Genesis 10:2

Authorized King James Version

The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּנֵ֣י
The sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#2
יֶ֔פֶת
of Japheth
jepheth, a son of noah; also his posterity
#3
גֹּ֣מֶר
Gomer
gomer, the name of a son of japheth and of his descendants; also of a hebrewess
#4
וּמָג֔וֹג
and Magog
magog, a son of japheth; also a barbarous northern region
#5
וּמָדַ֖י
and Madai
madai, a country of central asia
#6
וְיָוָ֣ן
and Javan
javan, the name of a son of joktan, and of the race (ionians, i.e., greeks) descended from him, with their territory; also of a place in arabia
#7
וְתֻבָ֑ל
and Tubal
tubal, a postdiluvian patriarch and his posterity
#8
וּמֶ֖שֶׁךְ
and Meshech
meshek, a son of japheth, and the people descended from him
#9
וְתִירָֽס׃
and Tiras
tiras, a son of japheth

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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