Genesis 10:5 - Nations divided by language, family.

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Hebrew Text

מֵאֵלֶּה נִפְרְדוּ אִיֵּי הַגּוֹיִם בְּאַרְצֹתָם אִישׁ לִלְשֹׁנוֹ לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם בְּגוֹיֵהֶם׃

English Translation

By these were the isles of the nations divided in their lands; everyone after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.

Transliteration

Me'eleh nifredu iyei hagoyim be'artzotam ish lileshono lemishpechotam begoyehem.

Hebrew Leining Text

מֵ֠אֵ֠לֶּה נִפְרְד֞וּ אִיֵּ֤י הַגּוֹיִם֙ בְּאַרְצֹתָ֔ם אִ֖ישׁ לִלְשֹׁנ֑וֹ לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם בְּגוֹיֵהֶֽם׃

Parasha Commentary

Context in Sefer Bereishit

The verse (Bereishit 10:5) appears in the "Toldot Bnei Noach" section, describing the dispersion of nations after the Flood. It follows the genealogy of Yefet's descendants and precedes the narrative of Migdal Bavel (Tower of Babel). Rashi explains that this division occurred after the dispersal at Migdal Bavel, where Hashem confounded human language (Bereishit 11:9).

Linguistic and National Divisions

The phrase "איש ללשנו למשפחתם בגוייהם" ("everyone after his tongue, after their families, in their nations") reflects the Divine decree at Migdal Bavel. The Ramban notes that this was not merely geographical separation, but a fundamental restructuring of human society into distinct:

Linguistic groups (לשון): New languages created barriers to communication
Familial clans (משפחה): Biological ties became secondary to linguistic-national identity
National identities (גוי): Political entities formed around shared language

The Role of "איי הגוים"

The term "איי הגוים" ("isles of the nations") is interpreted by Ibn Ezra as referring to coastal regions where Yefet's descendants settled. The Sforno expands that these became centers of distinct civilizations, each developing unique:

Cultural practices
Governance systems
Religious approaches (eventually leading to idolatry)

Hashkafic Perspective

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 37:1) teaches that this division served multiple purposes in Divine providence:

To prevent concentrated human arrogance (as demonstrated at Migdal Bavel)
To create the diversity that would make Avraham's monotheistic mission stand out
To establish the seventy root nations corresponding to the seventy languages (later referenced in the Talmud, Sukkah 55b)

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 10:5 mean?
A: Genesis 10:5 describes how the descendants of Noah's sons spread out across the world after the Flood, forming different nations, languages, and family groups. According to Rashi, this verse emphasizes how humanity diversified into distinct peoples, each with their own language and territory, fulfilling God's command to 'fill the earth' (Genesis 9:1).

Q: Why is Genesis 10:5 important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse is important because it explains the origins of the nations and languages in the world. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 37a) teaches that all humanity descends from one common ancestor (Noah), highlighting the unity of mankind despite our diversity. The division into nations also sets the stage for later biblical events, including the choosing of Abraham and the Jewish people.

Q: How does Genesis 10:5 apply to us today?
A: This verse reminds us that diversity among nations and languages is part of God's plan for humanity. The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 8:10) teaches that righteous people of all nations have a share in the World to Come, showing that Judaism respects the unique role of each nation while upholding universal moral principles.

Q: What can we learn from the phrase 'everyone after his tongue, after their families'?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 37:7) explains that language and family ties are fundamental to human identity. This teaches us the importance of preserving our heritage and traditions, as the Jewish people have done throughout history by maintaining our language (Hebrew) and family lineage.