Out of that land went forth Asshur, and builded Nineveh, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah,

GENESIS 10:11KJV
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Genesis 10:11 (KJV)

What does Genesis 10:11 mean?

Genesis 10:11 states that from a certain land, Asshur went out and built several important ancient cities: Nineveh, Rehoboth, and Calah. This verse is part of a genealogy describing the spread of peoples and the founding of major cities after the flood.

Genesis 10 is often called the “Table of Nations,” listing the descendants of Noah’s sons and the regions or cities they established. Genesis 10:11 specifically highlights Asshur (often associated with Assyria) as a founder of key cities in Mesopotamia, showing how different groups spread out and established new centers of civilization.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 10:11

  • אַשּׁוּר (Asshur): This name refers to the ancestor of the Assyrians and also to the region of Assyria. The verse connects the founding of these cities with the Assyrian people.
  • נִינְוֵה (Nineveh): Nineveh became the capital of the Assyrian Empire and is one of the most famous ancient cities. Its mention here shows its early importance.
  • רְחֹבֹת (Rehoboth): The name means “broad places” or “open spaces.” It is less well-known, but its inclusion points to the spread of urban centers.
  • כָּלַח (Calah): Calah was another major Assyrian city, known later as Nimrud. Its founding is linked to the growth of Assyrian power.

Why Genesis 10:11 matters

  • Genesis 10:11 clarifies the origins of some of the most significant cities in ancient Mesopotamia, connecting them to specific peoples and regions.
  • The verse helps trace the movement and influence of the Assyrians, showing how they established key urban centers that would shape history.
  • By placing these city foundations in a genealogical context, Genesis 10:11 emphasizes the interconnectedness of ancient peoples and their shared beginnings after the flood.

Where else these words appear

“Calah” Hebrew H3625 · used in 2 verses

  • Genesis 10:12 And Resen between Nineveh and Calah: the same is a great city.

“Rehoboth” Hebrew H7344 · used in 4 verses

  • Genesis 26:22 And he removed from thence, and digged another well; and for that they strove not: and he called the name of it Rehoboth; and he said, For now the LORD hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.
  • Genesis 36:37 And Samlah died, and Saul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his stead.
  • 1 Chronicles 1:48 And when Samlah was dead, Shaul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his stead.

“Nineveh” Hebrew H5210 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 10:12 And Resen between Nineveh and Calah: the same is a great city.
  • Jonah 3:3 So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days' journey.
  • Jonah 4:11 And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?

“Asshur” Hebrew H804 · used in 138 verses

  • Genesis 2:14 And the name of the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates.
  • 2 Kings 23:29 In his days Pharaohnechoh king of Egypt went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates: and king Josiah went against him; and he slew him at Megiddo, when he had seen him.
  • Isaiah 36:13 Then Rabshakeh stood, and cried with a loud voice in the Jews' language, and said, Hear ye the words of the great king, the king of Assyria.