Genesis 10:21

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּלְשֵׁ֥ם

H8035

Unto Shem

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

יֻלַּ֖ד

H3205

even to him were children born

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

גַּם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

ה֑וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

אֲבִי֙

also the father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בְּנֵי

H1121

of all the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עֵ֔בֶר

H5677

of Eber

eber, the name of two patriarchs and four israelites

אֲחִ֖י

H251

the brother

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

#10

יֶ֥פֶת

H3315

of Japheth

jepheth, a son of noah; also his posterity

#11

הַגָּדֽוֹל׃

H1419

the elder

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 10 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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