Genesis 10:21 - Children were also born to Shem, the father of all the children of Eber, the elder brother of Japheth.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Genesis 10:21" mean?
This verse in Genesis 10:21 is a crucial link in the "Table of Nations," which attempts to trace the origins of all the peoples of the world from Noah's three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Let's break down what it means:
"Children were also born to Shem..." This is stating that Shem, one of Noah's sons, had descendants. The entire chapter is dedicated to listing the descendants of each of Noah's sons, showing how the nations of the world spread and diversified.
"...the father of all the children of Eber..." This is the most important part of the verse. It highlights Shem's special connection to Eber. Eber is a significant figure because he is considered an ancestor of the Hebrews and, ultimately, the nation of Israel. By saying Shem is the "father" of all the children of Eber, it's emphasizing that the line leading to the chosen people comes through Shem. This highlights the importance of Shem's lineage. It also hints at a future covenant and blessing that will flow through this line.
"...the elder brother of Japheth." This simply clarifies Shem's position in the sibling order. While it might seem like a minor detail, it's consistent with the pattern in Genesis of often (but not always) giving prominence or blessing to the elder son. It confirms that Shem was older than Japheth, although the focus is not really on this relationship, rather it is on Shem's relation to the line of Eber.
It also indirectly asserts Shem as superior to Japheth.
In summary, the verse:
Confirms Shem had descendants.
Emphasizes Shem's critical role as the ancestor of Eber, and therefore of the Hebrews/Israelites. This is the main point.
Notes his position as the elder brother of Japheth.
Links the origin of specific nations and people groups to Shem.
Significance:
This verse is significant because it sets the stage for the later narratives of the Bible, which focus heavily on the descendants of Shem, particularly through the line of Eber. It establishes a historical and genealogical context for the emergence of the Hebrew people and their relationship to the rest of humanity.
It signifies that Eber and his children were descendants of Shem. It gives Shem credit for his family's heritage.
In theological terms, it suggests a divine plan in which a specific lineage (through Shem and Eber) is chosen for a special purpose (the eventual emergence of Israel and the Messianic line).
Genesis 10:21 - Children were also born to Shem, the father of all the children of Eber, the elder brother of Japheth.
What does "Genesis 10:21" mean?
This verse in Genesis 10:21 is a crucial link in the "Table of Nations," which attempts to trace the origins of all the peoples of the world from Noah's three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Let's break down what it means:
"Children were also born to Shem..." This is stating that Shem, one of Noah's sons, had descendants. The entire chapter is dedicated to listing the descendants of each of Noah's sons, showing how the nations of the world spread and diversified.
"...the father of all the children of Eber..." This is the most important part of the verse. It highlights Shem's special connection to Eber. Eber is a significant figure because he is considered an ancestor of the Hebrews and, ultimately, the nation of Israel. By saying Shem is the "father" of all the children of Eber, it's emphasizing that the line leading to the chosen people comes through Shem. This highlights the importance of Shem's lineage. It also hints at a future covenant and blessing that will flow through this line.
"...the elder brother of Japheth." This simply clarifies Shem's position in the sibling order. While it might seem like a minor detail, it's consistent with the pattern in Genesis of often (but not always) giving prominence or blessing to the elder son. It confirms that Shem was older than Japheth, although the focus is not really on this relationship, rather it is on Shem's relation to the line of Eber.
It also indirectly asserts Shem as superior to Japheth.
In summary, the verse:
Confirms Shem had descendants.
Emphasizes Shem's critical role as the ancestor of Eber, and therefore of the Hebrews/Israelites. This is the main point.
Notes his position as the elder brother of Japheth.
Links the origin of specific nations and people groups to Shem.
Significance:
This verse is significant because it sets the stage for the later narratives of the Bible, which focus heavily on the descendants of Shem, particularly through the line of Eber. It establishes a historical and genealogical context for the emergence of the Hebrew people and their relationship to the rest of humanity.
It signifies that Eber and his children were descendants of Shem. It gives Shem credit for his family's heritage.
In theological terms, it suggests a divine plan in which a specific lineage (through Shem and Eber) is chosen for a special purpose (the eventual emergence of Israel and the Messianic line).