Book of Genesis - Chapter 10 - Verse 25

The verse "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." is found in the Book of Genesis, specifically Genesis 10:25. This verse is significant because it explains the origin of the different languages and nations in the world according to the Bible. The name Peleg means "division" in Hebrew, and it is said that during Peleg's lifetime, the earth was divided. This division is believed to refer to the fragmentation of people into different groups with distinct languages and cultures after the Tower of Babel incident. Joktan, Peleg's brother, is also mentioned in this verse, though less is known about him. This verse is often cited as a key moment in understanding the diversity of humanity and the origins of different nations as described in the Bible.

In this specific verse from Genesis 10:25, a theological interpretation may suggest that the division of the earth during Peleg's time could refer to the dispersion of peoples after the Tower of Babel incident in Genesis 11. Some scholars believe that the phrase "the earth was divided" could imply not only a physical separation of land but also a linguistic and cultural separation. This event may have led to the formation of different nations and languages as described in the later chapters of Genesis. Additionally, the names Peleg and Joktan hold significance in a word study context. Peleg's name means "division," reflecting the event of the earth being divided during his lifetime. Joktan's name, on the other hand, means "small" or "made small," which could be seen as a contrast to the division and expansion that occurred during Peleg's era. This verse showcases the intricate connections between the historical events described in the Bible and the meanings behind the names of the individuals involved.