Dodanim is a name mentioned in the genealogical records of the Bible, specifically in the Table of Nations found in Genesis 10. According to the biblical account, Dodanim is one of the descendants of Noah, through his son Japheth. The Berean Standard Bible provides the following reference:

"From these the coastlands of the nations were separated into their lands, every one according to his language, according to their families, by their nations." (Genesis 10:5)

Genealogical Context

Dodanim is listed as a son of Javan, who was a son of Japheth. The lineage is outlined in Genesis 10:4 : "The sons of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim." This places Dodanim among the early post-Flood generations, contributing to the repopulation and dispersion of peoples across the earth.

Historical and Geographical Associations

The descendants of Dodanim are traditionally associated with the region of the Aegean Sea and its surrounding areas. Some scholars suggest that Dodanim may be linked to the Dardanians, an ancient people who lived in the region of the Troad, near the Dardanelles strait. This connection is supported by the similarity in the names and the geographical context of the Table of Nations, which often associates Japheth's descendants with maritime and coastal regions.

In some biblical manuscripts and translations, Dodanim is rendered as "Rodanim," which has led to associations with the island of Rhodes. This variation in the name is noted in 1 Chronicles 1:7 , where the parallel genealogy lists "Rodanim" instead of "Dodanim." The difference in names may reflect variations in ancient textual traditions or scribal transmission.

Cultural and Theological Significance

The mention of Dodanim in the Table of Nations underscores the biblical theme of the dispersion of humanity and the establishment of diverse nations and languages following the Flood. This genealogical record serves as a foundational text for understanding the origins of various ethnic groups and their spread across the earth.

From a theological perspective, the inclusion of Dodanim and other descendants of Japheth highlights the fulfillment of God's command to "be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth" (Genesis 9:1). It also sets the stage for the unfolding narrative of God's interaction with different peoples and nations throughout biblical history.

Conclusion

While the specific historical identity of Dodanim remains a subject of scholarly discussion, the biblical record provides a framework for understanding the early post-Flood genealogies and their significance in the broader narrative of Scripture. The descendants of Dodanim, like those of other patriarchs listed in Genesis 10, played a role in the development of ancient civilizations and the spread of humanity across the globe.Genesis 10:4
And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.
Nave's Topical Index

Chapter x
... 1 Chronicles 1:7) needs to be considered, for the marginal Keri there too suggests
"Dodanim.". ... Some count exactly seventy descendants of Noah in this list ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter x.htm

[Endnotes]
... Meshech. Tiras. Ashkenaz, Elishah, Riphath, Tarshish, Togarmah. Kittim, Dodanim. ...
So it seems to have been with the descendants of the three sons of Noah. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/endnotes.htm

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