And Ophir, and Havilah, and Jobab: all these were the sons of Joktan.

GENESIS 10:29KJV
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Genesis 10:29 (KJV)

What does Genesis 10:29 mean?

Genesis 10:29 lists three individuals—Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab—as sons of Joktan. This verse is part of a genealogy showing the descendants of Joktan, who was a descendant of Shem, one of Noah’s sons.

Genesis 10 is often called the “Table of Nations,” and it traces the family lines that spread out after the flood. The writer is recording the origins of various peoples and regions by naming ancestors. These names often became associated with places or tribes in the ancient world, helping readers understand where different groups came from.

Why Genesis 10:29 matters

  • Genesis 10:29 helps clarify the family connections among early peoples, especially those descending from Joktan, which is important for understanding later references to these names in the Bible.
  • The verse shows the Bible’s interest in tracing not just individuals but also the origins of nations and regions, giving context to the world known to ancient Israel.
  • By listing these names, Genesis 10:29 connects to the broader theme of Genesis 10, which is about the spread of humanity and the diversity of peoples after the flood.

Where else these words appear

“Joktan” Hebrew H3355 · used in 6 verses

  • Genesis 10:25 And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided; and his brother's name was Joktan.
  • Genesis 10:26 And Joktan begat Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah,
  • 1 Chronicles 1:20 And Joktan begat Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah,

“Havilah” Hebrew H2341 · used in 7 verses

  • Genesis 2:11 The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;
  • Genesis 25:18 And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur, that is before Egypt, as thou goest toward Assyria: and he died in the presence of all his brethren.
  • 1 Chronicles 1:9 And the sons of Cush; Seba, and Havilah, and Sabta, and Raamah, and Sabtecha. And the sons of Raamah; Sheba, and Dedan.

“Jobab” Hebrew H3103 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 36:33 And Bela died, and Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead.
  • Joshua 11:1 And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard those things, that he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph,
  • 1 Chronicles 1:45 And when Jobab was dead, Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his stead.

“Ophir” Hebrew H211 · used in 12 verses

  • 1 Kings 9:28 And they came to Ophir, and fetched from thence gold, four hundred and twenty talents, and brought it to king Solomon.
  • 1 Chronicles 1:23 And Ophir, and Havilah, and Jobab. All these were the sons of Joktan.
  • Job 22:24 Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks.