Genesis 11:17 (KJV)

What does Genesis 11:17 mean?

Genesis 11:17 says that after Eber became the father of Peleg, he lived for another 430 years and had other sons and daughters. This verse is part of a genealogy, recording the lifespan and descendants of Eber.

Genesis 11:17 is found in a list tracing the family line from Noah’s son Shem down through several generations. The verse is not a speech or story, but a historical record meant to show the continuity of families after the flood. Eber is a significant ancestor in the Bible, and mentioning his other children shows that the family line was broad, not limited to just Peleg.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 11:17

• אֵבֶר (ʿEber): The name Eber is important because later, the Hebrew people are thought to be named after him. His place in the genealogy highlights his significance.
• יָלַד (yalad): This word means “to beget” or “to father.” The verse uses it twice to show both the birth of Peleg and that Eber had other children, emphasizing the growth of the family.
• שָׁנָה (shanah): This word means “year.” The specific mention of 430 years underscores the long lifespans recorded in this part of Genesis, which is a notable feature of the early genealogies.

Why Genesis 11:17 matters

• Genesis 11:17 helps clarify the timeline between the flood and later biblical events by giving concrete ages and generations.
• The verse shows that Eber had a large family, not just Peleg, which suggests the spread and diversity of people groups after the flood.
• By including Eber in this genealogy, the text connects the origins of the Hebrew people to a specific ancestor, which is important for understanding later biblical history.