“And Peleg lived after he begat Reu two hundred and nine years, and begat sons and daughters.”
Context:This verse is part of the genealogy listed in the book of Genesis, tracing the lineage from Adam to the generations after the Great Flood. In this specific verse, the focus is on a descendant named Peleg. Peleg was the son of Eber and the great‑great‑grandson of Shem, who was one of Noah’s three sons. The name Peleg means division or earthquake.
According to the biblical account, Peleg lived for a total of 239 years, during which he had sons and daughters. Although this verse may seem relatively straightforward and lacking significant narrative content, it provides us with important genealogical information within the context of the biblical narrative. The genealogies in the book of Genesis help establish the lineage leading up to the main characters and events in the Old Testament. It is worth noting that some interpretations suggest that the mention of Peleg’s name, meaning division, may be connected to the account of the Tower of Babel, which is described in the preceding verses of Genesis 11.
The Tower of Babel story describes how the people of that time sought to build a tower that would reach the heavens, but God confused their languages and scattered them across the earth. Given the proximity of the mention of Peleg to the Tower of Babel account, some theologians and scholars speculate that Peleg’s name may symbolize the division or scattering of humanity as a result of God’s intervention at Babel. However, this connection is not explicitly stated in the verse itself and remains a subject of interpretation. In summary, Genesis 11:19 is a verse within the genealogical record of the book of Genesis, specifically focusing on Peleg, his lifespan, and his descendants. While its primary purpose is to establish the family lineage, it also offers potential connections to the narrative of the Tower of Babel and the division of humanity.
