Genesis 10:6

KJV

¶ And the sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, and Phut, and Canaan.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Ham {H2526}; Cush {H3568}, and Mizraim {H4714}, and Phut {H6316}, and Canaan {H3667}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Ham were Kush, Mitzrayim, Put and Kena‘an.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Ham: Cush, Mizraim, Put, and Canaan.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Ham: Cush, and Mizraim, and Put, and Canaan.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 10:6 commences the detailed enumeration of Ham's four sons—Cush, Mizraim, Phut, and Canaan—who subsequently became the progenitors of significant ancient nations and distinct geographical regions. This verse forms a foundational segment of the "Table of Nations," illustrating the rapid repopulation of the post-diluvian earth and God's sovereign orchestration of human dispersion and the formation of diverse peoples.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis chapter 10, often referred to as the "Table of Nations," serves as a pivotal genealogical and geographical record within the book of Genesis. It meticulously chronicles the descendants of Noah's three sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—who were responsible for repopulating the entire earth following the universal flood. This chapter follows the account of the flood's aftermath and Noah's covenant with God in [Genesis 9](/genesis/9 "Genesis 9 - Noahic Covenant and Post-Flood Life"), particularly the divine command to "be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth" ([Genesis 9:1](/genesis/9-1 "God's command to Noah and his sons")). Verse 6 specifically initiates the lineage of Ham, placing it between the Japhethite and Shemite genealogies, thereby setting the stage for the identification of key ancient civilizations and their geographical locations, many of whom would later interact with the nascent nation of Israel. The subsequent narrative in [Genesis 11](/genesis/11 "Genesis 11 - The Tower of Babel and Shem's Lineage") will then explain the linguistic diversification and further dispersion of these peoples at Babel.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "Table of Nations" reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of world ethnography and geography, categorizing peoples based on perceived familial relationships and geographical proximity. In this context, the names listed are not merely individuals but often represent the eponymous founders of nations, tribes, or regions. Ham's descendants, particularly Cush (Ethiopia/Nubia), Mizraim (Egypt), and Canaan, represent significant historical powers and geographical areas that were well-known to the ancient Israelites. Egypt, for instance, was a dominant regional power, and Canaan was the very land promised to Abraham and his descendants, making its origins of immense importance. The listing of these groups establishes a biblical framework for understanding the origins of the diverse peoples surrounding Israel, providing a theological rather than purely anthropological account of human diversification after the flood.

* **Key Themes:** This verse and the broader "Table of Nations" contribute to several overarching themes in Genesis. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **God's faithfulness to His covenant promises**, particularly the command to "be fruitful and multiply" ([Genesis 9:7](/genesis/9-7 "God's command reiterated to Noah")), as humanity rapidly repopulates the earth. Secondly, it highlights the **unity of humanity's origin** from a single family (Noah's), despite the subsequent diversification into distinct nations and languages, a concept foundational to biblical anthropology. Thirdly, it sets the **geographical and ethnic stage for future redemptive history**, especially the narrative of Abraham and the nation of Israel. The inclusion of Canaan, who was cursed by Noah in [Genesis 9:25](/genesis/9-25 "Noah's curse on Canaan"), foreshadows the later conflicts and the divine mandate for Israel to dispossess the Canaanites from the Promised Land, linking this genealogical record directly to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên_):** Derived from a root meaning "to build," this term signifies not only direct male offspring but also the idea of building up a family name, lineage, or nation. In this context, it emphasizes the foundational role of Ham's immediate descendants in establishing the subsequent peoples and territories.
* **Ham (Hebrew, _Châm_):** Meaning "hot" (perhaps alluding to a tropical habitat), Ham is one of Noah's three sons and the progenitor of peoples primarily associated with Africa and parts of the Near East. His name here introduces the specific branch of Noah's family that would give rise to significant ancient civilizations.
* **Canaan (Hebrew, _Kᵉnaʻan_):** Meaning "humiliated," Canaan is listed as Ham's youngest son. His inclusion is particularly significant due to Noah's curse upon him in [Genesis 9:25](/genesis/9-25 "Noah's curse on Canaan"), which foretells his servitude. This name therefore carries a theological weight beyond mere identification, foreshadowing future divine judgment and the historical destiny of the people descended from him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Ham;":** This introductory clause clearly identifies the specific branch of Noah's family tree being enumerated. It signals a shift from the Japhethite lineage (verses 2-5) to the descendants of Ham, establishing the paternal line from which the subsequent names originate. The use of "sons" implies not just immediate offspring but also the future nations that would spring from them.
* **"Cush, and Mizraim, and Phut, and Canaan.":** This is a direct enumeration of Ham's four primary sons. Each name represents both an individual and the eponymous founder of a major ancient nation or geographical region: Cush (associated with Ethiopia/Nubia), Mizraim (Egypt), Phut (Libya/North Africa), and Canaan (the land that would become Israel's inheritance). The listing highlights the initial diversification of humanity into distinct peoples and their respective territories, laying the groundwork for the geographical and ethnic landscape of the ancient world described in the Bible.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 10:6 primarily employs **Enumeration**, systematically listing the four sons of Ham. This precise cataloging is characteristic of **Genealogy**, a pervasive literary device in Genesis that serves to establish lineage, trace the development of humanity, and connect individuals to broader historical and theological narratives. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Eponymous Naming**, where the names of individuals (Cush, Mizraim, Phut, Canaan) simultaneously function as the names of the nations or regions they founded. This device compresses historical and geographical information, allowing the text to convey a vast amount of data concisely, linking personal origins to national identities and destinies. The straightforward presentation underscores the factual and historical intent of the "Table of Nations" within the biblical framework.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 10:6, as part of the "Table of Nations," profoundly underscores the biblical truth of humanity's common origin from Noah's family, emphasizing the fundamental unity of all peoples despite their subsequent diversification into distinct nations and cultures. This detailed genealogical record demonstrates God's meticulous oversight in the spread, development, and geographical distribution of human societies from the earliest times, showcasing His sovereign hand guiding the course of history. It also serves as a crucial foundation for understanding the subsequent unfolding of God's redemptive plan, particularly as it relates to the nation of Israel and the peoples with whom they would interact, setting the stage for the fulfillment of divine promises and judgments.

* [Acts 17:26](/acts/17-26 "Acts 17:26 - All Nations from One Man")
* [Luke 3:36-38](/luke/3-36-38 "Luke 3:36-38 - Jesus' Genealogy Traced to Adam")
* [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - Multitude from Every Nation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Understanding Genesis 10:6 and the broader "Table of Nations" offers profound insights for believers today, fostering a worldview that recognizes and values the shared human heritage of all people. It underscores that every individual, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, or cultural background, descends from a common ancestor, promoting a deep sense of respect, empathy, and understanding across diverse communities. This passage also serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereign hand actively guiding the course of human history, from the initial dispersion of nations to the rise and fall of empires, assuring us that His divine plan is always unfolding according to His perfect will. Furthermore, recognizing the origins of these ancient peoples provides crucial context for appreciating the historical depth and geographical setting of God's unfolding redemptive narrative, particularly as it relates to the nation of Israel and the eventual arrival of the Messiah, who would unite people from every tribe and tongue.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of a common human ancestry, as presented in Genesis 10:6, impact your view of other cultures and nations today?**
* **In what ways does recognizing God's sovereignty over the formation and dispersion of nations encourage your faith in His overarching plan for humanity?**
* **How does understanding the origins of these ancient peoples enhance your appreciation for the historical and geographical context of the biblical narrative?**

### FAQ
**Why is Genesis 10 called the "Table of Nations"?**

Answer: Genesis 10 is called the "Table of Nations" because it meticulously lists the descendants of Noah's three sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—who became the progenitors of the various nations and peoples that populated the earth after the global flood. It provides a comprehensive genealogical and geographical overview of the world as known to the ancient Israelites, detailing the origins and spread of humanity from a single family, fulfilling God's command to "be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth" ([Genesis 9:1](/genesis/9-1 "God's command to Noah and his sons")).

**Are the names in Genesis 10:6 individuals or nations?**

Answer: While the names Cush, Mizraim, Phut, and Canaan are presented as individuals (sons of Ham), they also represent the eponymous founders of the nations and geographical regions that bore their names. In biblical usage, a progenitor's name often serves as a shorthand for the people or land descended from them. For instance, "Mizraim" is the standard Hebrew name for Egypt, indicating that the individual Mizraim was the ancestor of the Egyptian people. This dual meaning highlights the organic growth of nations from family units.

**What is the significance of Ham's lineage in the biblical narrative?**

Answer: Ham's lineage is profoundly significant because it includes the progenitors of many powerful and influential nations that frequently interacted with ancient Israel, such as Egypt (Mizraim) and the various Canaanite tribes. It also sets the stage for the fulfillment of Noah's curse on Canaan ([Genesis 9:25](/genesis/9-25 "Noah's curse on Canaan")), which has profound implications for the subsequent history of Israel's conquest of the Promised Land. The listing of these nations provides essential geographical and historical context for understanding the conflicts, alliances, and divine judgments that unfold throughout the Old Testament, particularly as God works through His chosen people, Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 10:6 details the dispersion and diversification of humanity after the flood, it implicitly points to the ultimate gathering and reconciliation found in Christ. The scattering of nations, which later led to the confusion of languages at Babel ([Genesis 11:1-9](/genesis/11-1-9 "The Tower of Babel")), finds its counterpoint in the New Testament's vision of a unified humanity in Christ. As the New Adam, Jesus transcends all ethnic and national divisions, breaking down the [dividing wall of hostility](/ephesians/2-14 "Christ breaks down the dividing wall of hostility") between different peoples and bringing together people from "every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Worship from Every Nation")) into one new humanity under His headship. The Great Commission, which commands believers to make disciples of [all nations](/matthew/28-19 "The Great Commission to all nations"), directly addresses the diverse peoples originating from this "Table of Nations," demonstrating God's redemptive plan to draw all humanity back to Himself through His Son, culminating in a kingdom where all are united in worship and fellowship.

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 1:8

The sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, Put, and Canaan.

1 Chronicles 1:16

And the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite.

Isaiah 11:11

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.

Psalms 78:51

And smote all the firstborn in Egypt; the chief of [their] strength in the tabernacles of Ham:

1 Chronicles 4:40

And they found fat pasture and good, and the land [was] wide, and quiet, and peaceable; for [they] of Ham had dwelt there of old.

Psalms 106:22

Wondrous works in the land of Ham, [and] terrible things by the Red sea.

Ezekiel 27:10

They of Persia and of Lud and of Phut were in thine army, thy men of war: they hanged the shield and helmet in thee; they set forth thy comeliness.