Out of that land went forth Asshur, and builded Nineveh, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah,
GENESIS 10:11KJVWhat 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.