King James Version

What Does Genesis 10:5 Mean?

Genesis 10:5 in the King James Version says “By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in the...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.”

Genesis 10:5 · KJV

Context

3

And the sons of Gomer; Ashkenaz, and Riphath, and Togarmah.

4

And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim. Dodanim: or, as some read it, Rodanim

5

By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.

6

And the sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, and Phut, and Canaan.

7

And the sons of Cush; Seba, and Havilah, and Sabtah, and Raamah, and Sabtecha: and the sons of Raamah; Sheba, and Dedan.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after th... 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 does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
מֵ֠אֵלֶּה1 of 9
H428

these or those

נִפְרְד֞וּ2 of 9

“divided in”

H6504

to break through, i.e., spread or separate (oneself)

אִיֵּ֤י3 of 9

“By these were the isles”

H339

properly, a habitable spot (as desirable); dry land, a coast, an island

בְּגֽוֹיֵהֶֽם׃4 of 9

“in their nations”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

בְּאַרְצֹתָ֔ם5 of 9

“their lands”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אִ֖ישׁ6 of 9

“every one”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לִלְשֹׁנ֑וֹ7 of 9

“after his tongue”

H3956

the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,

לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם8 of 9

“after their families”

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

בְּגֽוֹיֵהֶֽם׃9 of 9

“in their nations”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

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 10:5 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 10:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zephaniah 2:11Jeremiah 2:10Isaiah 42:4Genesis 10:20Jeremiah 25:22Genesis 11:1-9

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