King James Version

What Does Genesis 10:25 Mean?

Genesis 10:25 in the King James Version says “And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided; and his brother's na...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided; and his brother's name was Joktan. Peleg: that is Division”

Genesis 10:25 · KJV

Context

23

And the children of Aram; Uz, and Hul, and Gether, and Mash.

24

And Arphaxad begat Salah; and Salah begat Eber. Salah: Heb. Shelah

25

And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided; and his brother's name was Joktan. Peleg: that is Division

26

And Joktan begat Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah,

27

And Hadoram, and Uzal, and Diklah,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided; ... 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.

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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. What theological truths about Table of Nations emerge from this passage?
  2. How should this truth about Human Dispersion shape our daily decisions and priorities?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וּלְעֵ֥בֶר1 of 14

“And unto Eber”

H5677

eber, the name of two patriarchs and four israelites

יֻלַּ֖ד2 of 14

“were born”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

שְׁנֵ֣י3 of 14

“two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

בָנִ֑ים4 of 14

“sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וְשֵׁ֥ם5 of 14

“name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

הָֽאֶחָ֞ד6 of 14

“of one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

פֶּ֗לֶג7 of 14

“was Peleg”

H6389

peleg, a son of shem

כִּ֤י8 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בְיָמָיו֙9 of 14

“for in his days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

נִפְלְגָ֣ה10 of 14

“divided”

H6385

to split (literally or figuratively)

הָאָ֔רֶץ11 of 14

“was the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְשֵׁ֥ם12 of 14

“name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

אָחִ֖יו13 of 14

“and his brother's”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

יָקְטָֽן׃14 of 14

“was Joktan”

H3355

joktan, an arabian patriarch

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 10:25 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 10:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 1:19Deuteronomy 32:8Genesis 10:32Acts 17:26Luke 3:35-36Genesis 11:16-19

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