Genesis 11:12

And Arphaxad lived five and thirty years, and begat Salah:

And Arphaxad {H775} lived {H2425} five {H2568} and thirty {H7970} years {H8141}, and begat {H3205} Salah {H7974}:

Arpakhshad lived thirty-five years and fathered Shelach.

When Arphaxad was 35 years old, he became the father of Shelah.

And Arpachshad lived five and thirty years, and begat Shelah:

Commentary

Genesis 11:12 is a concise yet significant verse within the biblical genealogies, specifically tracing the lineage from Noah's son Shem towards Abraham. It states that "Arphaxad lived five and thirty years, and begat Salah:"

Context

This verse is part of the "Table of Nations" and the subsequent genealogical record in Genesis chapters 10 and 11. Following the dramatic account of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9), the narrative shifts to meticulously record the descendants of Shem, Noah's son through whom the covenant line would continue. Arphaxad is presented here as the son of Shem (or grandson if considering Cainan in some versions, though not in the Masoretic Text KJV), and his son Salah becomes the next link in this vital chain.

Key Themes

  • Genealogical Continuity: The primary purpose of this verse, and indeed the entire section of Genesis 11:10-26, is to establish the unbroken lineage from Noah through Shem to Abraham. This meticulous record underscores God's faithfulness in preserving a chosen line, crucial for the fulfillment of His promises.
  • Decreasing Lifespans: Compared to the antediluvian patriarchs (e.g., Methuselah's 969 years), the lifespans mentioned post-flood, like Arphaxad's 35 years before begetting Salah (and then living many more years), show a marked decrease, reflecting a new phase in human history and possibly the cumulative effects of sin and a changed environment.
  • Divine Purpose: While seemingly a dry list of names and ages, these genealogies are foundational. They are not merely historical records but theological statements, demonstrating God's sovereign hand guiding history towards His redemptive plan, culminating in the birth of Jesus Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The names themselves, "Arphaxad" (אֲרְפַּכְשַׁד, ʼArpakhshad) and "Salah" (שֶׁלַח, Shelach), carry potential meanings related to their geographical or historical context, though the KJV text focuses purely on their role in the lineage. The structure "X lived Y years, and begat Z" is a formulaic pattern repeated throughout biblical genealogies, emphasizing the transmission of life and heritage from one generation to the next.

Practical Application

Though brief, Genesis 11:12 reminds us that God works through generations and seemingly ordinary details. Every individual, even those mentioned briefly in a list, plays a part in God's grand narrative. It encourages us to appreciate the long view of God's providence and how He faithfully unfolds His purposes across time, preparing the way for His ultimate plan of salvation. It highlights the importance of heritage and the continuity of faith passed down through generations, leading to the fulfillment of God's promises in our own lives and through history.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 3:36 (2 votes)

    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,