New International VersionTwo sons were born to Eber: One was named Peleg, because in his time the earth was divided; his brother was named Joktan.
New Living TranslationEber had two sons. The first was named Peleg (which means “division”), for during his lifetime the people of the world were divided into different language groups. His brother’s name was Joktan.
English Standard VersionTo 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.
Berean Standard BibleTwo sons were born to Eber: One was named Peleg, because in his days the earth was divided, and his brother was named Joktan.
King James BibleAnd 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.
New King James VersionTo Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided; and his brother’s name was Joktan.
New American Standard BibleTwo sons were born to Eber; the name of the one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided; and his brother’s name was Joktan.
NASB 1995Two sons were born to Eber; the name of the one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided; and his brother’s name was Joktan.
NASB 1977And two sons were born to Eber; the name of the one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided; and his brother’s name was Joktan.
Legacy Standard BibleNow two sons were born to Eber; the name of the one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided; and his brother’s name was Joktan.
Amplified BibleTwo sons were born to Eber; the name of one was Peleg (division), for [the inhabitants of] the earth were divided in his days; and his brother’s name was Joktan.
Christian Standard BibleEber had two sons. One was named Peleg, for during his days the earth was divided; his brother was named Joktan.
Holman Christian Standard BibleEber had two sons. One was named Peleg, for during his days the earth was divided; his brother was named Joktan.
American Standard VersionAnd 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.
English Revised VersionAnd 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.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationTwo sons were born to Eber. The name of the one was Peleg [Division], because in his day the earth was divided. His brother's name was Joktan.
Good News TranslationEber had two sons: one was named Peleg, because during his time the people of the world were divided; and the other was named Joktan.
International Standard VersionTo Eber were born two sons. One was named Peleg, because the earth was divided during his lifetime. His brother was named Joktan.
NET BibleTwo sons were born to Eber: One was named Peleg because in his days the earth was divided, and his brother's name was Joktan.
New Heart English BibleTo Eber were born two sons. The name of the one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided. His brother’s name was Joktan.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd to 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleTwo sons were born to Eber: One was named Peleg, because in his days the earth was divided, and his brother was named Joktan.
World English BibleTo Eber were born two sons. The name of the one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided. His brother’s name was Joktan. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd two sons have been born to Eber; the name of the first [is] Peleg (for in his days the earth has been divided), and his brother’s name [is] Joktan.
Young's Literal Translation And to Eber have two sons been born; the name of the one is Peleg (for in his days hath the earth been divided,) and his brother's name is Joktan.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd to Eber shall be born two sons: the name of the latter, Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided; and the name of his brother, Joktan. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd to Heber were born two sons: the name of the one was Phaleg, because in his days the earth was divided: and his brother's name Jectan.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd to Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg, for in his days the earth became divided, and his brother’s name was Joktan.
New American BibleTo Eber two sons were born: the name of the first was Peleg, for in his time the world was divided; and the name of his brother was Joktan.
New Revised Standard VersionTo 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. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd to 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.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd to Abar were born two sons: the name of one, Palag, because in his days the Earth was divided, and the name of his brother, Yaqtan. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And 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.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd to Heber were born two sons, the name of the one, Phaleg, because in his days the earth was divided, and the name of his brother Jektan.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Semites… 24Arphaxad was the father of Shelah, and Shelah was the father of Eber. 25Twosonswere bornto Eber:Onewas namedPeleg,becausein his daysthe earthwas divided,and his brotherwas namedJoktan.26And Joktan was the father of Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah,…
Cross References 1 Chronicles 1:19Two sons were born to Eber: One was named Peleg, because in his days the earth was divided, and his brother was named Joktan.
Luke 3:35-36the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, / the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech,
1 Chronicles 1:1-4Adam, Seth, Enosh, / Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared, / Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, Noah. ...
Genesis 11:16-19When Eber was 34 years old, he became the father of Peleg. / And after he had become the father of Peleg, Eber lived 430 years and had other sons and daughters. / When Peleg was 30 years old, he became the father of Reu. ...
Genesis 11:1-9Now the whole world had one language and a common form of speech. / And as people journeyed eastward, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. / And they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” So they used brick instead of stone, and tar instead of mortar. ...
Matthew 1:1-2This is the record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham: / Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers.
Genesis 9:19These three were the sons of Noah, and from them the whole earth was populated.
Genesis 11:10-11This is the account of Shem. Two years after the flood, when Shem was 100 years old, he became the father of Arphaxad. / And after he had become the father of Arphaxad, Shem lived 500 years and had other sons and daughters.
Genesis 5:32After Noah was 500 years old, he became the father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
Genesis 11:12-13When Arphaxad was 35 years old, he became the father of Shelah. / And after he had become the father of Shelah, Arphaxad lived 403 years and had other sons and daughters.
Genesis 11:14-15When Shelah was 30 years old, he became the father of Eber. / And after he had become the father of Eber, Shelah lived 403 years and had other sons and daughters.
Genesis 11:20-21When Reu was 32 years old, he became the father of Serug. / And after he had become the father of Serug, Reu lived 207 years and had other sons and daughters.
Genesis 11:22-23When Serug was 30 years old, he became the father of Nahor. / And after he had become the father of Nahor, Serug lived 200 years and had other sons and daughters.
Genesis 11:24-25When Nahor was 29 years old, he became the father of Terah. / And after he had become the father of Terah, Nahor lived 119 years and had other sons and daughters.
Genesis 11:26-27When Terah was 70 years old, he became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran. / This is the account of Terah. Terah became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran. And Haran became the father of Lot.
Treasury of Scripture And to 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. A. Genesis 10:21 Unto Shem also, the father of all the children of Eber, the brother of Japheth the elder, even to him werechildren born. 1 Chronicles 1:19 And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of the onewas Peleg; because in his days the earth was divided: and his brother's namewas Joktan. the name. Genesis 11:16-19 And Eber lived four and thirty years, and begat Peleg: … Luke 3:35,36 Which wasthe son of Saruch, which wasthe son of Ragau, which wasthe son of Phalec, which wasthe son of Heber, which wasthe son of Sala, … Peleg. Genesis 10:32 Theseare the families of the sons of Noah, after their generations, in their nations: and by these were the nations divided in the earth after the flood. Deuteronomy 32:8 When the most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel. Acts 17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; Jump to Previous BornBrother'sDividedEarthEberJoktanPelegPeoplesSeparateTimeJump to Next BornBrother'sDividedEarthEberJoktanPelegPeoplesSeparateTimeGenesis 10 1.The generations of Noah.2.Japheth.6.Ham.8.Nimrod becomes the first monarch; the descendants of Canaan.21.The sons of Shem.Two sons were born to Eber:Eber is a significant figure in biblical genealogy, as he is considered the ancestor of the Hebrews. The name "Eber" is associated with the term "Hebrew," which is used to describe the descendants of Abraham. Eber's lineage is traced back to Shem, one of Noah's sons, emphasizing the continuity of God's promise through the generations. One was named Peleg:
The name "Peleg" means "division" in Hebrew. This name is significant because it marks a pivotal moment in biblical history. Peleg is an ancestor of Abraham, and his lineage is crucial in the unfolding of God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants. The naming of Peleg is a reminder of the importance of names in the Bible, often reflecting significant events or characteristics. because in his days the earth was divided:
This phrase is often interpreted as referring to the division of the peoples and languages at the Tower of Babel, as described inGenesis 11. The division of the earth could also imply a geographical or political separation. This event is a key moment in biblical history, illustrating God's intervention in human affairs and the scattering of nations. It sets the stage for the development of distinct cultures and languages, which plays a crucial role in the narrative of the Old Testament. and his brother was named Joktan:
Joktan is the ancestor of several Arabian tribes, as listed in the following verses. His descendants are associated with the regions in the southern Arabian Peninsula. The mention of Joktan highlights the spread of humanity and the establishment of various nations and peoples. This genealogical detail underscores the diversity of human cultures and the fulfillment of God's command to "fill the earth" (Genesis 9:1). Joktan's lineage is distinct from Peleg's, emphasizing the branching out of human families and the complexity of God's creation. Persons / Places / Events 1. EberA descendant of Shem, Eber is an important figure as he is considered the ancestor of the Hebrews. His lineage is significant in the biblical account, linking to the Semitic peoples. 2. PelegThe son of Eber, Peleg's name means "division" in Hebrew. His time is marked by a significant event where "the earth was divided," which has been interpreted in various ways, including the division of languages at Babel. 3. JoktanThe brother of Peleg, Joktan is also a son of Eber. He is the ancestor of several tribes in the Arabian Peninsula, as listed in the genealogies that follow. 4. The Division of the EarthThis event is a key point in Genesis, often associated with the Tower of Babel incident, where God confused the languages of humanity, leading to the scattering of people across the earth. Teaching Points Understanding God's SovereigntyThe division of the earth during Peleg's time reminds us of God's control over human history. Despite human plans, God's purposes prevail. The Importance of GenealogyThe genealogies in Genesis highlight the continuity of God's plan through specific lineages, pointing to the coming of Christ. Unity and DivisionWhile division occurred in Peleg's time, the New Testament calls believers to unity in Christ, transcending language and cultural barriers. The Significance of NamesIn the Bible, names often carry prophetic or significant meanings. Peleg's name reflects a pivotal moment in history, reminding us of the power of God's word. Trust in God's PlanEven in times of division or confusion, believers are called to trust in God's overarching plan for humanity. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Genesis 10:25?
2.How does Genesis 10:25 illustrate God's sovereignty over the division of nations?
3.What significance does the name "Peleg" have in understanding God's plan for humanity?
4.How can Genesis 10:25 deepen our understanding of God's timing in history?
5.Connect Genesis 10:25 with Acts 17:26 on God's role in setting boundaries.
6.How can we apply the lesson of God's control in Genesis 10:25 today?
7.What does Genesis 10:25 mean by "the earth was divided" during Peleg's time?
8.How does Genesis 10:25 relate to the Tower of Babel event?
9.Is there archaeological evidence supporting the division mentioned in Genesis 10:25?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 10?
11.How can Genesis 10:25 claim “the earth was divided” in Peleg’s time when geological records indicate continental drift happened millions of years earlier?
12.What does "Earth divided in Peleg's days" mean?
13.In 1 Chronicles 1:19, does the mention of “division” in Peleg’s time imply a global geological event that contradicts modern science?
14.Why do linguistic studies contradict the Tower of Babel story?What Does Genesis 10:25 Mean Two sons were born to EberEber stands out in the post-Flood genealogy as the forefather of the people later called Hebrews (Genesis 10:21; 11:14–17;Luke 3:35). • His line links Noah’s son Shem to Abraham, underscoring God’s preservation of a chosen lineage despite a world still reeling from judgment. • By recording that Eber had “two sons,” Scripture reminds us that God works out His redemptive plan through real families and actual historical events (Romans 15:4).
One was named PelegPeleg becomes the focal point because something world-changing happened while he lived. • Through Peleg, the Messianic line moves forward—Peleg → Reu → Serug → Nahor → Terah → Abraham (Genesis 11:16–26). •Luke 3:35 lists Peleg directly in Jesus’ ancestry, showing how this brief note in Genesis ties into the broader salvation story.
Because in his days the earth was dividedThe phrase anchors a literal event. •Genesis 11:1–9 records humanity’s unified rebellion at Babel and God’s response—confusing language and scattering nations. That dispersion best fits Moses’ comment that “the earth was divided.” •Deuteronomy 32:8 andActs 17:26 echo this: God Himself sets national boundaries and times. • Some also see a possible geological separation after the Flood, yet the Babel division of peoples remains the plain, immediate context. Whichever secondary view one adopts, the verse affirms God’s direct intervention in human affairs.
And his brother was named JoktanScripture balances the spotlight on Peleg with a brief nod to Joktan, whose numerous sons settled the Arabian region (Genesis 10:26–30). • This shows that while God chose Peleg’s branch for the Messianic promise, He still tracks every nation’s origin. •1 Chronicles 1:19 repeats the note, reinforcing that Joktan’s line, though not central to redemptive history, is still known and valued by God.
summaryGenesis 10:25 captures a pivotal hinge in history: from Eber come two sons, and during Peleg’s lifetime God divides the nations, steering humanity toward His purposes and setting the stage for Abraham and, ultimately, Christ. The verse reminds us that family lines, historical events, and divine sovereignty intertwine seamlessly in the unfolding plan of redemption. (25) Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided.--This may refer to the breaking up of the race of Shem into separate nations, which severally occupied a distinct region; and so, while Joktan took Arabia, and in course of time expelled the Hamites from that country, Asshur, Aram, and Peleg occupied the regions on the north and north-west. But as Peleg, according to the Toldoth Shem,was born only 101 years after the flood, Noah's family could scarcely have multiplied in so short a time to as many as 500 people; and Mr. Cyril Graham considers that the name refers to "the first cutting of some of those canals which are found in such numbers between the Tigris and the Euphrates." This is made more probable by the fact that Peleg in Hebrew means water-course.Verse 25. - And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg. " Division," from palg, to divide; cf. πέλαγος and pelagus, a division of the sea. For in his days was the earth divided. At the confusion of tongues (Bochart, Rosenmüller, Keil, Lange, Murphy); at an earlier separation of the earth's population (Delitzsch), of which there is no record or trace. And his brother's name was Joktan. Father of the Arabians, by whom he is called Kachtan.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew And twoשְׁנֵ֣י(šə·nê)Number - mdc
Strong's 8147:Two (a cardinal number)sonsבָנִ֑ים(ḇā·nîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1121:A sonwere bornיֻלַּ֖ד(yul·laḏ)Verb - QalPass - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3205:To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineageto Eber:וּלְעֵ֥בֶר(ū·lə·‘ê·ḇer)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5677:Eber -- 'region beyond', a descendant of Shem, also the name of several IsraelitesOneהָֽאֶחָ֞ד(hā·’e·ḥāḏ)Article | Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259:United, one, firstwas namedשֵׁ֣ם(šêm)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8034:A namePeleg,פֶּ֗לֶג(pe·leḡ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6389:Peleg -- a son of Eberbecauseכִּ֤י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionin his daysבְיָמָיו֙(ḇə·yā·māw)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A daythe earthהָאָ֔רֶץ(hā·’ā·reṣ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, landwas divided,נִפְלְגָ֣ה(nip̄·lə·ḡāh)Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 6385:To split, divideand his brotherאָחִ֖יו(’ā·ḥîw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 251:A brother, )was namedוְשֵׁ֥ם(wə·šêm)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8034:A nameJoktan.יָקְטָֽן׃(yā·qə·ṭān)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3355:Joktan -- a descendant of Shem and ancestor of several Arabian tribes
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OT Law: Genesis 10:25 To Eber were born two sons (Gen. Ge Gn) |
