Devine Scripture

Genesis 10:24

What does Genesis 10:24 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 10:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 10:24 means

This verse traces a critical line within Shem's descendants, stating that Arpachshad begat Shelah, and Shelah begat Eber. This sequence is vital because Eber is identified as the ancestor of the Hebrews (Genesis 10:21), making this a direct ancestral link to Abraham and the nation of Israel. This focused lineage highlights the particular importance of this branch of Shem's family, demonstrating the unfolding of God's chosen line from the post-Flood population.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Arpachshad begat Shelah; and Shelah begat Eber.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Arphaxad begat Salah; and Salah begat Eber.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Arpachshad begat Shelah; and Shelah begat Eber.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Arpachshad became the father of Shelah; and Shelah became the father of Eber.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Arphaxad hath begotten Salah, and Salah hath begotten Eber.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But Arphaxad begot Sale, of whom was born Heber.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

— And Arphaxad begot Shelah; and Shelah begot Eber.

Context

This verse returns to Arpachshad, one of Shem's sons, and continues this specific line, which is especially significant because it leads directly to Eber. This lineage is pivotal, differentiating it from the other Shemitic branches. This sets the immediate stage for the introduction of Peleg and Joktan, further refining the line that leads to Abraham.

v.23And the sons of Aram: Uz, and Hul, and Gether, and Mash.

v.24This passage

v.25And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided; and his brother’s name was Joktan.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 3:35

    the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah,

  • Genesis 11:12

    And Arpachshad lived five and thirty years, and begat Shelah:

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