Genesis 11:13

And Arphaxad lived after he begat Salah four hundred and three years, and begat sons and daughters.

And Arphaxad {H775} lived {H2421} after {H310} he begat {H3205} Salah {H7974} four {H702} hundred {H3967}{H8141} and three {H7969} years {H8141}, and begat {H3205} sons {H1121} and daughters {H1323}.

After Shelach was born, Arpakhshad lived another 403 years and had sons and daughters.

And after he had become the father of Shelah, Arphaxad lived 403 years and had other sons and daughters.

and Arpachshad lived after he begat Shelah four hundred and three years, and begat sons and daughters.

Commentary

Context

Genesis 11:13 is part of the genealogical record that traces the lineage from Shem, one of Noah's sons, down to Abram (Abraham). This particular verse focuses on Arphaxad, noting his lifespan after the birth of his son Salah, and his continued procreation. These genealogies are crucial for bridging the gap between the Great Flood and the call of God's chosen patriarch, Abram, laying the groundwork for the covenant promises to come. The preceding verses in Genesis 11 recount the Tower of Babel narrative, which explains the dispersion of humanity and the origin of different languages, making the subsequent focus on a single, preserved lineage all the more significant.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Preservation of Lineage: The meticulous record of generations emphasizes God's faithfulness in preserving a specific line through which His redemptive plan would unfold. Each "begat" signifies the unbroken thread leading towards the Messiah.
  • Continuity of Life: Despite the drastic judgment of the flood and the subsequent dispersion at Babel, humanity continues to multiply, fulfilling the divine command to "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 9:1).
  • Chronological Anchors: These genealogical lists provide a chronological framework for biblical history, allowing readers to trace the passage of time and understand the long-term unfolding of God's purposes. The decreasing lifespans from earlier patriarchs (see Genesis 5) are evident here, showing a post-flood decline in human longevity.

Linguistic Insights

The repeated use of the Hebrew verb yalad, translated as "begat," is central to these genealogies. It signifies not just biological fatherhood but also the act of bringing forth or producing a successor, emphasizing the direct and intentional continuation of a family line. This highlights the importance of progeny in the ancient Near East and, more significantly, in the unfolding of God's covenant promises.

Practical Application

While seemingly a dry list of names and numbers, Genesis 11:13 and the surrounding genealogies remind us that God works through generations and that every individual life plays a part in His larger, unfolding story. It teaches patience, demonstrating that God's plans often take centuries to fully manifest. For believers today, it underscores the importance of our own place in God's lineage through faith, leading ultimately to Christ, the ultimate seed of Abraham.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.