Genesis 11:11

KJV

And Shem lived after he begat Arphaxad five hundred years, and begat sons and daughters.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Shem {H8035} lived {H2421} after {H310} he begat {H3205} Arphaxad {H775} five {H2568} hundred {H3967} years {H8141}, and begat {H3205} sons {H1121} and daughters {H1323}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After Arpakhshad was born, Shem lived another 500 years and had sons and daughters.

Berean Standard Bible

And after he had become the father of Arphaxad, Shem lived 500 years and had other sons and daughters.

American Standard Version

and Shem lived after he begat Arpachshad five hundred years, and begat sons and daughters.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[Genesis 11:11](/genesis/11-11 "Shem's Descendants") is a concise genealogical entry detailing Shem's continued life and progeny after the birth of Arphaxad. Positioned within the post-Flood and post-Babel narratives, this verse highlights the divine preservation of a specific lineage through which God's redemptive plan would unfold, leading directly to Abraham.

### CONTEXT
This verse is an integral part of the crucial genealogical record found in [Genesis 11:10-26](/genesis/11-10 "The Generations of Shem"). Following the universal judgment of the Flood and the subsequent dispersion of peoples at Babel, these genealogies meticulously trace the descendants of Shem, one of [Noah's righteous sons](/genesis/9-1 "God's Blessing on Noah and His Sons"). They serve to narrow the focus to the specific family line through whom God's covenant promises and redemptive purposes would be realized, ultimately leading to the call of Abraham.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 11:11](/genesis/11-11 "Shem's Lineage") states, "And Shem lived after he begat Arphaxad five hundred years, and begat sons and daughters." This verse provides two key pieces of information about Shem: his significant longevity after the birth of his son Arphaxad, and his continued fathering of other children beyond the direct heir. The repeated phrase **begat** (Hebrew: _yalad_, יָלַד) is a recurring and significant term in these genealogies, denoting more than mere biological fathering; it emphasizes the intentional act of establishing and continuing a family line. This highlights the deliberate and successive nature of God's plan being carried out through generations, ensuring a direct, unbroken chain of descent from Noah to the patriarchs. The mention of "sons and daughters" underscores the ongoing repopulation of the earth after the Flood, fulfilling God's command to be fruitful and multiply.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Preservation of Lineage:** Despite human rebellion and divine judgment, such as the Flood and Babel, God faithfully preserves a specific family line. This continuity underscores His unwavering commitment to His overarching plan for humanity's redemption.
* **Continuity and Growth:** Shem's extended life and continued progeny ("begat sons and daughters") emphasize the ongoing repopulation and flourishing of the earth, directly fulfilling God's post-Flood command to [be fruitful and multiply](/genesis/9-7 "God's Command to Multiply").
* **Chronological Framework:** Genealogical entries like this provide a vital chronological backbone to early biblical history, establishing the ages of key figures and the passage of time between significant events. They are foundational for understanding the [timeline leading to Abraham](/genesis/12-1 "The Call of Abram") and the subsequent nation of Israel.
* **God's Meticulous Providence:** The detailed nature of these genealogies, even for seemingly minor figures, illustrates God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign orchestration of history through specific individuals and families across generations.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While seemingly a dry list of names and numbers, [Genesis 11:11](/genesis/11-11 "Shem's Descendants") carries profound significance. It reminds us that God works through specific individuals and families across generations to accomplish His purposes. Every person, even those listed briefly, plays a role in God's grand narrative. For us today, it illustrates God's patience, His long-term vision, and His meticulous attention to detail in orchestrating history. It reassures us that God's plans are steadfast, even through periods of human failure and societal upheaval, ultimately pointing towards the coming of the Savior through this very lineage.

### FAQ
**Why are biblical genealogies so detailed and seemingly repetitive?**

Answer: Biblical genealogies, like the one in [Genesis 11:11](/genesis/11-11 "Shem's Lineage"), serve several crucial purposes beyond mere record-keeping. They establish legitimacy and identity, particularly for priestly or royal lines. More importantly, they provide a chronological framework for biblical history, demonstrating the passage of time and the fulfillment of God's promises across generations. For instance, the detailed lineage from Adam to Noah, and then from Noah to Abraham, meticulously traces the specific line through which God's redemptive plan would unfold, ultimately leading to the Messiah. They underscore God's faithfulness in preserving a chosen people and a specific lineage.

**What is the significance of the phrase "begat sons and daughters" in these genealogies?**

Answer: The phrase "begat sons and daughters" emphasizes the continuation and expansion of the human family beyond the named heir. While the genealogies often focus on the direct line of descent for theological purposes (e.g., the line leading to Abraham and ultimately Christ), the inclusion of "sons and daughters" signifies the broader repopulation of the earth after the Flood and the ongoing fulfillment of God's command to [be fruitful and multiply](/genesis/9-7 "God's Command to Multiply"). It highlights the natural growth and development of humanity, even as God's specific redemptive plan progresses through a particular lineage.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous tracing of Shem's lineage in [Genesis 11:11](/genesis/11-11 "Shem's Lineage") and the subsequent verses points directly to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, which culminates in Jesus Christ. Shem's descendants include Abraham, through whom God established His covenant, promising a seed that would bless all nations. This genealogical record, seemingly dry, is a foundational testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving a specific line—the "seed of the woman" promised in [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "The Protoevangelium")—through whom the Messiah would eventually come. Thus, Shem's continued progeny is a vital link in the historical chain that ultimately leads to [Jesus Christ, the Son of David and Son of Abraham](/matthew/1-1 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"), the fulfillment of all God's promises.

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

Genesis 9:7

And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein.

Psalms 127:3

Lo, children [are] an heritage of the LORD: [and] the fruit of the womb [is his] reward.

Psalms 127:4

As arrows [are] in the hand of a mighty man; so [are] children of the youth.

Psalms 128:3

Thy wife [shall be] as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.

Psalms 128:4

Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.

Genesis 1:28

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

Psalms 144:12

That our sons [may be] as plants grown up in their youth; [that] our daughters [may be] as corner stones, polished [after] the similitude of a palace: