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Genesis 11:19 - Generations continue after Peleg.

Genesis 11:19 - בראשית 11:19

Hebrew Text

וַיְחִי־פֶלֶג אַחֲרֵי הוֹלִידוֹ אֶת־רְעוּ תֵּשַׁע שָׁנִים וּמָאתַיִם שָׁנָה וַיּוֹלֶד בָּנִים וּבָנוֹת׃

English Translation

and Peleg lived after he begot Re῾u two hundred and nine years, and begot sons and daughters.

Transliteration

Vayechi-Felech acharei holidoto et-Re'u tesha shanim u'matayim shanah vayoled banim u'vanot.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַֽיְחִי־פֶ֗לֶג אַחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת־רְע֔וּ תֵּ֥שַׁע שָׁנִ֖ים וּמָאתַ֣יִם שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וַֽיְחִי־פֶ֗לֶג אַחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת־רְע֔וּ תֵּ֥שַׁע שָׁנִ֖ים וּמָאתַ֣יִם שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת׃ {ס}        

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Parasha Commentary

The Lifespan of Peleg

The verse states: "And Peleg lived after he begot Re'u two hundred and nine years, and begot sons and daughters" (Genesis 11:19). This follows the pattern of the genealogical list in Parashas Noach, detailing the generations from Shem to Avraham. Rashi notes that Peleg's name alludes to the division (peleg) of languages during the dispersion at the Tower of Bavel, which occurred in his lifetime (Rashi on Genesis 10:25). His lifespan—209 years after fathering Re'u—reflects the gradual shortening of human life after the Flood.

Significance of the Number of Years

The Torah emphasizes that Peleg lived 209 years after fathering Re'u, implying his total lifespan was 239 years (since he fathered Re'u at age 30, as per Genesis 11:18). The Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 37:1) suggests that the decreasing lifespans symbolized a shift in divine providence, as humanity moved further from the pristine state of creation. Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:47) also discusses how natural lifespans diminished post-Flood due to changes in the world's physical and spiritual conditions.

Peleg's Descendants

The verse mentions that Peleg "begot sons and daughters", a recurring phrase in the genealogy. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 69b) explains that such phrasing indicates that these generations fulfilled the mitzvah of procreation (per Genesis 1:28) and contributed to the continuity of humanity. Additionally, the Midrash (Yalkut Shimoni, Noach 49) notes that while the Torah names only the primary lineage leading to Avraham, these unnamed children were righteous in their own right.

Connection to the Tower of Bavel

Peleg's era coincided with the dispersion at the Tower of Bavel (Genesis 11:8-9). The Sforno comments that the division of languages was a divine act to prevent humanity from uniting in rebellion against Hashem. Peleg's name thus serves as a perpetual reminder of this pivotal event, marking a transition from collective human arrogance to the eventual selection of Avraham’s lineage for a covenantal relationship with Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah mention how long Peleg lived after having Re'u?
A: The Torah often records the years a person lived after having children to show their complete lifespan and legacy. Rashi explains that these details help us trace the generations from Adam to Avraham, emphasizing the continuity of humanity and the fulfillment of God's command to 'be fruitful and multiply' (Bereishit 1:28).
Q: What is the significance of Peleg's name in this verse?
A: Peleg's name means 'division,' referring to the division of languages at the Tower of Babel during his lifetime (Bereishit 10:25). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 38:8) teaches that this event was a pivotal moment in human history, demonstrating the consequences of rebellion against God.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Peleg had 'sons and daughters' without naming them?
A: The Torah often lists only key descendants who play a role in the unfolding narrative of the Jewish people. Ramban explains that mentioning 'sons and daughters' acknowledges all of Peleg's children while focusing on the lineage leading to Avraham, the forefather of the Jewish nation.
Q: How does Peleg's lifespan compare to earlier generations?
A: Peleg lived 209 years after Re'u's birth, totaling 239 years (since he had Re'u at age 30). This shows the gradual shortening of lifespans after the Flood. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 69b) discusses how lifespans decreased in stages until they settled around what we know today.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Peleg's life?
A: Peleg lived during a time of great change (the Tower of Babel). The Sages teach that this reminds us of the importance of unity with purpose - unlike the misguided unity at Babel. Additionally, his recorded age teaches that every year of life is significant in serving God and building the next generation.