King James Version

What Does Genesis 10:11 Mean?

Genesis 10:11 in the King James Version says “Out of that land went forth Asshur, and builded Nineveh, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah, went: or, he went out into As...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Out of that land went forth Asshur, and builded Nineveh, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah, went: or, he went out into Assyria the city: or, the streets of the city”

Genesis 10:11 · KJV

Context

9

He was a mighty hunter before the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD.

10

And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. Babel: Gr. Babylon

11

Out of that land went forth Asshur, and builded Nineveh, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah, went: or, he went out into Assyria the city: or, the streets of the city

12

And Resen between Nineveh and Calah: the same is a great city.

13

And Mizraim begat Ludim, and Anamim, and Lehabim, and Naphtuhim,

Read Genesis 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Out of that land went forth Asshur, and builded Nineveh, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah,... This passage belongs to the primeval history section (Genesis 1-11) which establishes universal truths about God, humanity, sin, and divine purposes before focusing on Abraham and Israel. These chapters answer fundamental questions about human origins, the spread of wickedness, God's judgment, and the preservation of a righteous remnant.

Recurring patterns emerge: human sin escalating from individual disobedience to societal corruption, divine patience followed by judgment, gracious preservation of a remnant, and covenant promises ensuring redemptive purposes continue. The genealogies connect historical persons, demonstrate the fulfillment of divine promises (blessing and multiplication), and trace the line leading to Abraham and ultimately Christ.

Key theological themes in this section include: (1) sin's destructive progression affecting all humanity; (2) God's righteous judgment while preserving mercy; (3) human pride and autonomy opposing divine sovereignty; (4) cultural development as both blessing and potential idolatry; (5) God's sovereign plan advancing despite human rebellion. These narratives provide the necessary context for understanding God's calling of Abraham and the covenant promises through which all nations will be blessed.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The primeval history (Genesis 1-11) parallels ancient Near Eastern traditions including Sumerian King Lists (pre-flood longevity), Akkadian flood traditions (Atrahasis, Gilgamesh), and Mesopotamian city foundation myths. However, Genesis demythologizes these traditions, presenting monotheistic history rather than polytheistic mythology. The genealogies connecting Adam to Noah to Abraham provide historical framework absent in pagan myths.

Archaeological evidence confirms ancient urbanization (chapter 4's cities), agricultural development, metallurgy, and musical instruments emerging in Mesopotamia's early history. The Babel account reflects Mesopotamian ziggurat construction (stepped pyramid temples), particularly in Babylon. Linguistic diversity requiring explanation was obvious to ancient peoples, making the Babel narrative culturally relevant.

For Israel in covenant with Yahweh, these chapters explained their relationship to surrounding nations. All peoples descended from Noah, but Israel descended from Shem through Abraham—chosen for blessing all nations. The flood demonstrated God's justice and mercy: judging wickedness while preserving the righteous. This pattern would recur throughout Israel's history, assuring them that God's covenant faithfulness endures despite judgment on the wicked.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
מִן1 of 13
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָאָ֥רֶץ2 of 13

“Out of that land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הַהִ֖וא3 of 13
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יָצָ֣א4 of 13

“went forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אַשּׁ֑וּר5 of 13

“Asshur”

H804

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

וַיִּ֙בֶן֙6 of 13

“and builded”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

אֶת7 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

נִ֣ינְוֵ֔ה8 of 13

“Nineveh”

H5210

nineveh, the capital of assyria

וְאֶת9 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

רְחֹבֹ֥ת10 of 13

“Rehoboth”

H7344

rechoboth, a place in assyria and one in palestine

עִ֖יר11 of 13

“and the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וְאֶת12 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּֽלַח׃13 of 13

“and Calah”

H3625

kelach, a place in assyria

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 10:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 10:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Micah 5:6Nahum 1:1Psalms 83:8Jonah 1:2Zephaniah 2:13Hosea 14:3

Places in This Verse

AssyriaRegion · Modern: Nineveh · 36.36°N, 43.15°E141 verses across 15 books
CalahSettlement · Modern: Nimrud · 36.10°N, 43.33°E2 verses across 1 book
NinevehSettlement · Modern: Nineveh · 36.36°N, 43.15°E30 verses across 8 books
Rehoboth-IrDistrict · Modern: Nineveh · 36.36°N, 43.15°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in Genesis 10 →

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 10 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Genesis 10 with CommentaryAll Genesis ChaptersComplete Genesis QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes