Genesis 11:10

KJV

¶ These [are] the generations of Shem: Shem [was] an hundred years old, and begat Arphaxad two years after the flood:

KJV (with Strong's)

These are the generations {H8435} of Shem {H8035}: Shem {H8035} was an hundred {H3967} years {H8141} old {H1121}, and begat {H3205} Arphaxad {H775} two years {H8141} after {H310} the flood {H3999}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is the genealogy of Shem. Shem was 100 years old when he fathered Arpakhshad two years after the flood.

Berean Standard Bible

This is the account of Shem. Two years after the flood, when Shem was 100 years old, he became the father of Arphaxad.

American Standard Version

These are the generations of Shem. Shem was a hundred years old, and begat Arpachshad two years after the flood:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 11:10 initiates a new genealogical record, detailing the lineage of Shem, one of Noah's sons. This verse precisely states Shem's age as one hundred years and the birth of his son Arphaxad two years after the great flood, serving as a critical chronological anchor in the post-deluvian narrative and signaling the continuation of God's redemptive purpose through a specific family line.

### CONTEXT
This verse immediately follows the dramatic account of the [Tower of Babel and the subsequent dispersion of humanity](/genesis/11-9 "The scattering of humanity at Babel"). It introduces the tenth of the eleven *toledoth* (generations or accounts) sections that structure the Book of Genesis, signifying a new phase of the narrative after the universal [Flood](/genesis/7-11 "The beginning of the great flood"). Having described the re-population of the earth through Noah's family, the focus now narrows to Shem's lineage, a record vital for systematically tracing the line through which God's redemptive plan would progress, ultimately leading to Abraham and the nation of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 11:10 serves as a crucial transitional point, opening the *toledoth* of Shem, a significant structural marker in Genesis. The phrase "These are the generations of Shem" uses the Hebrew term `תּוֹלְדֹת` (*toledoth*), which can be translated as "generations," "accounts," "history," or "descendants." This term acts as a key literary device throughout Genesis, appearing eleven times to introduce major sections of the book, each providing a focused account of origins or the development of a particular family line.

The verse provides two precise chronological markers that are vital for understanding the biblical timeline and God's unfolding plan:
* **Shem's Age:** Shem was "an hundred years old" when he begat Arphaxad. This detail emphasizes the longevity of the patriarchs in the early post-Flood era, though their lifespans were already beginning to decrease compared to pre-Flood figures, indicating a gradual decline in human vitality.
* **Timing Relative to the Flood:** Arphaxad was born "two years after the flood." This specific timeframe provides a crucial anchor, connecting the post-Flood era directly to the earliest generations of humanity and establishing a framework for understanding the timeline of biblical history. It underscores God's meticulous oversight of history and His unwavering commitment to His sovereign plan.
* **Significance of Shem:** Shem, whose name means "name" or "renown," is presented as the progenitor of a blessed line, distinct from his brothers Ham and Japheth. This aligns with Noah's prophetic blessing upon Shem in [Genesis 9:26-27](/genesis/9-26 "Noah's blessing upon Shem"), where Noah declares, "Blessed be the Lord God of Shem." This lineage is divinely chosen to carry forward the covenant promises, eventually leading to the Hebrews and the promised Messiah. The precise genealogical record highlights God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant and continuing His divine purpose through a specific lineage even after the catastrophic Flood and the judgment at Babel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Continuity and Preservation:** Despite the universal judgment of the [Flood](/genesis/7-11 "The great flood") and the subsequent dispersion at [Babel](/genesis/11-9 "The scattering of humanity at Babel"), God faithfully preserves a remnant and continues His redemptive purpose through a specific lineage, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant plan.
* **Sovereign Chronology:** The meticulous detail of Shem's age and the timing of Arphaxad's birth ("two years after the flood") highlights God's sovereign control over history and His precise unfolding of time according to His divine will, establishing a foundational timeline for biblical events.
* **The Election of a Chosen Line:** The focus on Shem's genealogy underscores the theme of divine election, where God chooses a specific family line (the "seed") through whom His promises will be fulfilled, progressively narrowing the focus from all humanity to Noah, then to Shem, and eventually to Abraham.
* **Foundation for Redemptive History:** This genealogical entry is not merely a list of names; it serves as a critical link in the chain of redemptive history, systematically tracing the lineage that will eventually lead to Abraham, the patriarch of Israel, and ultimately to the Messiah.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 11:10, though a concise genealogical entry, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous oversight of human history and His unwavering commitment to His sovereign plan. Even amidst the devastating consequences of sin, such as the [Flood](/genesis/7-11 "The great flood") and the [dispersion at Babel](/genesis/11-9 "The scattering of humanity at Babel"), God faithfully works through chosen individuals and their descendants to accomplish His redemptive purposes. For believers today, this verse reinforces the truth that God's plans are steadfast and that every individual, regardless of their perceived significance, plays a part in His grand narrative of salvation, which culminates in the person of Jesus Christ. It encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness even when circumstances seem chaotic, knowing He is always working towards His ultimate design.

### FAQ
**Why does Genesis include such detailed genealogies?**

Answer: Genealogies in Genesis, like the one in Genesis 11:10, serve several crucial purposes. They establish historical continuity, demonstrating the unfolding of God's plan through specific individuals and families. They also authenticate the narrative by connecting biblical figures to a verifiable lineage, and most importantly, they meticulously trace the "seed" line through which the promised Messiah would eventually come, highlighting God's faithfulness to His redemptive covenant.

**What is the significance of the phrase "two years after the flood"?**

Answer: The phrase "two years after the flood" provides a precise chronological anchor, connecting the post-Flood era directly to the earliest generations of humanity. This detail is vital for constructing a timeline of biblical history, demonstrating the accuracy and historical grounding of the biblical narrative, and emphasizing God's meticulous oversight of the unfolding of time and His redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 11:10, by meticulously tracing the lineage of Shem, serves as a crucial link in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan that ultimately culminates in Jesus Christ. Shem's line is specifically blessed by Noah in [Genesis 9:26](/genesis/9-26 "Noah's blessing upon Shem"), establishing him as the progenitor of the chosen "seed." This verse, by detailing the birth of Arphaxad, continues the unbroken genealogical chain that passes through Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David, directly leading to the birth of Jesus, as recorded in the [New Testament genealogies](/luke/3-23 "The genealogy of Jesus Christ"). Thus, this seemingly simple record of generations points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in Christ, through whom all nations are blessed.

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 1:17

The sons of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram, and Uz, and Hul, and Gether, and Meshech.

1 Chronicles 1:27

Abram; the same [is] Abraham.

Genesis 11:27

¶ Now these [are] the generations of Terah: Terah begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran begat Lot.

Luke 3:34

Which was [the son] of Jacob, which was [the son] of Isaac, which was [the son] of Abraham, which was [the son] of Thara, which was [the son] of Nachor,

Luke 3:36

Which was [the son] of Cainan, which was [the son] of Arphaxad, which was [the son] of Sem, which was [the son] of Noe, which was [the son] of Lamech,

Genesis 10:21

¶ Unto Shem also, the father of all the children of Eber, the brother of Japheth the elder, even to him were [children] born.

Genesis 10:22

The children of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram.