Genesis 10:25 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Eber had two sons, Peleg and Joktan, with Peleg's name marking a significant division among the earth's peoples.
The Context of Genesis 10:25
Eber's two sons, with Peleg's name marking a key historical division.
What Does Genesis 10:25 Mean?
Eber had two sons whose names carry historical and theological significance. Peleg's name means 'divided,' and the text associates this name with a time when 'the earth divided.' This division likely refers to the dispersal of peoples and the development of separate languages and nations—perhaps connected to the Tower of Babel account that follows. Peleg becomes the ancestor of the line leading to Abraham, while Joktan's descendants established themselves in Arabia.
The naming of Peleg based on a significant historical event shows how biblical names often reflected important moments in history. The division of humanity into separate language groups and nations was so significant that it became memorialized in Peleg's name. This emphasizes the importance of the post-flood human diversification.
Genesis 10:25 in the Original Language
Peleg (פֶּלֶג), 'division' — the name encodes the historical event of human dispersal and language diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 10:25
What does Genesis 10:25 mean?
Eber had two sons, Peleg and Joktan, with Peleg's name marking a significant division among the earth's peoples.
What is the context of Genesis 10:25?
Eber's two sons, with Peleg's name marking a key historical division.