King James Version

What Does Genesis 11:10 Mean?

Genesis 11:10 in the King James Version says “These are the generations of Shem: Shem was an hundred years old, and begat Arphaxad two years after the flood:” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“These are the generations of Shem: Shem was an hundred years old, and begat Arphaxad two years after the flood:”

Genesis 11:10 · KJV

Context

8

So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.

9

Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth. Babel: that is, Confusion

10

These are the generations of Shem: Shem was an hundred years old, and begat Arphaxad two years after the flood:

11

And Shem lived after he begat Arphaxad five hundred years, and begat sons and daughters.

12

And Arphaxad lived five and thirty years, and begat Salah:

Read Genesis 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
These are the generations of Shem: Shem was an hundred years old, and begat Arphaxad two years after... 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 specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
אֵ֚לֶּה1 of 13
H428

these or those

תּֽוֹלְדֹ֣ת2 of 13

“These are the generations”

H8435

(plural only) descent, i.e., family; (figuratively) history

שֵׁ֚ם3 of 13

“Shem”

H8035

shem, a son of noah (often including his posterity)

שֵׁ֚ם4 of 13

“Shem”

H8035

shem, a son of noah (often including his posterity)

בֶּן5 of 13

“old”

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

מְאַ֣ת6 of 13

“was an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

שְׁנָתַ֖יִם7 of 13

“two years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וַיּ֖וֹלֶד8 of 13

“and begat”

H3205

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

אֶת9 of 13
H853

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

אַרְפַּכְשָׁ֑ד10 of 13

“Arphaxad”

H775

arpakshad, a son of noah; also the region settled by him

שְׁנָתַ֖יִם11 of 13

“two years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

אַחַ֥ר12 of 13

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

הַמַּבּֽוּל׃13 of 13

“the flood”

H3999

a deluge

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 11:10 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 11:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 1:17-27Luke 3:34-36Genesis 10:21-22Genesis 11:27

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Genesis 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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