Genesis 10:25

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּלְעֵ֥בֶר
And unto Eber
eber, the name of two patriarchs and four israelites
#2
יֻלַּ֖ד
were born
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#3
שְׁנֵ֣י
two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#4
בָנִ֑ים
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
#5
וְשֵׁ֥ם
name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#6
הָֽאֶחָ֞ד
of one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#7
פֶּ֗לֶג
was Peleg
peleg, a son of shem
#8
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
בְיָמָיו֙
for in his days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#10
נִפְלְגָ֣ה
divided
to split (literally or figuratively)
#11
הָאָ֔רֶץ
was the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#12
וְשֵׁ֥ם
name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#13
אָחִ֖יו
and his brother's
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#14
יָקְטָֽן׃
was Joktan
joktan, an arabian patriarch

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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