Genesis 11:18 - Peleg lived thirty years, and became the father of Reu.

Generated Verse: Genesis 11:18

What does "Genesis 11:18" mean?


This verse is part of the genealogical list in Genesis 11 that traces the lineage from Shem, one of Noah's sons, to Abraham. Let's break down what it means:

"Peleg lived thirty years..." This indicates the lifespan of Peleg up to the point when he fathered his son.

"...and became the father of Reu." This means that at the age of thirty, Peleg had a son, whom he named Reu. This is a statement about paternity and the continuation of the ancestral line.

In the context of Genesis 11, this verse serves the following purposes:

1. Genealogical Record: It establishes a specific link in the lineage, showing who begat whom and at what age.

2. Chronological Framework: Along with the other verses in Genesis 11, it provides a chronological framework that connects the time of Noah's flood to the later period of Abraham. However, the exact interpretation of these numbers and their representation of real time is debated among scholars.

3. Population Growth: The mention of the fathering of children is important for the continuation of the human race after the flood.

4. Historical Narrative: Although often read as a purely genealogical list, Genesis 11 is part of a larger historical narrative aimed at explaining the origins and dispersal of peoples after the flood.

Important Considerations and Interpretations:

Exact Age: Some interpret the ages given in Genesis as literal, while others believe they are symbolic or representative of a longer period.
Purpose of Genealogy: The genealogy serves more than just a historical record. It also has theological significance, connecting Abraham (a key figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) to earlier figures in salvation history.

In short, the verse simply states that Peleg was 30 years old when his son, Reu, was born. It's a small but essential piece of the genealogical structure of Genesis 11.

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