Genesis 10:5
New International Version
(From these the maritime peoples spread out into their territories by their clans within their nations, each with its own language.)

New Living Translation
Their descendants became the seafaring peoples that spread out to various lands, each identified by its own language, clan, and national identity.

English Standard Version
From these the coastland peoples spread in their lands, each with his own language, by their clans, in their nations.

Berean Standard Bible
From these, the maritime peoples separated into their territories, according to their languages, by clans within their nations.

King James Bible
By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.

New King James Version
From these the coastland peoples of the Gentiles were separated into their lands, everyone according to his language, according to their families, into their nations.

New American Standard Bible
From these the people of the coastlands of the nations were separated into their lands, every one according to his language, according to their families, into their nations.

NASB 1995
From these the coastlands of the nations were separated into their lands, every one according to his language, according to their families, into their nations.

NASB 1977
From these the coastlands of the nations were separated into their lands, every one according to his language, according to their families, into their nations.

Legacy Standard Bible
From these the coastlands of the nations were separated into their lands, every one according to his tongue, according to their families, into their nations.

Amplified Bible
From these, [the people of] the coastlands of the nations were separated and spread into their lands, every one according to his own language, according to their constituent groups (families), and into their nations:

Christian Standard Bible
From these descendants, the peoples of the coasts and islands spread out into their lands according to their clans in their nations, each with its own language.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The coastland peoples spread out into their lands. These are Japheth’s sons by their clans, in their nations. Each group had its own language.

American Standard Version
Of these were the isles of the nations divided in their lands, every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.

English Revised Version
Of these were the isles of the nations divided in their lands, every one after his tongue; after their families, in their nations.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
From these descendants the people of the coastlands spread into their own countries. Each nation had its own language and families.

Good News Translation
they were the ancestors of the people who live along the coast and on the islands. These are the descendants of Japheth, living in their different tribes and countries, each group speaking its own language.

International Standard Version
from whom the coastal peoples spread into their own lands and nations, each with their own language and family groups.

Majority Standard Bible
From these, the maritime peoples separated into their territories, according to their languages, by clans within their nations.

NET Bible
From these the coastlands of the nations were separated into their lands, every one according to its language, according to their families, by their nations.

New Heart English Bible
From these, the coastlands of the nations separated into their territories, every one according to its language, according to their families, in their nations.

Webster's Bible Translation
By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.

World English Bible
Of these were the islands of the nations divided in their lands, everyone after his language, after their families, in their nations.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
By these the islands of the nations have been parted in their lands, each by his tongue, by their families, in their nations.

Young's Literal Translation
By these have the isles of the nations been parted in their lands, each by his tongue, by their families, in their nations.

Smith's Literal Translation
By these were the isles of the nations divided in their lands; a man according to his tongue, according to their tribe, in their nations.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
By these were divided the islands of the Gentiles in their lands, every one according to his tongue and their families in their nations.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The islands of the Gentiles were divided by these into their regions, each one according to his tongue, and their families in their nations.

New American Bible
From these branched out the maritime nations. These are the descendants of Japheth by their lands, each with its own language, according to their clans, by their nations.

New Revised Standard Version
From these the coastland peoples spread. These are the descendants of Japheth in their lands, with their own language, by their families, in their nations.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
It was from these that the people were divided into the Islands of the Gentiles and their main lands; every one after his language, after their families, in their nations.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And from these they are set apart in the islands of the nations in their lands, a man to his language, by their families in their nations.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Of these were the isles of the nations divided in their lands, every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
From these were the islands of the Gentiles divided in their land, each according to his tongue, in their tribes and in their nations.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Japhethites
4And the sons of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, the Kittites, and the Rodanites. 5From these, the maritime peoples separated into their territories, according to their languages, by clans within their nations.

Cross References
Acts 17:26
From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands.

Deuteronomy 32:8
When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, when He divided the sons of man, He set the boundaries of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God.

Revelation 17:15
Then the angel said to me, “The waters you saw, where the prostitute was seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues.

Isaiah 66:18
“And I, knowing their deeds and thoughts, am coming to gather all nations and tongues, and they will come and see My glory.

Ezekiel 27:8-9
The men of Sidon and Arvad were your oarsmen. Your men of skill, O Tyre, were there as your captains. / The elders of Gebal were aboard as shipwrights, repairing your leaks. All the ships of the sea and their sailors came alongside to barter for your merchandise.

Psalm 72:10
May the kings of Tarshish and distant shores bring tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts.

Jeremiah 25:22
all the kings of Tyre and Sidon; the kings of the coastlands across the sea;

1 Chronicles 1:5-7
The sons of Japheth: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras. / The sons of Gomer: Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah. / And the sons of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, the Kittites, and the Rodanites.

Isaiah 11:10-12
On that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples. The nations will seek Him, and His place of rest will be glorious. / On that day the Lord will extend His hand a second time to recover the remnant of His people from Assyria, from Egypt, from Pathros, from Cush, from Elam, from Shinar, from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. / He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; He will collect the scattered of Judah from the four corners of the earth.

Zephaniah 2:11
The LORD will be terrifying to them when He starves all the gods of the earth. Then the nations of every shore will bow in worship to Him, each in its own place.

Isaiah 42:4
He will not grow weak or discouraged before He has established justice on the earth. In His law the islands will put their hope.”

Isaiah 49:6
He says: “It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.”

Matthew 28:19
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Romans 15:12
And once more, Isaiah says: “The Root of Jesse will appear, One who will arise to rule over the Gentiles; in Him the Gentiles will put their hope.”

Acts 2:5-11
Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. / And when this sound rang out, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking his own language. / Astounded and amazed, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? ...


Treasury of Scripture

By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.

A.

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.

Psalm 72:10
The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.

Isaiah 24:15
Wherefore glorify ye the LORD in the fires, even the name of the LORD God of Israel in the isles of the sea.

after his.

Genesis 10:20
These are the sons of Ham, after their families, after their tongues, in their countries, and in their nations.

Genesis 11:1-9
And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech…

Jump to Previous
Clans Coastland Coastlands Different Distribution Divided Families Gentiles Islands Isles Japheth Lands Nations Parted Peoples Sea-Lands Separated Spread Territories Tongue Within
Jump to Next
Clans Coastland Coastlands Different Distribution Divided Families Gentiles Islands Isles Japheth Lands Nations Parted Peoples Sea-Lands Separated Spread Territories Tongue Within
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.














From these, the maritime peoples separated into their territories
This phrase refers to the descendants of Japheth, one of Noah's sons, who are traditionally associated with the coastal and island nations. The term "maritime peoples" suggests a connection to the sea, indicating that these groups settled in regions accessible by water, which aligns with historical records of seafaring cultures in the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas. The separation into territories reflects the post-Flood dispersion of peoples, fulfilling God's command to fill the earth (Genesis 9:1). This dispersion is a precursor to the division at Babel (Genesis 11), where God confounded human language to scatter humanity across the earth.

according to their languages
This phrase anticipates the division of languages at the Tower of Babel, which occurs in Genesis 11. It suggests that even before Babel, there was an understanding of distinct linguistic groups. The development of different languages is a significant event in biblical history, as it marks the diversification of human culture and the beginning of ethnic identities. This linguistic division is also seen in the New Testament, where the reversal of Babel's confusion is symbolized at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-12), when the Holy Spirit enables the apostles to speak in various tongues, uniting people from different nations in understanding the Gospel.

by clans within their nations
The mention of "clans" and "nations" indicates a structured social organization among the descendants of Noah. Clans refer to extended family groups, while nations denote larger political entities. This structure is foundational for understanding the development of ancient civilizations and their governance. The division into clans and nations also reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to Noah that his descendants would repopulate the earth (Genesis 9:19). This organization is mirrored in the genealogies of Israel, where tribes and clans play a crucial role in the nation's identity and inheritance (Numbers 26). The concept of nations is further developed in biblical prophecy, where all nations are ultimately called to worship God (Isaiah 2:2-4, Revelation 7:9).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Maritime Peoples
Refers to the descendants of Japheth, who settled in coastal regions and became known for their seafaring and trade.

2. Territories
The lands or regions where these peoples settled, indicating the spread of nations and cultures.

3. Languages
The distinct languages that developed among these groups, highlighting the diversity of human speech.

4. Clans
Family groups or tribes that formed the basic social units within these nations.

5. Nations
Larger political or cultural entities formed by the clans, representing the early development of organized societies.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Diversity
Recognize that the diversity of languages and cultures is part of God's sovereign plan. This diversity should be celebrated as a reflection of God's creativity and wisdom.

Unity in Diversity
While God created diverse nations and languages, believers are called to unity in Christ. This unity transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, as seen in the early church and the vision of heaven.

Cultural Engagement
Christians are encouraged to engage with different cultures and languages, understanding that the gospel is for all peoples. This involves respecting and learning from others while sharing the love of Christ.

Mission and Evangelism
The spread of nations and languages presents opportunities for mission work. Believers are called to reach out to all nations, fulfilling the Great Commission by sharing the gospel across cultural boundaries.(5) Isles of the Gentiles.--The word rendered "isles" means any maritime region. As there were no Gentiles at this time, the phrase should be translated "the coast-lands of the nations."

Verse 5. - By these were the isles of the Gentiles. Sea-washed coasts as well as islands proper (cf. Isaiah 42:4 with Matthew 12:21). Isaiah (Genesis 20:6) styles Canaan an isle (cf. Peloponnesus). The expression signifies maritime countries. Divided in their lands; every one after his tongue. Indicating a time posterior to the building of Babel (Genesis 11:1). After their families Ἐν ταῖς φυλαῖς αὐτῶν (LXX.); in their tribes or clans, a lesser subdivision than the next. In their nations. The division here exhibited is fourfold:

(1) geographical,

(2) dialectical,

(3) tribal, and . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
From these,
מֵ֠אֵלֶּה (mê·’êl·leh)
Preposition-m | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

the maritime
אִיֵּ֤י (’î·yê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 339: A habitable spot, dry land, a coast, an island

peoples
הַגּוֹיִם֙ (hag·gō·w·yim)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1471: A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts

separated
נִפְרְד֞וּ (nip̄·rə·ḏū)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 6504: To break through, spread, separate

into their territories,
בְּאַרְצֹתָ֔ם (bə·’ar·ṣō·ṯām)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 776: Earth, land

according to their languages,
לִלְשֹׁנ֑וֹ (lil·šō·nōw)
Preposition-l | Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3956: The tongue

by clans
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם (lə·miš·pə·ḥō·ṯām)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 4940: A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people

within their nations.
בְּגוֹיֵהֶֽם׃ (bə·ḡō·w·yê·hem)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1471: A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts


Links
Genesis 10:5 NIV
Genesis 10:5 NLT
Genesis 10:5 ESV
Genesis 10:5 NASB
Genesis 10:5 KJV

Genesis 10:5 BibleApps.com
Genesis 10:5 Biblia Paralela
Genesis 10:5 Chinese Bible
Genesis 10:5 French Bible
Genesis 10:5 Catholic Bible

OT Law: Genesis 10:5 Of these were the islands (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 10:4
Top of Page
Top of Page