Genesis 10:31
Genesis 10:31 in Multiple Translations
These are the sons of Shem, according to their clans, languages, lands, and nations.
These are the sons of Shem, after their families, after their tongues, in their lands, after their nations.
These are the sons of Shem, after their families, after their tongues, in their lands, after their nations.
These, with their families and their languages and their lands and their nations, are the offspring of Shem.
These were the sons of Shem, according to their tribes, languages, lands, and nations.
These are the sonnes of Shem according to their families, according to their tongues, in their countreis and nations.
These [are] sons of Shem, by their families, by their tongues, in their lands, by their nations.
These are the sons of Shem, by their families, according to their languages, lands, and nations.
These are the sons of Shem, after their families, after their tongues, in their lands, after their nations.
These are the children of Sem according to their kindreds and tongues, and countries in their nations.
They are descendants of Shem. They became groups that had their own clans, their own languages, and their own land.
They were all the tribes and nations that were from Shem’s family. Each tribe had their own country, and their own language.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 10:31
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 10:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֵ֣לֶּה
בְנֵי
שֵׁ֔ם
לְ/מִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖/ם
לִ/לְשֹׁנֹתָ֑/ם
בְּ/אַרְצֹתָ֖/ם
לְ/גוֹיֵ/הֶֽם
אֵ֣לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Pron
בְנֵי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
שֵׁ֔ם
Shêm
H8035
Shem
N-proper
לְ/מִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖/ם
mishpâchâh
H4940
family
Prep | N-fp | Suff
לִ/לְשֹׁנֹתָ֑/ם
lâshôwn
H3956
tongue
Prep | N-cp | Suff
בְּ/אַרְצֹתָ֖/ם
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cp | Suff
לְ/גוֹיֵ/הֶֽם
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
Prep | N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 10:31
אֵ֣לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
בְנֵי
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
שֵׁ֔ם
Shêm
H8035
"Shem"
N-proper
Shem was Noah's eldest son, mentioned in Genesis 5:32, and the ancestor of many Semitic tribes. He had several sons, including Asshur and Aram, and is an important figure in biblical genealogy. Shem's story is part of the early history of humanity.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.5.32; son of: Noah (H5146); brother of: Ham (H2526) and Japheth (H3315); father of: Asshur (H0804H), Elam (H5867C), Arpachshad (H0775), Lud (H3865) and Aram (H0758) Also named: Sēm (Σήμ "Shem" G4590) § Shem = "name" the eldest son of Noah and progenitor of the Semitic tribes
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Sem, Shem. See also: Genesis 5:32; Genesis 10:21; 1 Chronicles 1:24.
לְ/מִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖/ם
mishpâchâh
H4940
"family"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
This word refers to a family or clan, and can also mean a tribe or nation, such as the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of family ties.
Definition: 1) clan, family 1a) clan 1a1) family 1a2) tribe 1a3) people, nation 1b) guild 1c) species, kind 1d) aristocrats
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: family, kind(-red). See also: Genesis 8:19; Numbers 26:41; Esther 9:28.
לִ/לְשֹׁנֹתָ֑/ם
lâshôwn
H3956
"tongue"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
The tongue, used for eating, speaking, or describing a language. In the Bible, it appears in many books, including Genesis 11:1 and Acts 2:4.
Definition: : tongue/words 1) tongue 1a) tongue (of men) 1a1) tongue (literal) 1a2) tongue (organ of speech) 1b) language 1c) tongue (of animals) 1d) tongue (of fire) 1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] babbler, bay, [phrase] evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge. See also: Genesis 10:5; Psalms 126:2; Psalms 5:10.
בְּ/אַרְצֹתָ֖/ם
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
לְ/גוֹיֵ/הֶֽם
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
Study Notes — Genesis 10:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Semites
29Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab. All these were sons of Joktan.
30Their territory extended from Mesha to Sephar, in the eastern hill country.
31These are the sons of Shem, according to their clans, languages, lands, and nations.
32All these are the clans of Noah’s sons, according to their generations and nations. From these the nations of the earth spread out after the flood.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 10:5 | From these, the maritime peoples separated into their territories, according to their languages, by clans within their nations. |
| 2 | Genesis 10:20 | These are the sons of Ham according to their clans, languages, lands, and nations. |
| 3 | Acts 17:26 | From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands. |
Genesis 10:31 Summary
[Genesis 10:31 is a verse that shows us God's love for all people and His desire to create a diverse world with many different cultures and languages. This is similar to what we see in Revelation 7:9, where people from every nation and language worship God together. The sons of Shem are listed here because they are the ancestors of the Hebrew people, and God's special promises are focused on this family line, as we see in Genesis 12:1-3. This reminds us that God is the One who creates and loves all people, regardless of their background or culture.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Genesis 10:31 mention the sons of Shem separately from the rest of the table of nations?
The Bible highlights the sons of Shem because they are the ancestors of the Hebrew people, and God's covenant promises are focused on this family line, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 17:1-8.
What does it mean that the sons of Shem are listed according to their clans, languages, lands, and nations?
This indicates that God is the One who ordains the diversity of human culture and geography, as stated in Acts 17:26, and that He is sovereign over all nations and peoples, as declared in Psalm 24:1.
How does Genesis 10:31 relate to the rest of the Bible's story?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of God's creation and redemption of humanity, pointing forward to the call of Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3 and the eventual coming of Jesus Christ to redeem all nations, as prophesied in Revelation 7:9-10.
Why is it important to understand the nations and families listed in Genesis 10?
Recognizing the diversity of human experience and culture, as described in Genesis 10, helps us appreciate God's love for all people and His desire to redeem every nation, tribe, and language, as expressed in Revelation 5:9-10.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for God to be the sovereign ruler over all nations and languages, and how should this truth shape my prayer life?
- In what ways can I reflect God's heart of love for all cultures and peoples in my own community and relationships?
- How does the diversity of human experience, as described in Genesis 10, point to the creativity and wisdom of our Creator God?
- What are some ways that I can participate in God's mission to redeem all nations, as described in the Bible, starting in my own neighborhood or city?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 10:31
These are the sons of Shem,.... His sons, and grandsons, and great grandsons, in all twenty six, no doubt but there were many more, but these are only mentioned; for none of the sons of Elam, Ashur,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 10:31
These are the sons of Shem, after their families, after their tongues, in their lands, after their nations. These are the sons of Shem.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 10:31
(26-31) Joktan.—“The little one,” as being a younger son. Of the thirteen divisions of his family, few are of any importance, though several of the names are curious from their connection with the Arabic language. The Joktanite country was Arabia Felix, or Yemen, and as the people led a pastoral life without founding cities, the traces of their tribal names are insignificant. Those worth noting are Almodad, because it has the full form of the article, retained as Al in Arabic, but shortened in Hebrew into Ha. Hazarmaveth, “the court of death,” so called because of the unhealthiness of its climate, is now Hadramaut. Abimael means “the father of Mael.” While in Hebrew and Syriac men took the name of their father, in Arabic they often take the name of a son, with Abu or Abi (“father of”) prefixed. Sheba, the region afterwards famous for its commerce and its wealth of spices and precious stones. A Sheba also occurs among the race of Ham (see Genesis 10:7). Opbir: the name, probably, at first of a district of Oman in Arabia, but afterwards given to some port in India or Ceylon, from some fancied similarity. Havilah: some commentators consider that this is the same district as that previously occupied by the Cushites (Genesis 10:7); others argue that the two Havilahs are distinct, and that this is the region called Chawlân, in Northern Yemen.
It is, however, certain that the Hamites possessed this country prior to its being occupied by the Joktanites.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 10:31
31. These are, &c.] Cf. Genesis 10:5; Genesis 10:20.
Sermons on Genesis 10:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(The Works of Faith) Learning to Be Content by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of embracing suffering and obedience on earth. They warn against avoiding suffering because it can hinder opportunities for sp |
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Evolution - Foundation for the Antichrist 1 by Kent Hovind | This sermon delves into the dangerous implications of evolution as a foundation for ideologies like racism, genocide, and totalitarianism. It explores how influential figures like |
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(Genesis) 20 - the Table of Nations; or the History of the Sons of Noah by S. Lewis Johnson | S. Lewis Johnson explores Genesis chapter 10, known as the Table of Nations, emphasizing its significance in understanding God's providence in history and the unity of mankind. He |
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Apostolic Foundations (1 of 12) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker contemplates the opportunity to address a group of worldly men with the wisdom of God. He describes the suffering and persecution faced by the apostles, |
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Answers for Modern Science Questions by Ken Ham | This sermon emphasizes the biblical perspective on race, explaining that all humans belong to one biological race but can be divided into two spiritual races based on their relatio |
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Apostolic Foundations (3 of 12) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of the gospel message and the imminent judgment of God. He challenges the idea that the gospel is simply a pleasant and soothing |
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Five Truths and Eight Confessions by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of believing and confessing God's promises, such as God's love, forgiveness, empowerment through the Holy Spirit, contentment, obedience to Hi |