Genesis 10:7

KJV

And the sons of Cush; Seba, and Havilah, and Sabtah, and Raamah, and Sabtecha: and the sons of Raamah; Sheba, and Dedan.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Cush {H3568}; Seba {H5434}, and Havilah {H2341}, and Sabtah {H5454}, and Raamah {H7484}, and Sabtecha {H5455}: and the sons {H1121} of Raamah {H7484}; Sheba {H7614}, and Dedan {H1719}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Kush were S’va, Havilah, Savta, Ra‘mah and Savt’kha. The sons of Ra‘mah were Sh’va and D’dan.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Cush: Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Raamah, and Sabteca. And the sons of Raamah: Sheba and Dedan.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Cush: Seba, and Havilah, and Sabtah, and Raamah, and Sabteca; and the sons of Raamah: Sheba, and Dedan.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 10:7 is a crucial verse within the "Table of Nations," meticulously detailing a specific branch of humanity's post-Flood lineage. It enumerates the direct sons of Cush, a son of Ham, and then further specifies two prominent grandsons through Cush's son, Raamah, thereby tracing the origins of significant ancient peoples and their geographical distribution, underscoring the early fulfillment of God's command to fill the earth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of [Genesis chapter 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations"), often referred to as the "Table of Nations." This comprehensive genealogical record meticulously outlines the origins and initial distribution of the various peoples and nations that emerged from Noah's three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Following the [post-Flood command to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth](/genesis/9-1 "Genesis 9:1 - God's Blessing and Command to Noah"), this chapter vividly demonstrates how the earth began to be repopulated and how distinct ethnic groups formed. Genesis 10:7 specifically focuses on the descendants of Cush, who is introduced as a son of Ham in [Genesis 10:6](/genesis/10-6 "Genesis 10:6 - The Sons of Ham"). The preceding verses list the Japhetic and Hamitic lines, with the Hamitic line (including Cush) detailed before the Shemitic line, which will eventually lead to Abraham.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "Table of Nations" reflects an ancient Near Eastern understanding of ethnography and geography. Genealogies were not merely lists of names but served as foundational documents for establishing identity, land claims, and relationships between peoples. The names listed in Genesis 10:7 correspond to regions and tribes that were known to the ancient Israelites, particularly those in Northeast Africa (Ethiopia/Nubia) and the Arabian Peninsula. The mention of trading nations like Sheba and Dedan highlights the burgeoning commercial networks of the ancient world, even in its earliest stages, suggesting a sophisticated awareness of geopolitical realities. The meticulous detail underscores the Bible's commitment to recording historical origins, providing a framework for understanding the diverse peoples with whom Israel would later interact.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 10:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating God's active hand in the formation and distribution of nations, fulfilling His original mandate for humanity to fill the earth ([Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Creation Mandate")). It also highlights the **Unity and Diversity of Humanity**, affirming a common ancestry for all peoples from Noah's family, while simultaneously celebrating the rich tapestry of ethnic and cultural differentiation as part of God's design. This verse, as part of the "Table of Nations," also serves as a **Foundation for Redemptive History**, establishing the global context into which God's particular covenant with Abraham and his descendants will later be introduced, ultimately leading to a blessing for "all the families of the earth" ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 10:7 functions as a precise genealogical entry, tracing the early branches of the Hamitic line through Cush. This verse is not merely a list of names; it serves as a foundational historical and geographical document, indicating the ancestral heads of distinct tribal groups or nations that would later inhabit specific regions. The meticulous preservation of these family histories underscores the Bible's commitment to detailing the origins of humanity and the divine order in the formation and distribution of nations across the globe, fulfilling God's initial command for humanity to fill the earth.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên_):** This term (H1121) is derived from a root meaning "to build," signifying a son as a "builder of the family name." In this context, it denotes direct male offspring, but its broader semantic range also encompasses descendants, members of a group, or even those sharing a common quality. Here, it emphasizes the foundational role of these individuals in establishing new family lines and, by extension, distinct peoples and nations, thereby expanding humanity and fulfilling the creation mandate.
* **Cush (Hebrew, _Kûwsh_):** This name (H3568) is likely of foreign origin and identifies a son of Ham, whose descendants are generally associated with ancient Ethiopia or Nubia, a region south of Egypt. The mention of Cush here establishes a significant geographical and ethnic marker, indicating the spread of Hamitic peoples into Northeast Africa and parts of the Arabian Peninsula, forming a vast sphere of influence that would interact with later biblical narratives.
* **Sheba (Hebrew, _Shᵉbâʼ_):** This name (H7614) is of foreign origin and refers to one of the grandsons of Cush through Raamah. Sheba is a particularly prominent name in later biblical and extra-biblical texts, associated with a wealthy trading kingdom in the Arabian Peninsula, renowned for its spices, gold, and precious stones. Its inclusion here establishes its ancient lineage directly from Noah through Ham and Cush, underscoring its prominence from very early times and its integral place within the broader tapestry of nations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Cush;"**: This opening clause establishes the primary lineage being traced. Cush, as one of Ham's sons, is the progenitor of the subsequent list of names, indicating the direct descendants who will form distinct branches of this family line. This highlights the structured and hierarchical nature of the genealogical record.
* **"Seba, and Havilah, and Sabtah, and Raamah, and Sabtecha:"**: This segment enumerates the five direct sons of Cush. These names are not merely individuals but represent the ancestral heads of distinct tribal groups or nations. Scholars often associate these names with regions and peoples primarily in the Arabian Peninsula, particularly along its southern and eastern coasts, and possibly extending into parts of Africa, indicating the geographical dispersion of Cush's progeny.
* **"and the sons of Raamah;"**: This clause introduces a sub-lineage, specifying that the subsequent names are not direct sons of Cush, but rather grandsons through Raamah, one of Cush's sons. This demonstrates the depth and detail of the "Table of Nations," tracing not only immediate offspring but also subsequent generations that became significant entities.
* **"Sheba, and Dedan."**: This concluding clause names the two sons of Raamah. Sheba and Dedan are particularly well-known in later biblical and extra-biblical texts as powerful trading nations in the Arabian Peninsula. Sheba is famously associated with the [Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon](/1_kings/10-1 "1 Kings 10:1 - Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon"), while Dedan was also a significant commercial center. Their inclusion here establishes their ancient lineage directly from Noah through Ham and Cush, underscoring their prominence from very early times.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Genesis 10:7, and indeed the entire "Table of Nations," is **Genealogy**. This is a common literary form in ancient Near Eastern literature, serving to establish lineage, identity, and historical claims. In this context, it functions as a comprehensive record of the origins and dispersion of humanity after the Flood. The meticulous listing of names also employs **Enumeration**, providing a detailed, almost encyclopedic, account of the emerging peoples. Furthermore, the verse implicitly uses **Metonymy**, where the name of the patriarch (e.g., "Cush") stands for the people or nation descended from him. This device efficiently conveys the vast scope of human proliferation from a single family into diverse nations, fulfilling God's command to "fill the earth."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 10:7, as part of the "Table of Nations," profoundly illustrates God's sovereign plan for humanity's expansion and diversification. It reminds us that every nation and people group has a common origin in God's creation and His providential ordering of history. Far from being a mere historical record, it sets the stage for God's redemptive narrative, demonstrating His interest in all peoples and laying the groundwork for the eventual call of Abraham, through whom all the families of the earth would be blessed. This foundational understanding of human origins counters any notion of racial superiority or inferiority, affirming the inherent dignity of every human being as created in God's image and descended from a common ancestor.

* [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Creation Mandate to Fill the Earth")
* [Acts 17:26](/acts/17-26 "Acts 17:26 - God Made All Nations from One Man")
* [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Though an ancient genealogy, Genesis 10:7 offers enduring truths for contemporary reflection and application. It profoundly reminds us of the shared origin of all humanity, fostering an understanding of our fundamental interconnectedness and the inherent dignity of every people group. Recognizing God's sovereign hand in the formation and distribution of nations from the very beginning encourages us to appreciate the rich tapestry of human ethnicity and culture as part of His intentional design. This perspective should inspire us to live in peace and mutual respect, recognizing that all peoples, regardless of their historical or geographical origins, are part of God's creation and recipients of His providential care. It challenges us to embrace a global vision for the gospel, understanding that God desires to redeem people from every tribe and tongue, just as He oversaw their initial dispersion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the common origin of all humanity impact your view of different cultures and ethnicities today?**
* **In what ways does God's sovereign ordering of nations, as seen in Genesis 10, inform your prayers for global missions or international relations?**
* **How can the "Table of Nations" encourage us to celebrate diversity while upholding the unity of the human family under God?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "Table of Nations" in Genesis 10?**

Answer: The "Table of Nations" in [Genesis chapter 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations") is profoundly significant as it provides a comprehensive genealogical record of how the earth was repopulated after the Flood through Noah's three sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth. It demonstrates the fulfillment of God's command to "be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth" ([Genesis 9:1](/genesis/9-1 "Genesis 9:1 - God's Blessing and Command to Noah")), establishing the common ancestry of all humanity and laying the historical and geographical foundation for the diverse nations and peoples that would emerge. It underscores God's sovereignty over human history and the distribution of peoples across the globe, providing a universal backdrop for the particular redemptive history that will unfold through Israel.

**Are the names listed in Genesis 10:7 historically verifiable?**

Answer: While direct archaeological verification for every specific individual name from such an ancient period is challenging, many of the names listed in [Genesis 10:7](/genesis/10-7 "Genesis 10:7") and the broader "Table of Nations" correspond to known ancient peoples, regions, and cities mentioned in later historical and extra-biblical sources. For example, Cush is widely identified with ancient Ethiopia/Nubia, and Sheba and Dedan are well-attested in ancient Near Eastern texts as significant trading kingdoms in the Arabian Peninsula. This suggests the biblical record is rooted in genuine historical and geographical understanding of the ancient world, providing a credible framework for the early history of humanity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 10:7 primarily details the early dispersion of nations, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the ultimate ingathering of all peoples under the banner of the Messiah. The division of humanity into diverse nations, though a consequence of sin and the Tower of Babel ([Genesis 11:1-9](/genesis/11-1 "Genesis 11:1-9 - The Tower of Babel")), is ultimately redeemed and transcended in Christ. He came not just for one nation, but to reconcile all peoples to God, breaking down the dividing walls of hostility between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). The Abrahamic covenant, initiated after this dispersion, promises that "in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed" ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")), a promise fully realized in Jesus Christ, who gathers believers from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation into His one body, the Church ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ")). This culminates in the glorious vision of a redeemed multitude from every nation, standing before the throne and the Lamb, worshipping Him eternally ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation Worshipping God")). Thus, the genealogical dispersion of Genesis 10:7 points forward to the spiritual re-gathering and unity found in Christ.

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

Ezekiel 27:22

The merchants of Sheba and Raamah, they [were] thy merchants: they occupied in thy fairs with chief of all spices, and with all precious stones, and gold.

Ezekiel 27:15

The men of Dedan [were] thy merchants; many isles [were] the merchandise of thine hand: they brought thee [for] a present horns of ivory and ebony.

Psalms 72:10

The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.

1 Kings 10:1

¶ And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions.

Isaiah 21:13

¶ The burden upon Arabia. In the forest in Arabia shall ye lodge, O ye travelling companies of Dedanim.

Genesis 2:11

The name of the first [is] Pison: that [is] it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where [there is] gold;