Genesis 11:19

KJV

And Peleg lived after he begat Reu two hundred and nine years, and begat sons and daughters.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Peleg {H6389} lived {H2421} after {H310} he begat {H3205} Reu {H7466} two hundred {H3967}{H8141} and nine {H8672} years {H8141}, and begat {H3205} sons {H1121} and daughters {H1323}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After Re‘u was born, Peleg lived another 209 years and had sons and daughters.

Berean Standard Bible

And after he had become the father of Reu, Peleg lived 209 years and had other sons and daughters.

American Standard Version

and Peleg lived after he begat Reu two hundred and nine years, and begat sons and daughters.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 11:19 is a concise genealogical entry within the post-Flood narratives, meticulously detailing that Peleg lived for an additional 209 years after the birth of his son Reu, during which time he also fathered other sons and daughters. This verse continues the carefully preserved lineage from Noah through Shem, serving as a crucial link in the historical timeline that bridges the universal flood to the call of Abraham, and notably situates Peleg's life in the period of the "division" of humanity at Babel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a vital genealogical section of Genesis, specifically [Genesis 11](/genesis/11 "The Generations of Shem and the Tower of Babel"), which meticulously traces the lineage from Shem to Abram. These genealogies are not mere lists but serve to establish the historical timeline and the specific lineage through which God's redemptive plan would unfold after the global flood. Following the account of the [Tower of Babel](/genesis/11-1-9 "The Tower of Babel and the Confusion of Languages"), the text returns to the "generations of Shem," providing a continuous, unbroken line of descent that demonstrates God's faithfulness in preserving a chosen seed. Genesis 11:19 follows the pattern established in earlier verses, recording the lifespan of a patriarch after the birth of his primary heir and mentioning the birth of other children, reinforcing the continuity of the family line.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The post-Flood world was undergoing significant changes, including a rapid decline in human longevity compared to the antediluvian era. This period also witnessed the critical event of the [Tower of Babel](/genesis/11-1-9 "The Confusion of Tongues"), where humanity, unified in language and purpose, rebelled against God's command to fill the earth. God's judgment resulted in the confusion of languages and the subsequent dispersion of peoples across the globe. Peleg's name, meaning "division," explicitly links his lifetime to this pivotal event, indicating that the foundational separation of humanity into distinct linguistic and geographical groups occurred during his days. This historical backdrop highlights God's sovereign intervention in human affairs, shaping the early development of nations.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 11:19 contributes to several overarching themes within the chapter and the book of Genesis. First, it underscores the theme of **Genealogical Continuity and Divine Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's meticulous preservation of a specific lineage from Noah to Abraham, even amidst human rebellion and dispersion. This unbroken line highlights God's unwavering commitment to His covenant purposes. Second, the verse, along with others in this section, illustrates the theme of **Declining Longevity** post-Flood, a stark contrast to the long lifespans of antediluvian patriarchs, often understood as a consequence of the curse on creation and humanity's increasing sinfulness. Finally, Peleg's name and the timing of his life emphasize the theme of **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Human Rebellion**, particularly concerning the [dispersion from Babel](/genesis/11-8 "The Scattering of Humanity from Babel"). Despite humanity's attempt to centralize and defy God, His plan for the nations and for a chosen people continued to unfold, setting the stage for the call of [Abram in Genesis 12](/genesis/12 "The Call of Abram").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lived (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** From H2421, a primitive root meaning "to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive." In this context, it literally refers to the biological existence and duration of Peleg's life. Its inclusion emphasizes the continuity of life and the passing of generations, a fundamental aspect of the biblical genealogies that trace the line of promise.
* **begat (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** From H3205, a primitive root meaning "to bear young; causatively, to beget." This term is central to the genealogical formula, highlighting the act of procreation and the continuation of the family line. The repetition of "begat" throughout Genesis 11 underscores the divine mandate to "be fruitful and multiply" and the faithfulness of God in sustaining humanity's propagation, even after the Flood and Babel.
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, referring to "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense." The mention of "sons and daughters" signifies the complete family unit and the successful propagation of Peleg's lineage beyond the primary heir, Reu. The focus on "sons" is particularly significant in patriarchal societies for the continuation of the family name and inheritance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Peleg lived after he begat Reu two hundred and nine years,"**: This clause specifies the duration of Peleg's life *after* the birth of his named heir, Reu. This is a standard element of the genealogical formula in Genesis, allowing for the calculation of the patriarch's total lifespan (his age at the birth of the heir plus the years lived afterward). The specific number, 209 years, highlights the meticulous record-keeping of the biblical narrative and contributes to the overall chronology of the post-Flood era, which shows a marked decline in human longevity compared to pre-Flood generations.
* **"and begat sons and daughters."**: This concluding phrase indicates that Peleg's procreative activity continued beyond the birth of Reu. It signifies the full establishment of his family and the continuation of his lineage through multiple offspring, not just the primary heir. This detail reinforces the theme of fruitfulness and the propagation of humanity, fulfilling God's command to "be fruitful and multiply," ensuring the survival and growth of the human population following the Flood.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Genesis 11:19, as in much of the surrounding text, is the **Genealogical Formula**. This structured, repetitive pattern of recording a patriarch's age at the birth of his heir, the years he lived afterward, and the mention of other sons and daughters, serves to establish a clear and continuous lineage. This formula provides chronological markers and emphasizes the historical reality of the biblical narrative. Additionally, the **Etymological Significance** of Peleg's name (meaning "division") functions as a powerful thematic device. While not a direct literary device within the verse itself, the explicit naming in [Genesis 10:25](/genesis/10-25 "The Naming of Peleg") links Peleg's life directly to the momentous event of the "division" of the earth at Babel, imbuing his personal history with profound global and theological implications. The simple statement of his continued life and procreation in this verse quietly underscores the unfolding of God's plan even amidst such a pivotal historical turning point.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 11:19, though a simple genealogical record, is deeply significant for its contribution to the overarching narrative of God's redemptive plan. It underscores the meticulous preservation of a specific lineage, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness in maintaining His covenant purposes even amidst human rebellion and dispersion. The continuity of this line, from Noah through Shem and now Peleg, is crucial, as it ultimately leads to Abraham, through whom God would establish His covenant people and, eventually, bring forth the Messiah. The verse also subtly highlights the consequences of sin, as Peleg's lifespan continues the trend of declining longevity observed in the post-Flood patriarchs, a stark contrast to the antediluvian ages, reflecting a world increasingly impacted by the Fall.

* [Genesis 5:32](/genesis/5-32 "Noah's Sons") - Introduces the sons of Noah, from whom Peleg's line descends, establishing the broader genealogical context.
* [Luke 3:35](/luke/3-35 "Genealogy of Jesus - Son of Peleg") - Peleg is explicitly mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, affirming his crucial role in the Messianic line.
* [Acts 17:26](/acts/17-26 "God's Sovereignty Over Nations") - Paul's sermon on God's sovereignty over nations and their appointed times and boundaries resonates with the "division" that occurred in Peleg's days, demonstrating God's overarching control of human history.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 11:19, while seemingly a dry list of names and numbers, serves as a profound reminder of God's faithfulness and meticulous oversight of history. In an era marked by human rebellion and the dramatic dispersion at Babel, this verse quietly affirms that God's plan of redemption was not derailed but continued to unfold precisely through the lives of ordinary individuals like Peleg. It encourages us to trust in God's sovereign hand over the grand sweep of history and the minute details of individual lives. Just as God preserved and guided a specific lineage to bring about His ultimate purposes, so too does He work in our lives, often in ways unseen and through seemingly mundane events, to fulfill His good and perfect will. This careful record-keeping ultimately points to the faithfulness of God in preparing the way for the coming of His chosen people and, eventually, the Messiah, reminding us that His purposes will prevail through generations, leading ultimately to the call of [Abraham and the establishment of His covenant people](/genesis/12-2 "God's Call to Abram").

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous record-keeping in biblical genealogies, like Genesis 11:19, strengthen your faith in the historical accuracy and divine inspiration of Scripture?**
* **Considering that Peleg lived during the "division" at Babel, how does this verse encourage you about God's ability to work His purposes even amidst human chaos and rebellion?**
* **In what ways can you see God's faithfulness at work in the long-term trajectory of your own life or the history of your community, even through seemingly insignificant details?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Peleg's name in this context?**

Answer: The name Peleg (Hebrew: *peleg*) means "division." [Genesis 10:25](/genesis/10-25 "The Naming of Peleg") explicitly states he was named this "for in his days was the earth divided." This refers to the linguistic and geographical dispersion of humanity from Babel, making Peleg's life span directly relevant to this pivotal event in human history. His name serves as a constant reminder of God's judgment and the subsequent formation of distinct nations.

**How does Genesis 11:19 connect to the Tower of Babel narrative?**

Answer: Genesis 11:19 places Peleg's extended life, including the period after Reu's birth, squarely within the timeframe when the "earth was divided" due to the events at Babel. This means Peleg was alive when God confused the languages and scattered humanity across the globe. The verse, therefore, quietly underscores the profound historical and theological implications of the Babel event, tying it directly to the life of a key individual in the Messianic lineage and demonstrating that the dispersion was not random but occurred within a divinely ordained historical framework.

**Why does the Bible include such detailed genealogical records?**

Answer: Detailed genealogies like Genesis 11:19 serve several crucial purposes: they establish historical continuity and chronological markers, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving a specific lineage through which His promises would be fulfilled. They validate the historical accuracy of the biblical narrative, showing that these are real people in real time. Most importantly, they trace the line through which God's redemptive plan, culminating in the Messiah, would unfold, providing the historical backbone for the entire biblical story, from [Adam to Christ](/luke/3 "The Genealogy of Jesus").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 11:19, as an integral part of the patriarchal genealogies, plays a vital role in tracing the Messianic line. Peleg is a direct descendant of Noah through Shem, and his lineage continues through Reu, Serug, Nahor, Terah, and ultimately to Abraham, from whom the promise of a "seed" would come ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise to Abram")). This careful preservation of a specific family line, even amidst the dramatic "division" of humanity at Babel, underscores God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan. The scattering of nations, a consequence of human rebellion, necessitated the calling of a chosen people (Israel) through whom unity would eventually be restored. This lineage culminates in Jesus Christ, who, as the ultimate Son of Abraham ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "The Seed is Christ")) and Son of David, fulfills God's promises to restore humanity and gather all nations under His reign. In Christ, the divisions initiated at Babel are overcome, as people from "every nation, tribe, people and language" are united in worship ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Multitude from Every Nation")) and the "dividing wall of hostility" is broken down ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Christ Our Peace")), bringing a new unity and peace in Him.

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.