Genesis 11:16 kjv

And Eber lived four and thirty years, and begat Peleg:

Genesis 11:16 nkjv

Eber lived thirty-four years, and begot Peleg.

Genesis 11:16 niv

When Eber had lived 34 years, he became the father of Peleg.

Genesis 11:16 esv

When Eber had lived 34 years, he fathered Peleg.

Genesis 11:16 nlt

When Eber was 34 years old, he became the father of Peleg.

Genesis 11 verses

Genesis 11 16 Meaning

Genesis 11:16 states, "And Eber lived thirty-four years, and begat Peleg." This verse serves as a continuation of the genealogical record tracing the descendants of Noah through Shem, highlighting a direct line from Eber to his son Peleg. It records the precise age of Eber at the birth of Peleg, continuing the structured pattern of post-Flood biblical genealogies, crucial for establishing the lineage that will eventually lead to Abram and, ultimately, to the Messiah.

Genesis 11 16 Context

Genesis 11:16 is nestled within the linear genealogy of Shem's descendants, spanning from Genesis 11:10 through 11:26. This chapter primarily bridges the gap between the universal flood narrative and the particular call of Abram. Critically, this verse occurs directly after the narrative of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9), where humanity, united in language, attempts to build a tower to the heavens, resulting in God's judgment and the confusion of their languages and subsequent dispersion across the earth. The name "Peleg," meaning "division," recorded as having been given to Eber's son because "in his days the earth was divided" (Gen 10:25), links this genealogical marker intrinsically with the significant historical event of Babel and the division of humanity. The historical and cultural context recognizes genealogies as crucial for establishing identity, lineage, and claims, reflecting the structured recording practices of the ancient Near East, which validate God's providential working through human history.

Genesis 11 16 Word Analysis

• And Eber: The Hebrew wə`ēḇer (וְעֵבֶר) links this figure directly to the preceding narrative. Eber (עֵבֶר) is a highly significant name derived from the root *ābar*, meaning "to pass over" or "to cross over." It is the etymological root for the term "Hebrew" (עִבְרִי - ʻIvri), indicating that Eber is considered the progenitor of the Hebrew people. This verse thus solidifies the lineage of the Israelites through Shem to their foundational ancestor, Eber.
• lived thirty-four years: The Hebrew ḥāyāh šlōšîm wəarba shana (חָיָה שְׁלֹשִׁים וְאַרְבַּע שָׁנָה). "Lived" (חָיָה, ḥāyāh) signifies continued existence and life, following the common genealogical formula. The precise number "thirty-four years" provides a specific chronological marker, typical of the meticulous record-keeping in Genesis genealogies. These exact ages serve to establish the passage of time and the sequential progression of the divine plan.
• and begat: The Hebrew wayyôled (וַיּוֹלֶל). This standard verb for "and he fathered" or "and he sired" denotes direct procreation and is a recurring motif in these genealogies. It highlights the divine blessing of fruitfulness and the continuation of the human line, echoing God's command to "be fruitful and multiply." In this context, it underscores God's faithfulness in preserving a chosen seed-line despite the sin and scattering evident at Babel.
• Peleg: The Hebrew peleg (פֶּלֶג). This name is profoundly significant due to its stated meaning: "division" or "watercourse/channel" (from the root pālag - to divide, cleave, or split). Genesis 10:25 explicitly states, "for in his days the earth was divided" (כִּי בְיָמָיו נִפְלְגָה הָאָרֶץ, kî bəyāmāw nip̄ləḡâ hāʼāreṣ). This division primarily refers to the linguistic and geographical separation of humanity into distinct peoples at the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9). The naming of Peleg connects the ongoing genealogical sequence with the major historical event of the dispersion of nations, indicating that this world-altering event occurred during his lifetime or was prophesied through his name. This demonstrates God's sovereign control over history and humanity's response to His commands.

Genesis 11 16 Bonus Section

• The naming of "Peleg" acts as an aetiology (an explanation of the origin of something) not just for the name itself but also for the global phenomenon of linguistic and national divisions, asserting that these divisions were a divine act rather than merely organic human development.
• The repetitive lived X years, and begat Y structure, while seemingly simple, served as a powerful mnemonic device and a trustworthy historical accounting method in ancient cultures, ensuring the preservation and accuracy of vital lineage information over generations.
• The fact that Eber's full account ("and Eber lived after he begat Peleg four hundred and thirty years, and begat sons and daughters" - Gen 11:17) follows, emphasizes the direct lineal succession crucial for the messianic narrative while acknowledging broader family development.

Genesis 11 16 Commentary

Genesis 11:16 is more than a mere factual record of age and birth; it is a critical verse in the unfolding narrative of redemption. By naming Peleg, whose name explicitly points to the "division" occurring "in his days," the biblical author intricately links the otherwise dry genealogical progression to the monumental judgment and dispersion at Babel. This signifies that even amidst human rebellion and divine judgment, God maintains a direct and identifiable lineage, preparing the ground for the pivotal covenant with Abram in the very next chapter. The precise chronological data within the genealogy serves to establish the historicity of these events, presenting them not as mythological tales but as real occurrences within time. The inclusion of Eber, the namesake of the "Hebrews," further roots Abram's ancestry firmly within a specific, set-apart lineage. Thus, this verse reinforces God's continuous and purposeful work in human history, carefully preserving the seed-line through which His promises would be fulfilled and ultimately lead to the salvation found in the Christ. It exemplifies how divine purpose perseveres despite human failure and God's just intervention in world affairs.