Genesis 11:19

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

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}.

After Reโ€˜u was born, Peleg lived another 209 years and had sons and daughters.

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

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

Commentary

Commentary on Genesis 11:19

Genesis 11:19 is a concise genealogical entry, typical of the post-Flood narratives in the book of Genesis. It details a specific period in the life of Peleg, one of the descendants of Noah through Shem. The verse states that Peleg lived for 209 years after his son Reu was born, during which time he also begat other sons and daughters.

Context

This verse is situated within a crucial genealogical section of Genesis (chapters 10 and 11) that bridges the narrative from the universal flood to the call of Abraham. These "Table of Nations" and subsequent genealogies serve to establish the historical timeline and the lineage through which God's redemptive plan would unfold. Peleg's life is particularly notable as it overlaps with the monumental event of the Tower of Babel and the dispersion of humanity, a pivotal moment in human history.

Key Themes

  • Genealogical Continuity: The verse, like others in this chapter, underscores the unbroken line of descent from Noah to Abraham. It highlights God's meticulous preservation of a specific lineage.
  • Declining Longevity: While still living for centuries, Peleg's lifespan (209 years after Reu's birth, implying a total life of 239 years given Genesis 11:18) reflects a continued decline in human lifespan compared to pre-Flood generations, a trend that continues through the post-Flood patriarchs.
  • Divine Providence: Despite human sin and rebellion (as seen in the Babel account), God faithfully maintains and guides a specific lineage through which His promises and redemptive purposes will ultimately be realized.

Linguistic Insights

The name Peleg (Hebrew: ืคึผึถืœึถื’, peleg) is highly significant. It means "division" or "watercourse." This etymology is explicitly explained in Genesis 10:25, which states, "And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided." This "division" is widely understood to refer to the linguistic and geographical scattering of the peoples from Babel. The fact that Peleg lived for over two centuries after Reu's birth, and begat other children, means that this foundational "division" event occurred well within his lifetime, shaping the world for his descendants.

Practical Application

Genesis 11:19, though seemingly a simple record, reinforces the Bible's commitment to historical accuracy and the unfolding of God's long-term plan. It reminds us that even in periods of human rebellion and scattering, God is faithfully working behind the scenes, preserving a remnant and a lineage. 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. It encourages us to trust in God's sovereign hand over history, knowing that His purposes will prevail through generations, leading ultimately to the call of Abraham and the establishment of His covenant people.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.