Genesis 10:31 - These are the sons of Shem, by their families, according to their languages, lands, and nations.
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What does "Genesis 10:31" mean?
Genesis 10:31 is a summary statement that concludes the section describing the descendants of Shem, one of Noah's three sons (the others being Ham and Japheth). It means:
"These are the sons of Shem...": This refers back to the genealogical list that has been presented in the preceding verses (specifically verses 21-30). It's saying, "The people mentioned from verses 21 to 30 are the descendants of Shem."
"...by their families...": This emphasizes that the descendants of Shem were organized into family units or clans. Each name in the list likely represents the founder of a specific family group.
"...according to their languages...": This suggests that the various family groups descended from Shem spoke different languages. This is the biblical explanation for the diversity of languages in the ancient world, associating language origins with these ancestral figures.
"...lands...": The descendants of Shem settled in specific geographic regions or territories. The implication is that each family group had its own territory or sphere of influence.
"...and nations.": Over time, these family groups grew in size and developed into distinct nations or peoples with their own cultures, identities, and political structures.
In summary, this verse is a concluding statement highlighting that the descendants of Shem diversified into various families, speaking different languages, and settling in different lands, eventually forming distinct nations. This is the biblical account's explanation for the origins and diversification of Semitic peoples and their languages.
Genesis 10:31 - These are the sons of Shem, by their families, according to their languages, lands, and nations.
What does "Genesis 10:31" mean?
Genesis 10:31 is a summary statement that concludes the section describing the descendants of Shem, one of Noah's three sons (the others being Ham and Japheth). It means:
"These are the sons of Shem...": This refers back to the genealogical list that has been presented in the preceding verses (specifically verses 21-30). It's saying, "The people mentioned from verses 21 to 30 are the descendants of Shem."
"...by their families...": This emphasizes that the descendants of Shem were organized into family units or clans. Each name in the list likely represents the founder of a specific family group.
"...according to their languages...": This suggests that the various family groups descended from Shem spoke different languages. This is the biblical explanation for the diversity of languages in the ancient world, associating language origins with these ancestral figures.
"...lands...": The descendants of Shem settled in specific geographic regions or territories. The implication is that each family group had its own territory or sphere of influence.
"...and nations.": Over time, these family groups grew in size and developed into distinct nations or peoples with their own cultures, identities, and political structures.
In summary, this verse is a concluding statement highlighting that the descendants of Shem diversified into various families, speaking different languages, and settling in different lands, eventually forming distinct nations. This is the biblical account's explanation for the origins and diversification of Semitic peoples and their languages.