← Back to Genesis

Genesis 10

32 verses

TL;DR

Genesis 10 lists the descendants of Noah’s three sons, tracing the origins of the nations that settled the earth after the Flood.

Summary

The chapter opens by enumerating the sons of Japheth—Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras—and their descendants, who spread to the islands and lands by language and family. It then lists the offspring of Ham, including Cush, Mizraim, Phut, and Canaan, and notes the rise of Nimrod, a mighty hunter whose kingdom began in Shinar and who founded notable cities such as Babel and Nineveh. The section on Canaanite tribes details the spread of various peoples across the land of Canaan, with geographic boundaries described. Finally, the genealogy of Shem is given, from Elam through Arphaxad, Eber, and Joktan, ending with a broad statement that these descendants, by family and tongue, formed the nations of the earth after the Flood. The passage serves as a foundational “Table of Nations” linking biblical figures to later peoples and kingdoms.

Outline
  1. Genealogies of Japheth’s descendants and their dispersion.
  2. Genealogies of Ham’s descendants, the rise of Nimrod, and the founding of major Mesopotamian cities.
  3. Genealogies of Shem’s descendants, culminating in the spread of Israelite and neighboring peoples.
Themes
Post‑flood genealogy and the origin of nations.Dividing the earth by language, family, and territory.The emergence of political centers and leaders such as Nimrod.
Keywords
Table of NationsNoahShemHamJaphethNimrodMighty hunterCushCanaanArphaxadEberPelegJoktan
People
NoahShemHamJaphethGomerMagogMadaiJavanTubalMeshechTirasAshkenazRiphathTogarmahElishahTarshishKittimDodanimCushMizraimPhutCanaanSebaHavilahSabtahRaamahSabtechahShebaDedanNimrodAsshurElamArphaxadEberPelegJoktanAlmodadShelephHazarmavethJerahHadoramUzalDiklahObalAbimaelShebaOphirHavilahJobab
Places
BabelErechAccadCalnehShinarAsshurNinevehRehobothCalahResenSidonGerarGazaSodomGomorrahAdmahZeboimLashaElam
Things
Table of NationsNimrod as a mighty hunterThe earth divided (Peleg)Mighty one in the earth
Key Verses
  • Genesis 10:8: Introduces Nimrod, a pivotal figure whose actions and kingdom set the stage for later historical developments.
  • Genesis 10:9: Describes Nimrod as a mighty hunter, highlighting his prominence and the cultural memory of his deeds.
  • Genesis 10:20: Maps the geographic spread of the Canaanite peoples, providing a spatial context for the nations mentioned throughout Scripture.
Questions
  • How does the genealogical framework in Genesis 10 influence the portrayal of later biblical nations?
  • What does the title ‘mighty hunter before the LORD’ reveal about the perception of Nimrod’s character?
  • In what ways does Genesis 10 serve as a bridge between the Flood narrative and the historical realities of Israel’s neighbors?
Sentiment

neutral
The chapter is primarily a factual genealogy and geographic listing, presenting information without overt emotional tone.