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Genesis 11:18 - Generations before dispersion?

Genesis 11:18 - בראשית 11:18

Hebrew Text

וַיְחִי־פֶלֶג שְׁלֹשִׁים שָׁנָה וַיּוֹלֶד אֶת־רְעוּ׃

English Translation

And Peleg lived thirty years, and begot Re῾u:

Transliteration

Vayechi-Peleg shloshim shanah vayoled et-Re'u.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַֽיְחִי־פֶ֖לֶג שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת־רְעֽוּ׃
וַֽיְחִי־פֶ֖לֶג שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת־רְעֽוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Lifespan and Lineage of Peleg

The verse states: "וַיְחִי־פֶלֶג שְׁלֹשִׁים שָׁנָה וַיּוֹלֶד אֶת־רְעוּ" ("And Peleg lived thirty years, and begot Re῾u"). This passage appears in the genealogical list in Bereishit (Genesis 11:18), tracing the lineage from Shem to Avraham Avinu.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereishit 11:18) notes that the name פֶלֶג (Peleg) is derived from the root פלג, meaning "division," referencing the event of the Dispersion of the Nations (מגדל בבל) during his lifetime (Bereishit 10:25). This highlights that Peleg's birth and life were marked by a significant historical shift—the division of humanity into different languages and lands.

Significance of Age Thirty

The Torah emphasizes that Peleg was thirty years old when he fathered Re῾u. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 37:1) connects this to the idea that thirty is an age of maturity and strength, as seen elsewhere in Tanach (e.g., Yosef becoming viceroy at 30, Yechezkel beginning prophecy at 30). This suggests that Peleg reached full spiritual and physical readiness for parenthood at this age.

Continuity of the Line to Avraham

Peleg’s son, Re῾u, continues the lineage leading to Avraham. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 69b) discusses the precise chronology of these generations, emphasizing their importance in establishing the timeline from Noach to Avraham. Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 1:1) also references these genealogies to trace the transmission of monotheistic tradition.

Lessons from the Verse

  • Divine Providence: The naming of Peleg reminds us of Hashem’s intervention in human history, as seen in the dispersion at Bavel.
  • Timing of Events: The age of thirty underscores the importance of proper preparation before taking on major life roles.
  • Historical Continuity: Each generation in the lineage plays a crucial role in preserving the spiritual legacy leading to Avraham and the Jewish people.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah list the ages when people had children?
A: The Torah lists ages when people had children to show the continuity of generations from Adam to Avraham, emphasizing the importance of family and lineage in Jewish tradition. Rashi explains that these details help us trace the genealogy leading to the Jewish people.
Q: What is the significance of Peleg in the Torah?
A: Peleg (פֶּלֶג) is significant because his name means 'division,' referring to the division of languages at the Tower of Babel during his lifetime (Genesis 10:25). The Midrash connects this event to human arrogance and the importance of unity with Hashem's will.
Q: How old was Peleg when he had Re῾u?
A: Peleg was 30 years old when he fathered Re῾u (Genesis 11:18). This follows the Torah’s pattern of recording ages at parenthood to maintain the historical chain leading to Avraham Avinu.
Q: Why does the Torah mention seemingly minor figures like Peleg?
A: Even seemingly minor figures like Peleg are recorded to show the unbroken lineage from Adam to Avraham. The Rambam teaches that every detail in the Torah has purpose, and these genealogies reinforce the authenticity of Jewish tradition.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Peleg's life?
A: Peleg's life teaches that major historical events (like the division at the Tower of Babel) shape humanity, and individuals are part of Hashem’s greater plan. The Sforno notes that such events remind us of the consequences of straying from divine purpose.