Genesis 10:25 - Generations divide at Babel

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Hebrew Text

וּלְעֵבֶר יֻלַּד שְׁנֵי בָנִים שֵׁם הָאֶחָד פֶּלֶג כִּי בְיָמָיו נִפְלְגָה הָאָרֶץ וְשֵׁם אָחִיו יָקְטָן׃

English Translation

And to ῾Ever were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg

Transliteration

Ulever yulad shnei vanim shem ha'echad Peleg ki beyamav niflegah ha'aretz veshem achiv Yoktan.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּלְעֵ֥בֶר יֻלַּ֖ד שְׁנֵ֣י בָנִ֑ים שֵׁ֣ם הָֽאֶחָ֞ד פֶּ֗לֶג כִּ֤י בְיָמָיו֙ נִפְלְגָ֣ה הָאָ֔רֶץ וְשֵׁ֥ם אָחִ֖יו יׇקְטָֽן׃

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse

The verse states: "And to ῾Ever were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided, and the name of his brother was Yoktan." (Genesis 10:25). This passage describes the lineage of Ever (עֵבֶר), an ancestor of the Jewish people, and introduces his two sons, Peleg and Yoktan.

Meaning of the Name "Peleg"

The name Peleg (פֶּלֶג) is derived from the root פלג, meaning "to divide." The verse explicitly connects his name to the event of the earth being divided ("כִּי בְיָמָיו נִפְלְגָה הָאָרֶץ"). Rashi (on Genesis 10:25) explains that this refers to the division of languages during the incident of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9), which occurred in Peleg's lifetime. The Sages teach that this division was a divine response to humanity's rebellion against Hashem.

The Division of the Earth

The phrase "נִפְלְגָה הָאָרֶץ" ("the earth was divided") is interpreted in several ways:

Rashi emphasizes the linguistic division, as mentioned above.
Ramban (Nachmanides) suggests that this may also refer to a physical division of continents, as some Midrashim describe a miraculous splitting of the earth's landmasses.
Midrash Bereishit Rabbah (37:7) states that the division included not only languages but also the dispersion of nations to different regions.

Yoktan, the Brother of Peleg

The verse also mentions Yoktan (יָקְטָן), Peleg's brother. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 37:6) notes that Yoktan was a righteous man, and his descendants settled in the southern regions. Unlike Peleg, whose name reflects a major historical event, Yoktan's legacy is tied to his piety and his role in establishing settlements.

Historical and Theological Significance

This verse highlights the transition from a unified humanity to a fragmented world, marking a turning point in biblical history. The division in Peleg's time serves as a reminder of the consequences of human arrogance (as seen in the Tower of Babel) and the importance of humility before Hashem. Additionally, Ever's lineage is significant because it leads to Avraham Avinu, the forefather of the Jewish people, reinforcing the divine plan for a chosen nation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the name 'Peleg' mean in Genesis 10:25?
A: The name 'Peleg' (פֶּלֶג) means 'division' in Hebrew. The verse explains that he was named this because 'in his days the earth was divided' (נִפְלְגָה הָאָרֶץ). Rashi explains that this refers to the division of languages at the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11), which occurred during Peleg's lifetime.

Q: Why is the division of the earth mentioned in Genesis 10:25 important?
A: The division of the earth in Peleg's time marks a major event in the Torah—the dispersion of humanity after the Tower of Babel. According to the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 37), this division was a divine response to human arrogance, teaching us the consequences of rebellion against Hashem and the importance of unity with proper intentions.

Q: Who was Peleg's brother mentioned in Genesis 10:25?
A: Peleg's brother was named Yoktan (יָקְטָן). While Peleg is associated with the division of languages, Yoktan is known in tradition as an ancestor of various Arabian tribes. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 69b) and Midrash discuss his descendants, emphasizing how different branches of humanity developed after the dispersion.

Q: How does the story of Peleg apply to us today?
A: The story of Peleg reminds us of the dangers of human pride and disunity, as seen in the Tower of Babel. The Rambam (Hilchos De'os) teaches that humility and cooperation aligned with Torah values are essential. Today, we learn to strive for unity through shared devotion to mitzvos and ethical living, not through selfish ambition.