The division of the earth mentioned in Genesis 10:25 in relation to Peleg has been interpreted in different ways by Bible scholars over the years. Some see it as referring to a physical splitting of continents, while others view it in terms of a linguistic or ethnic division of humanity. Looking closely at the context and original language provides insight into this cryptic passage.
The Passage in Genesis About Peleg
Genesis 10 gives the table of nations – describing how Noah’s descendants spread out after the Flood. Verse 25 states:
To Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided, and his brother’s name was Joktan. (Genesis 10:25 ESV)
On the surface, this seems to connect Peleg with some sort of dividing of the earth. But what exactly is meant by this is not entirely clear.
Could This Refer to a Physical Splitting of Continents?
Some propose that the traditional understanding of Peleg’s name as “division” coupled with the phrase “the earth was divided” points to the continental splits that occurred geologically after the Flood. However, there are several problems with this view:
- There is no specific mention of the land or continents being divided – it just refers to “the earth.”
- The Hebrew word for “earth” here can refer to the whole inhabited world, not just landmasses.
- The continental splits took place over a long period of time, not specifically “in Peleg’s day.”
- Genesis 10 is focused on describing various nations by ancestry and language – not geology.
So in light of the context, it seems unlikely Moses had in mind a physical separation of continents when he penned this passage. The division is better understood in terms of humanity, not landforms.
A Separation of Peoples and Languages
The traditional meaning of Peleg’s name stems from the Hebrew root “palag” which means to divide or split. This has led many Bible scholars to favor the interpretation of Genesis 10:25 as referring to a linguistic/ethnic division. Some reasons to support this view include:
- It fits the context of Genesis 10-11 describing the scattering of people after Babel.
- The wording parallels the later description of God dividing mankind into groups in Genesis 11.
- The line about Peleg’s name hints he was named based on this very division occurring.
- It matches Peleg’s role in the “table of nations” genealogy divided by language family.
In this sense, the earth or inhabited world described as “divided” in Peleg’s day refers to humanity splitting apart into people groups distinguished by language and family ties. Peleg’s name marked this significant development in history.
Diversity of Humanity Reflected in Peleg’s Name
Another wrinkle in the meaning of Peleg’s name is that some scholars tie it to an Akkadian word stem meaning “watercourse, canal.” Thus Peleg may reflect a system of irrigation canals that developed in Mesopotamia. In this case, Peleg would represent a historical figure during a time when settlements grew and civilization expanded through early engineering projects diverting major waterways.
Whether it is the traditional meaning of “division” or this possible Akkadian derivation, Peleg seems to represent a time when humanity was diversifying rapidly after God’s judgment at Babel. His name marks the development of distinct people groups, languages, lands and cultures traced back to the various sons of Noah.
Understanding the Cryptic Clue in Context
Though cryptic, the statement about the earth being divided in Peleg’s time fits when seen in light of the preceding account of the dividing and scattering at the Tower of Babel. As one source summed it up:
“The most natural meaning is that Peleg’s birth occurred about the time that the Lord dispersed mankind into linguistic (Genesis 11:7-9) and geographic clans, from which came the different nations.” (ESV Study Bible)
So in the chronology of Genesis, Peleg’s life marks a key transition point when God divided humanity into people groups that eventually became today’s different languages and nations. This summary statement sets Peleg up as an important transitional figure leading into the next section detailing the spread of Noah’s descendants.
Implications of the Division in Peleg’s Day
Understanding the earth’s “division” in Peleg’s time as referring mainly to languages and ethnicities spreading out has some important implications:
- It reinforces the reality of judgment at Babel and God’s hand in dividing humanity.
- It explains the origins of today’s diversity of peoples and cultures across the earth.
- It fits theGenesis chronology of early civilization expanding after the Flood.
- It establishes Peleg as a marker between Babel and the proliferation of nations.
For believers today, it is a reminder that even in judgment God preserves a people for Himself. And our shared origins point us to the need to live in unity, love and faith in Jesus Christ across all languages, tribes and nations.
Other Questions About Peleg and This Passage
There are a few other questions that arise from Genesis 10:25 and the mention of Peleg:
When did this division happen?
There is uncertainty about exact dates, but Peleg’s lifetime likely coincided approximately with the dispersion at Babel sometime in the 100-200 year range after the Flood according to Genesis chronology.
How long after the Flood did Peleg live?
Genealogies put Peleg’s birth about 100 years after the Flood (Gen 11:10-16), so if he lived to around 239 years of age (Gen 11:18-19), that means the division came within the first few centuries after the Flood.
How does the mention of Peleg’s “brother” Joktan fit in?
Joktan was Peleg’s brother in the sense of being a fellow descendant of Eber and Sem. Mentioning both of Eber’s sons connects Peleg with the Semitic language group and Joktan with the Arabian regions their families settled.
Does this contradict evolution or continental drift?
Some claim Peleg’s division proves Young Earth Creationist models. But even if this refers to splitting languages/nations instead of landmasses, it is not at odds with scientific models of continental drift over eons or language development.
The text reveals when humanity began dividing across languages and regions – not how the earth’s geography developed. So this passage does not rule out gradual natural processes over long ages consistent with mainstream geology and anthropology.
Conclusion
The enigmatic mention of the earth being “divided” in the days of Peleg has fueled speculation for years. But in light of the textual clues and broader context, it is best understood as referring to a separation and spreading out of humanity along linguistic, ethnic and geographic lines as generations diversified after Babel. Peleg’s name marks a key transition point between God’s scattering of mankind and the resulting spread of Noah’s descendants across different parts of the ancient world after the Flood.
