Devine Scripture

Genesis 10:25

What does Genesis 10:25 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 10:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 10:25 means

This verse records the birth of two sons to Eber: Peleg, whose name means "division," "for in his days was the earth divided," and Joktan. The mention of the earth being "divided" during Peleg's time is a crucial and often debated phrase, interpreted by some as referring to the division of languages at Babel or a geographical division of land. This verse marks a significant point in the early history of nations, indicating a major event that altered human unity and geographical distribution. The birth of these two sons continues the lineage that leads to Abraham.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Eber had two sons: the name of the one was Peleg, because in his time the peoples of the earth became separate; and his brother's name was Joktan.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And to Eber have two sons been born; the name of the one <FI>is<Fi> Peleg (for in his days hath the earth been divided,) and his brother's name <FI>is<Fi> Joktan.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And to Heber were born two sons: the name of the one was Phaleg, because in his days was the earth divided: and his brother's name Jectan.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And to 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.

Context

This verse is a highly significant point in Shem's lineage through Eber, specifically highlighting the birth of Peleg and the associated division of the earth. This statement interrupts the typical genealogical flow to draw attention to a critical historical event. It prepares the reader for the further branches of Eber's family, particularly through Joktan, who will be detailed next.

v.24And Arpachshad begat Shelah; and Shelah begat Eber.

v.25This passage

v.26And Joktan begat Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah,

Cross references

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

  • 1 Chronicles 1:19

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

  • Genesis 10:32

    These are the families of the sons of Noah, after their generations, in their nations: and of these were the nations divided in the earth after the flood.

  • Genesis 10:21

    And unto Shem, the father of all the children of Eber, the elder brother of Japheth, to him also were children born.

  • Deuteronomy 32:8

    When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance, When he separated the children of men, He set the bounds of the peoples According to the number of the children of Israel.

  • Luke 3:35

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

  • Genesis 11:16

    And Eber lived four and thirty years, and begat Peleg:

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