Dodanim, also referred to as Rodanim in some biblical texts, is a name found in the genealogical records of the Bible. This entry explores the origins, historical context, and significance of Dodanim within the biblical narrative.

Biblical References:

Dodanim is mentioned in the Table of Nations, a genealogical record found in the Book of Genesis, which outlines the descendants of Noah's sons after the Flood. In Genesis 10:4 , the text states: "The sons of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, the Kittites, and the Dodanites." This passage identifies Dodanim as a descendant of Javan, who was one of the sons of Japheth, Noah's son. The parallel account in 1 Chronicles 1:7 also lists Dodanim among the descendants of Javan: "The sons of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, the Kittites, and the Rodanites."

Textual Variations:

The variation between "Dodanim" and "Rodanim" arises from differences in ancient manuscripts. The Masoretic Text, a traditional Hebrew text of the Jewish Bible, uses "Dodanim," while the Septuagint, an ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, and some other sources use "Rodanim." This discrepancy is often attributed to a scribal error or a dialectal variation in the transmission of the text.

Historical and Geographical Context:

Dodanim is traditionally associated with the region of the Aegean Sea, particularly the islands and coastal areas. The name is often linked to the people of Rhodes, an island in the southeastern Aegean. This connection is supported by the Septuagint's use of "Rodanim," which aligns with the Greek name for Rhodes. The descendants of Dodanim, therefore, are thought to have settled in this region, contributing to the spread of the Japhethite peoples across the Mediterranean.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

In the broader context of the Table of Nations, Dodanim represents one of the many groups that emerged from the lineage of Noah's sons, illustrating the diversity and expansion of humanity after the Flood. The mention of Dodanim, along with other descendants of Javan, highlights the spread of peoples and cultures throughout the ancient world, fulfilling the divine mandate to "be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth" (Genesis 9:1).

From a theological perspective, the inclusion of Dodanim in the genealogical records underscores the interconnectedness of all nations and peoples within the biblical narrative. It serves as a reminder of the shared ancestry of humanity and the unfolding of God's plan for the nations, as seen throughout the Scriptures.1 Chronicles 1:7
And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.
Nave's Topical Index

Chapter x
... It hardly seems that "Rodanim" (1 Chronicles 1:7 ... considered, for the marginal Keri
there too suggests "Dodanim.". ... with the city in Arabia called Sabbatha, famous ...
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