Genesis 10:18
New International Version
Arvadites, Zemarites and Hamathites. Later the Canaanite clans scattered

New Living Translation
Arvadites, Zemarites, and Hamathites. The Canaanite clans eventually spread out,

English Standard Version
the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites. Afterward the clans of the Canaanites dispersed.

Berean Standard Bible
the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites. Later the Canaanite clans were scattered,

Berean Literal Bible
and the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite. And afterward the clans of the Canaanite were scattered.

King James Bible
And the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite: and afterward were the families of the Canaanites spread abroad.

New King James Version
the Arvadite, the Zemarite, and the Hamathite. Afterward the families of the Canaanites were dispersed.

New American Standard Bible
the Arvadite, the Zemarite, and the Hamathite; and afterward the families of the Canaanite were spread abroad.

NASB 1995
and the Arvadite and the Zemarite and the Hamathite; and afterward the families of the Canaanite were spread abroad.

NASB 1977
and the Arvadite and the Zemarite and the Hamathite; and afterward the families of the Canaanite were spread abroad.

Legacy Standard Bible
and the Arvadite and the Zemarite and the Hamathite; and afterward the families of the Canaanite were scattered.

Amplified Bible
and the Arvadite and the Zemarite and the Hamathite. Afterward the families of the Canaanite were spread abroad.

Berean Annotated Bible
the Arvadites (I shall break loose), the Zemarites, and the Hamathites. Later the Canaanite (merchant) clans were scattered,

Christian Standard Bible
the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites. Afterward the Canaanite clans scattered.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites. Afterward the Canaanite clans scattered.

American Standard Version
and the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite: and afterward were the families of the Canaanite spread abroad.

English Revised Version
and the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite: and afterward were the families of the Canaanite spread abroad.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites. Later the Canaanite families scattered.

Good News Translation
the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites. The different tribes of the Canaanites spread out,

International Standard Version
the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites. Later, the Canaanite families were widely scattered.

NET Bible
Arvadites, Zemarites, and Hamathites. Eventually the families of the Canaanites were scattered

New Heart English Bible
and the Arvadites, and the Zemarites, and the Hamathites. Afterward the families of the Canaanites were spread abroad.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite: and afterward were the families of the Canaanites dispersed.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites. Later the Canaanite clans were scattered,

World English Bible
the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites. Afterward the families of the Canaanites were spread abroad.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite; and afterward the families of the Canaanite have been scattered.

Berean Literal Bible
and the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite. And afterward the clans of the Canaanite were scattered.

Young's Literal Translation
and the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite; and afterwards have the families of the Canaanite been scattered.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite: and afterward the families of the Canaanites were dispersed.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the Aradian, the Samarite, and the Hamathite: and afterwards the families of the Chanaanites were spread abroad.

Catholic Public Domain Version
and the Arvadian, the Samarite, and the Hamathite. And after this, the peoples of the Canaanites became widespread.

New American Bible
the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites. Afterward, the clans of the Canaanites spread out,

New Revised Standard Version
the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites. Afterward the families of the Canaanites spread abroad.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the Arvadite, the Zemarite, and the Hamathite; and afterward the families of the Canaanites spread abroad.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Arudites, and Tsamrites, Khamathites, and after this the families of the Canaanites were spread out.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
and the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite; and afterward were the families of the Canaanite spread abroad.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and the Aradian, and the Samarean, and the Amathite; and after this the tribes of the Chananites were dispersed.

Additional Translations ...



Context
The Hamites
17the Hivites, the Arkites, the Sinites, 18 the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites. Later the Canaanite clans were scattered, 19and the borders of Canaan extended from Sidon toward Gerar as far as Gaza, and then toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, as far as Lasha.…

Cross References
the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites.

1 Chronicles 1:16
the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites.

Ezekiel 27:8
The men of Sidon and Arvad were your oarsmen. Your men of skill, O Tyre, were there as your captains.

Joshua 13:4-5
to the south, all the land of the Canaanites, from Mearah of the Sidonians to Aphek, as far as the border of the Amorites; / the land of the Gebalites; and all Lebanon to the east, from Baal-gad below Mount Hermon to Lebo-hamath.
Later the Canaanite clans were scattered,

Deuteronomy 7:1-2
When the LORD your God brings you into the land that you are entering to possess, and He drives out before you many nations—the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, seven nations larger and stronger than you— / and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you to defeat them, then you must devote them to complete destruction. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy.

Exodus 23:27-31
I will send My terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn and run. / I will send the hornet before you to drive the Hivites and Canaanites and Hittites out of your way. / I will not drive them out before you in a single year; otherwise the land would become desolate and wild animals would multiply against you. …

Leviticus 18:24-25
Do not defile yourselves by any of these practices, for by all these things the nations I am driving out before you have defiled themselves. / Even the land has become defiled, so I am punishing it for its sin, and the land will vomit out its inhabitants.
Deuteronomy 2:23
And the Avvim, who lived in villages as far as Gaza, were destroyed by the Caphtorites, who came out of Caphtor and settled in their place.)

Joshua 13:3
from the Shihor east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron on the north (considered to be Canaanite territory)—that of the five Philistine rulers of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron, as well as that of the Avvites;

Jeremiah 47:4
For the day has come to destroy all the Philistines, to cut off from Tyre and Sidon every remaining ally. Indeed, the LORD is about to destroy the Philistines, the remnant from the coasts of Caphtor.

Ezekiel 25:16
therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I will stretch out My hand against the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethites and destroy the remnant along the coast.

Zephaniah 2:5
Woe to the dwellers of the seacoast, O nation of the Cherethites! The word of the LORD is against you, O Canaan, land of the Philistines: “I will destroy you, and no one will be left.”

Amos 9:7
“Are you not like the Cushites to Me, O children of Israel?” declares the LORD. “Did I not bring Israel up from the land of Egypt, the Philistines from Caphtor, and the Arameans from Kir?

Isaiah 23:1-18
This is the burden against Tyre: Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for Tyre is laid waste, without house or harbor. Word has reached them from the land of Cyprus. / Be silent, O dwellers of the coastland, you merchants of Sidon, whose traders have crossed the sea. / On the great waters came the grain of Shihor; the harvest of the Nile was the revenue of Tyre; she was the merchant of the nations. …

Obadiah 1:20
And the exiles of this host of the Israelites will possess the land of the Canaanites as far as Zarephath; and the exiles from Jerusalem who are in Sepharad will possess the cities of the Negev.

Zechariah 9:5-7
Ashkelon will see and fear; Gaza will writhe in agony, as will Ekron, for her hope will wither. There will cease to be a king in Gaza, and Ashkelon will be uninhabited. / A mixed race will occupy Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines. / I will remove the blood from their mouths and the abominations from between their teeth. Then they too will become a remnant for our God; they will become like a clan in Judah, and Ekron will be like the Jebusites.

Matthew 15:21-28
Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. / And a Canaanite woman from that region came to Him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is miserably possessed by a demon.” / But Jesus did not answer a word. So His disciples came and urged Him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” …


Treasury of Scripture

And the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite: and afterward were the families of the Canaanites spread abroad.

Arvadite.

Ezekiel 27:8
The inhabitants of Zidon and Arvad were thy mariners: thy wise men, O Tyrus, that were in thee, were thy pilots.

Zemarite.

Joshua 18:22
And Betharabah, and Zemaraim, and Bethel,

2 Chronicles 13:4
And Abijah stood up upon mount Zemaraim, which is in mount Ephraim, and said, Hear me, thou Jeroboam, and all Israel;

Hamathite.

Numbers 34:8
From mount Hor ye shall point out your border unto the entrance of Hamath; and the goings forth of the border shall be to Zedad:

2 Samuel 8:9
When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had smitten all the host of Hadadezer,

2 Kings 17:24,30
And the king of Assyria brought men from Babylon, and from Cuthah, and from Ava, and from Hamath, and from Sepharvaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel: and they possessed Samaria, and dwelt in the cities thereof…

Jump to Previous
Abroad Afterward Afterwards Arvadite Arvadites Ar'vadites Canaanite Canaanites Clans Directions Dispersed Families Far Hamathite Hamathites Ha'mathites Later Scattered Spread Themselves Wide Zemarite Zemarites Zem'arites
Jump to Next
Abroad Afterward Afterwards Arvadite Arvadites Ar'vadites Canaanite Canaanites Clans Directions Dispersed Families Far Hamathite Hamathites Ha'mathites Later Scattered Spread Themselves Wide Zemarite Zemarites Zem'arites
Genesis 10
1. The generations of Noah.
2. Japheth.
6. Ham.
8. Nimrod becomes the first monarch; the descendants of Canaan.
21. The sons of Shem.












the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites.

The Arvadites were associated with the island city of Arvad off the Syrian coast, a noted maritime center in the ancient world. The Zemarites were connected with Sumur, a coastal city in the region of Lebanon. The Hamathites occupied the area around Hamath in central Syria, an important city along the northern approaches to Canaan.

1Ch 1:16 the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites.
Ezk 27:8 The men of Sidon and Arvad were your oarsmen.…
Jos 13:4-5 to the south, all the land of the Canaanites…

Later the Canaanite clans were scattered,

The Canaanite peoples spread through the coastal and inland regions north of Israel, forming distinct clans and city-states. Their later occupation of the land of Canaan set the stage for Israel’s conquest of the Promised Land, which God had pledged to Abraham.

Deu 7:1-2 When the LORD your God brings you into the land…
Exo 23:27-31 I will send My terror ahead of you and throw into confusion…
Lev 18:24-25 Do not defile yourselves by any of these practices,…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Arvadites
Descendants of Arvad, a son of Canaan. Arvad was an island city-state located in the Mediterranean Sea, known for its maritime prowess.

2. Zemarites
Descendants of Zemar, another son of Canaan. The Zemarites are less well-documented, but they are believed to have settled in the region of modern-day Syria.

3. Hamathites
Descendants of Hamath, also a son of Canaan. Hamath was a significant city in ancient Syria, often mentioned in the context of its strategic importance and wealth.

4. Canaanite Clans
Refers to the various groups descended from Canaan, the son of Ham. These clans settled in the land that would later become known as Canaan, a region of great biblical significance.

5. Scattering of the Canaanite Clans
This event refers to the dispersion of the Canaanite peoples across the region, which is a precursor to the later biblical accounts involving the Israelites and their interactions with these groups.
Teaching Points
Understanding Lineage and Legacy
The genealogies in Genesis remind us of the importance of understanding our spiritual heritage and the legacies we leave behind. Reflect on how your actions today can impact future generations.

God's Sovereignty in Dispersion
The scattering of the Canaanite clans illustrates God's control over the nations. Trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem chaotic or uncertain.

Cultural and Spiritual Influence
The Canaanites' presence in the Promised Land serves as a reminder of the cultural and spiritual influences that can challenge our faith. Be vigilant in maintaining your spiritual integrity amidst external pressures.

Historical Context in Scripture
Recognizing the historical and geographical context of biblical events enriches our understanding of Scripture. Take time to study the background of biblical accounts to gain deeper insights.

Interconnectedness of Scripture
The Bible is a cohesive account with interconnected themes and events. Explore how different parts of Scripture relate to one another to enhance your comprehension of God's redemptive plan.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Genesis 10:18?

2. How does Genesis 10:18 illustrate God's plan for the nations' origins?

3. What can we learn about God's sovereignty from Genesis 10:18?

4. How does Genesis 10:18 connect to the Tower of Babel narrative?

5. How should Genesis 10:18 influence our understanding of cultural diversity today?

6. In what ways can Genesis 10:18 guide our interactions with different ethnic groups?

7. How does Genesis 10:18 fit into the Table of Nations?

8. What is the significance of the Canaanite tribes listed in Genesis 10:18?

9. How does Genesis 10:18 relate to the historical spread of ancient civilizations?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 10?


Verse 18. - And the Arvadite, - dwelt in Arvad, Aradus, now Ruad (Josephus) - and the Zemarite, - Simyra, a city of Phoenicia (Bochart, Michaelis, Gesenius, Kalisch) whose ruins are still called Sumrah - and the Hamathite. The inhabitants of Hamath, called Hammath Rabbah (Amos 6:2); Epiphaneia by the Greeks; now Hamah. And afterwards - i.e. subsequent to the formation of these distinct tribes by the confusion of tongues - were the families of the Canaanites spread abroad.

Genesis 10:18 is more than a list; it anchors real cities and clans—Arvadites, Zemarites, Hamathites—in God’s unfolding plan. The verse shows (1) the historical precision of Scripture, (2) God’s sovereignty over where peoples live, and (3) the early movements that would shape later biblical history. Each name bears witness that the Lord tracks every nation’s origin, oversees every scattering, and weaves it all into His larger promise of redemption.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
the Arvadites,
הָֽאַרְוָדִ֥י (hā·’ar·wā·ḏî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 721: Arvadite -- inhabitant of Arvad

the Zemarites,
הַצְּמָרִ֖י (haṣ·ṣə·mā·rî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6786: Zemarite -- a Canaanite people

and the Hamathites.
הַֽחֲמָתִ֑י (ha·ḥă·mā·ṯî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2577: Hamathite -- a Chamathite

Later
וְאַחַ֣ר (wə·’a·ḥar)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

the Canaanite
הַֽכְּנַעֲנִֽי׃ (hak·kə·na·‘ă·nî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3669: Canaanite -- inhabitant of Canaan

clans
מִשְׁפְּח֖וֹת (miš·pə·ḥō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 4940: A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people

were scattered
נָפֹ֔צוּ (nā·p̄ō·ṣū)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 6327: To be dispersed or scattered


Additonal Resources
Genesis 10:18 Blue Letter Bible
Genesis 10:18 Bible Gateway
Genesis 10:18 Bible.com

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Genesis 10:18 Study Bible
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Genesis 10:18 Catholic Bible

OT Law: Genesis 10:18 The Arvadite the Zemarite and the Hamathite (Gen. Ge Gn)

Genesis 10:17
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