto them: for he will famish all the gods of the earth; and [men] shall worship him, every one from his place, [even] all the isles of the heathen.

  • Jeremiah 2:10 (4 votes)

    For pass over the isles of Chittim, and see; and send unto Kedar, and consider diligently, and see if there be such a thing.

  • Isaiah 42:4 (3 votes)

    He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.

  • Genesis 10:20 (3 votes)

    These [are] the sons of Ham, after their families, after their tongues, in their countries, [and] in their nations.

  • Jeremiah 25:22 (3 votes)

    And all the kings of Tyrus, and all the kings of Zidon, and the kings of the isles which [are] beyond the sea,

  • Isaiah 42:10 (2 votes)

    Sing unto the LORD a new song, [and] his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.

  • Genesis 10:25 (2 votes)

    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.