“The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras.”
This verse is part of the genealogy of the sons of Noah, specifically focusing on the descendants of Japheth. It provides a list of the names of Japheth’s sons.
Gomer: Gomer is mentioned in other parts of the Bible as well. In Ezekiel 38:6, Gomer is listed among the nations that will join the forces of Gog of Magog in the end times. Some scholars believe that Gomer represents the Cimmerians or the people of the northern regions of Asia Minor.
Magog: Magog is also mentioned in Ezekiel 38:2-3 and Revelation 20:7-8, where it is associated with a future invasion against God’s people. While the exact identity of Magog is uncertain, it is generally understood to represent a nation or a people in the far north.
Madai: Madai is believed to represent the Medes, who were an ancient Iranian people. The Medes played a significant role in ancient history, and their empire was later conquered by the Persians.
Javan: Javan refers to the descendants of Javan, who are believed to be the Greeks. The term “Javan” is often used in the Bible to represent Greece or the Greek‑speaking world.
Tubal and Meshech: Tubal and Meshech are mentioned together in several verses throughout the Bible, including Ezekiel 38:2 and 39:1. They are generally associated with regions in Asia Minor, specifically modern‑day Turkey. Some scholars identify Tubal with the Tobol River in Siberia and Meshech with the Muscovites or the people of Moscow.
Tiras: Tiras is less well‑known than the other sons of Japheth, and the exact identification of this group is uncertain. Some scholars suggest that Tiras might represent various peoples in the Mediterranean region.
It is important to note that this verse primarily serves as a genealogical record, providing a list of the descendants of Japheth. These names reflect the diverse nations and peoples that emerged from the sons of Japheth, and some of them play significant roles in biblical prophecies concerning the end times.
