Genesis 11:10 (KJV)

What does Genesis 11:10 mean?

Genesis 11:10 introduces the family line of Shem, stating that Shem was 100 years old when he had his son Arphaxad, which happened two years after the flood. This verse marks the start of a genealogy that traces the descendants of Shem after the events of Noah’s flood.

Genesis 11:10 is part of a larger section where the writer, traditionally understood as Moses, records the generations following Noah. The verse focuses on Shem, one of Noah’s sons, and sets the timeline by linking Arphaxad’s birth to two years after the flood. This genealogy is important for connecting the story of Noah to later figures in the Bible, especially those leading to Abraham.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 11:10

• "generations" (תּוֹלְדוֹת, toledot): This word means "descendants" or "family history." In Genesis, it signals the start of a new section focusing on a particular family line, here emphasizing Shem’s importance in the biblical story.
• "flood" (מַבּוּל, mabbul): This specific word refers to the great flood in Noah’s time. Mentioning it here grounds the genealogy in a real event, showing that these descendants come after a major turning point in human history.

Why Genesis 11:10 matters

• Genesis 11:10 helps the reader see where Shem’s family fits in the larger story, especially as it leads to Abraham and the Hebrew people.
• The verse clarifies the timeline after the flood, showing that the world’s repopulation and the next generations began quickly after this major event.
• By starting with Shem’s line, the text highlights his special role among Noah’s sons, which is significant for later biblical themes about blessing and covenant.