Genesis 10:4

Authorized King James Version

And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבְנֵ֥י
And 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
יָוָ֖ן
of 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
#3
אֱלִישָׁ֣ה
Elishah
elishah, a son of javan
#4
וְתַרְשִׁ֑ישׁ
and Tarshish
tarshish, a place on the mediterranean, hence, the ephithet of a merchant vessel (as if for or from that port); also the name of a persian and of an i
#5
כִּתִּ֖ים
Kittim
a kittite or cypriote; hence, an islander in general, i.e., the greeks or romans on the shores opposite palestine
#6
וְדֹֽדָנִֽים׃
and Dodanim
dodanites, or descendants of a son of javan

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

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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