This verse, Genesis 11:19, is part of a genealogical record in the Bible, specifically detailing the lineage from Noah's son Shem down to Abraham. Let's break it down:
"Peleg lived two hundred nine years after he became the father of Reu..." This tells us two things:
Peleg lived for 209 years after the birth of his son Reu. This means it was a specific period in Peleg's overall lifespan.
It highlights a specific event in Peleg's life – the birth of his son Reu – and then counts forward from that point.
"...and became the father of more sons and daughters." This signifies that Reu was not Peleg's only child. He had other children born throughout his life.
In essence, the verse is simply stating a fact within a family tree:
Peleg fathered Reu.
After Reu's birth, Peleg lived for 209 more years.
During those 209 years, Peleg fathered additional children (both sons and daughters).
Significance within the context of Genesis 11:
Genealogy: The primary purpose of this verse, and the chapter as a whole, is to establish a line of descent. These are the "begats" that trace the lineage from Noah's family to Abraham, who is a pivotal figure in the Old Testament.
Chronology: The numbers, while seemingly simple, are intended to provide a timeline (though its literal accuracy is often debated).
Family continuity: The mention of "more sons and daughters" emphasizes the continuation of the family line and the fulfillment of God's command to be fruitful and multiply.
Important Considerations:
Literal vs. Symbolic Interpretations: The ages given in Genesis are often subject to debate. Some interpret them literally, while others see them as symbolic representations of a different kind of chronology or as representing dynasties or eras.
Cultural Context: Understanding the importance of genealogy in ancient Near Eastern cultures is helpful. Lineage was vital for establishing identity, land rights, and social standing.
In conclusion, Genesis 11:19 is a simple statement of fact within a larger genealogical narrative. It provides a specific detail about Peleg's life and highlights the continuation of his family line.
This verse, Genesis 11:19, is part of a genealogical record in the Bible, specifically detailing the lineage from Noah's son Shem down to Abraham. Let's break it down:
"Peleg lived two hundred nine years after he became the father of Reu..." This tells us two things:
Peleg lived for 209 years after the birth of his son Reu. This means it was a specific period in Peleg's overall lifespan.
It highlights a specific event in Peleg's life – the birth of his son Reu – and then counts forward from that point.
"...and became the father of more sons and daughters." This signifies that Reu was not Peleg's only child. He had other children born throughout his life.
In essence, the verse is simply stating a fact within a family tree:
Peleg fathered Reu.
After Reu's birth, Peleg lived for 209 more years.
During those 209 years, Peleg fathered additional children (both sons and daughters).
Significance within the context of Genesis 11:
Genealogy: The primary purpose of this verse, and the chapter as a whole, is to establish a line of descent. These are the "begats" that trace the lineage from Noah's family to Abraham, who is a pivotal figure in the Old Testament.
Chronology: The numbers, while seemingly simple, are intended to provide a timeline (though its literal accuracy is often debated).
Family continuity: The mention of "more sons and daughters" emphasizes the continuation of the family line and the fulfillment of God's command to be fruitful and multiply.
Important Considerations:
Literal vs. Symbolic Interpretations: The ages given in Genesis are often subject to debate. Some interpret them literally, while others see them as symbolic representations of a different kind of chronology or as representing dynasties or eras.
Cultural Context: Understanding the importance of genealogy in ancient Near Eastern cultures is helpful. Lineage was vital for establishing identity, land rights, and social standing.
In conclusion, Genesis 11:19 is a simple statement of fact within a larger genealogical narrative. It provides a specific detail about Peleg's life and highlights the continuation of his family line.