| |
BERESHIT-
Genesis - IN THE BEGINNING
|
10:1 |
These are the
chronicles of Noah's sons, Shem, Ham and
Yefeth. Children were born to them after the
flood.
Ve'eleh toldot
beney Noach Shem Cham vaYafet vayivaledu
lahem banim achar hamabul. |
|
וְאֵ֙לֶּה֙ תּוֹלְדֹ֣ת
בְּנֵי־נֹ֔חַ שֵׁ֖ם חָ֣ם וָיָ֑פֶת וַיִּוָּלְד֥וּ
לָהֶ֛ם בָּנִ֖ים אַחַ֥ר הַמַּבּֽוּל׃ |
|
10:2 |
The sons of
Yefeth
were
Gomer,
Magog,
Madai,
Yavan,
Tuval,
Meshekh
and
Tiras.
Beney Yefet
Gomer uMagog uMaday veYavan veTuval uMeshech
veTiras. |
|
בְּנֵ֣י יֶ֔פֶת גֹּ֣מֶר
וּמָג֔וֹג וּמָדַ֖י וְיָוָ֣ן וְתֻבָ֑ל וּמֶ֖שֶׁךְ
וְתִירָֽס׃ |
|
10:3 |
The sons of
Gomer were Ashkenaz, Riphath,
and Togarmah.
Uveney Gomer
Ashkenaz veRifat veTogarmah. |
|
וּבְנֵ֖י גֹּ֑מֶר
אַשְׁכֲּנַ֥ז וְרִיפַ֖ת וְתֹגַרְמָֽה׃ |
|
10:4 |
The sons of
Yavan were
Elisah,
Tarshish,
Kittim
and
Dodanim.
Uveney Yavan
Elisha veTarshish Kitim veDodanim. |
|
וּבְנֵ֥י יָוָ֖ן
אֱלִישָׁ֣ה וְתַרְשִׁ֑ישׁ כִּתִּ֖ים וְדֹדָנִֽים׃ |
|
10:5 |
From these the isolated
nations branched
out into their lands. Each had its own
language for its families in its nations.
Me'eleh
niferedu iyey hagoyim be'artsotam ish
lileshono lemishpechotam begoyehem. |
|
מֵ֠אֵלֶּה נִפְרְד֞וּ
אִיֵּ֤י הַגּוֹיִם֙ בְּאַרְצֹתָ֔ם אִ֖ישׁ לִלְשֹׁנ֑וֹ
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם בְּגוֹיֵהֶֽם׃ |
|
10:6 |
The sons of
Ham were Cush, Mitzraim, Put,
and Canaan.
Uveney Cham
Kush uMitsrayim uFut uChena'an. |
|
וּבְנֵ֖י חָ֑ם כּ֥וּשׁ
וּמִצְרַ֖יִם וּפ֥וּט וּכְנָֽעַן׃ |
|
10:7 |
The sons
of Cush wereThe
sons of Cush were S'bha, Havila, Sabhta, Raamah andSabht'ka.
The sons
of Raamah were
Sheba and Dedan.
Uveney Chush
Seva vaChavilah veSavta veRamah veSavtecha
uvney Ramah Shva uDedan. |
|
וּבְנֵ֣י כ֔וּשׁ סְבָא֙
וַֽחֲוִילָ֔ה וְסַבְתָּ֥ה וְרַעְמָ֖ה וְסַבְתְּכָ֑א
וּבְנֵ֥י רַעְמָ֖ה שְׁבָ֥א וּדְדָֽן׃ |
|
10:8 |
Cush was the
father of Nimrod,
who was the first to amass power in the
world.
VeChush yalad
et-Nimrod hu hechel lihyot gibor ba'arets. |
|
וְכ֖וּשׁ יָלַ֣ד
אֶת־נִמְרֹ֑ד ה֣וּא הֵחֵ֔ל לִֽהְי֥וֹת גִּבֹּ֖ר
בָּאָֽרֶץ׃ |
|
10:9 |
He was a
mighty trapper before God. There is thus a
saying, 'Like Nimrod, a mighty trapper
before God!'
Hu-hayah
gibor-tsa'id lifney Adonay al-ken ye'amar
keNimrod gibor tsa'id lifney Adonay. |
|
הֽוּא־הָיָ֥ה
גִבֹּֽר־צַ֖יִד לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה עַל־כֵּן֙ יֵֽאָמַ֔ר
כְּנִמְרֹ֛ד גִּבּ֥וֹר צַ֖יִד לִפְנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה׃ |
|
10:10 |
The beginning
of his kingdom was Babylon,
along with Erekh,Akkad and Calneh,
in the land of Shinar.
Vatehi reshit
mamlachto Bavel ve'Erech ve'Akad veChalneh
be'erets Shin'ar. |
|
וַתְּהִ֨י רֵאשִׁ֤ית
מַמְלַכְתּוֹ֙ בָּבֶ֔ל וְאֶ֖רֶךְ וְאַכַּ֣ד וְכַלְנֵ֑ה
בְּאֶ֖רֶץ שִׁנְעָֽר׃ |
|
10:11 |
Asshur left
that land, and he built Nineveh, Rechovoth
Ir andCalach,
Min-ha'arets
hahi yatsa Ashur vayiven et-Nineveh
ve'et-Rechovot ir ve'et-Kalach. |
|
מִן־הָאָ֥רֶץ הַהִ֖וא
יָצָ֣א אַשּׁ֑וּר וַיִּ֙בֶן֙ אֶת־נִ֣ינְוֵ֔ה
וְאֶת־רְחֹבֹ֥ת עִ֖יר וְאֶת־כָּֽלַח׃ |
|
10:12 |
as well as Resen,
between Nineveh and Calach. [Nineveh] is a great
city.
Ve'et-Resen
beyn Nineveh uveyn Kalach hi ha'ir hagdolah. |
|
וְֽאֶת־רֶ֔סֶן בֵּ֥ין
נִֽינְוֵ֖ה וּבֵ֣ין כָּ֑לַח הִ֖וא הָעִ֥יר הַגְּדֹלָֽה׃
|
|
10:13 |
Mitzraim
fathered the Ludim,
the Anamim,
the Lehabhim,
theNaftuchim,
UMitsrayim
yalad et-Ludim ve'et-Anamim ve'et-Lehavim
ve'et-Naftuchim. |
|
וּמִצְרַ֡יִם יָלַ֞ד
אֶת־לוּדִ֧ים וְאֶת־עֲנָמִ֛ים וְאֶת־לְהָבִ֖ים
וְאֶת־נַפְתֻּחִֽים׃ |
|
10:14 |
the Pathrusim and
the Casluchim (from
whom the Philistinesdescended)
and the Caphtorim.
Ve'et-Patrusim
ve'et-Kasluchim asher yatse'u misham
Plishtim ve'et Kaftorim. |
|
וְֽאֶת־פַּתְרֻסִ֞ים
וְאֶת־כַּסְלֻחִ֗ים אֲשֶׁ֨ר יָצְא֥וּ מִשָּׁ֛ם
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים וְאֶת־כַּפְתֹּרִֽים׃ (ס) |
|
10:15 |
Canaan
fathered Sidon (his
firstborn) and Heth,
UChena'an
yalad et-Tsidon bechoro ve'et-Chet. |
|
וּכְנַ֗עַן יָלַ֛ד
אֶת־צִידֹ֥ן בְּכֹר֖וֹ וְאֶת־חֵֽת׃ |
|
10:16 |
as well as the Jebusites,
the Amorites,
the Girgashites,
Ve'et-haYevusi
ve'et-ha'Emori ve'et-haGirgashi. |
|
וְאֶת־הַיְבוּסִי֙
וְאֶת־הָ֣אֱמֹרִ֔י וְאֵ֖ת הַגִּרְגָּשִֽׁי׃ |
|
10:17 |
the Hivites,
the Arkites,
the Sinites,
Ve'et-haChivi
ve'et-ha'Arki ve'et-haSini. |
|
וְאֶת־הַֽחִוִּ֥י
וְאֶת־הַֽעַרְקִ֖י וְאֶת־הַסִּינִֽי׃ |
|
10:18 |
the Arvadites,
the Tzemarites,
and the Chamathites.
Later the families of the Canaanites became
scattered.
Ve'et-ha'Arvadi ve'et-haTsmari
ve'et-haChamati ve'achar nafotsu mishpechot
haKna'ani. |
|
וְאֶת־הָֽאַרְוָדִ֥י
וְאֶת־הַצְּמָרִ֖י וְאֶת־הַֽחֲמָתִ֑י וְאַחַ֣ר נָפֹ֔צוּ
מִשְׁפְּח֖וֹת הַֽכְּנַעֲנִֽי׃ |
|
10:19 |
The Canaanite
borders extended from Sidon toward Geraruntil Gaza,
and toward Sodom, Gomorrah,
Admah andTzevoyim,
until Lasha.
Vayehi gvul
haKna'ani miTsidon boachah Gerarah ad-Azah
boachah Sedomah va'Amorah ve'Admah uTsvo'im
ad-Lasha. |
|
וַֽיְהִ֞י גְּב֤וּל
הַֽכְּנַעֲנִי֙ מִצִּידֹ֔ן בֹּאֲכָ֥ה גְרָ֖רָה
עַד־עַזָּ֑ה בֹּאֲכָ֞ה סְדֹ֧מָה וַעֲמֹרָ֛ה וְאַדְמָ֥ה
וּצְבֹיִ֖ם עַד־לָֽשַׁע׃ |
|
10:20 |
These are the
descendants of Ham, according to their
families and languages, by their lands and
nations.
Eleh
veney-Cham lemishpechotam lileshonotam
be'artsotam begoyehem. |
|
אֵ֣לֶּה בְנֵי־חָ֔ם
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם לִלְשֹֽׁנֹתָ֑ם בְּאַרְצֹתָ֖ם
בְּגוֹיֵהֶֽם׃ (ס) |
|
10:21 |
Sons were also
born to Shem. He was the ancestor of the Hebrews,
[and] the brother of Yefeth, the
eldest.
UleShem yulad
gam-hu avi kol-beney-Ever achi Yefet hagadol. |
|
וּלְשֵׁ֥ם יֻלַּ֖ד
גַּם־ה֑וּא אֲבִי֙ כָּל־בְּנֵי־עֵ֔בֶר אֲחִ֖י יֶ֥פֶת
הַגָּדֽוֹל׃ |
|
10:22 |
The sons of
Shem were Elam, Asshur, Arpachshad, Lud,
andAram.
Beney Shem
Eylam ve'Ashur ve'Arpachshad veLud va'Aram. |
|
בְּנֵ֥י שֵׁ֖ם עֵילָ֣ם
וְאַשּׁ֑וּר וְאַרְפַּכְשַׁ֖ד וְל֥וּד וַֽאֲרָֽם׃ |
|
10:23 |
The sons of
Aram were Utz, Chul, Gether,
and Mash.
Uveney Aram
Uts veChul veGeter vaMash. |
|
וּבְנֵ֖י אֲרָ֑ם ע֥וּץ
וְח֖וּל וְגֶ֥תֶר וָמַֽשׁ׃ |
|
10:24 |
Arpachshad had
a son Shelach. Shelach had a son Eber.
Ve'Arpachshad
yalad et-Shalach veShelach yalad et-Ever. |
|
וְאַרְפַּכְשַׁ֖ד
יָלַ֣ד אֶת־שָׁ֑לַח וְשֶׁ֖לַח יָלַ֥ד אֶת־עֵֽבֶר׃ |
|
10:25 |
Eber had two
sons. The name of the first was Peleg,
because theworld
became divided in his days.
His brother's name wasYoktan.
Ule-Ever yulad
sheney vanim shem ha'echad Peleg ki veyamav
niflegah ha'arets veshem achiv Yoktan. |
|
וּלְעֵ֥בֶר יֻלַּ֖ד
שְׁנֵ֣י בָנִ֑ים שֵׁ֣ם הָֽאֶחָ֞ד פֶּ֗לֶג כִּ֤י
בְיָמָיו֙ נִפְלְגָ֣ה הָאָ֔רֶץ וְשֵׁ֥ם אָחִ֖יו
יָקְטָֽן׃ |
|
10:26 |
Yoktan was the
father of Almodad, Shelef, Chatzarmaveth,Yerach,
VeYoktan yalad
et-Almodad ve'et-Shalef ve'et-Chatsarmavet
ve'et-Yarach |
|
וְיָקְטָ֣ן יָלַ֔ד
אֶת־אַלְמוֹדָ֖ד וְאֶת־שָׁ֑לֶף וְאֶת־חֲצַרְמָ֖וֶת
וְאֶת־יָֽרַח׃ |
|
10:27 |
Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah,
Ve'et-Hadoram
ve'et-Uzal ve'et-Diklah. |
|
וְאֶת־הֲדוֹרָ֥ם
וְאֶת־אוּזָ֖ל וְאֶת־דִּקְלָֽה׃ |
|
10:28 |
Obhal, Abhimael, Sh'bha,
Ve'et-Oval
ve'et-Avima'el ve'et-Sheva. |
|
וְאֶת־עוֹבָ֥ל
וְאֶת־אֲבִֽימָאֵ֖ל וְאֶת־שְׁבָֽא׃ |
|
10:29 |
Ophir, Havilah,
and Yovav.
All these were the sons of Yoktan.
Ve'et Ofir
ve'et-Chavilah ve'et-Yovav kol-eleh beney
Yoktan. |
|
וְאֶת־אוֹפִ֥ר
וְאֶת־חֲוִילָ֖ה וְאֶת־יוֹבָ֑ב כָּל־אֵ֖לֶּה בְּנֵ֥י
יָקְטָֽן׃ |
|
10:30 |
Their
settlements extended
from Meshah toward Sepher,
theeastern
mountain.
Vayehi
moshavam miMesha boachah Sfarah har hakedem. |
|
וַֽיְהִ֥י מוֹשָׁבָ֖ם
מִמֵּשָׁ֑א בֹּאֲכָ֥ה סְפָ֖רָה הַ֥ר הַקֶּֽדֶם׃ |
|
10:31 |
These are the
descendants of Shem,
according to their families and languages,
by their lands and nations.
Eleh veney-Shem
lemishpechotam lileshonotam be'artsotam
legoyehem. |
|
אֵ֣לֶּה בְנֵי־שֵׁ֔ם
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם לִלְשֹׁנֹתָ֑ם בְּאַרְצֹתָ֖ם
לְגוֹיֵהֶֽם׃ |
|
10:32 |
Such were the
families of Noah's sons, according to their
chronicles in their nations.
From these, the nations spread over the
earth after the flood.
Eleh
mishpechot beney-Noach letoldotam begoyehem
ume'eleh nifredu hagoyim ba'arets achar
hamabul. |
|
אֵ֣לֶּה מִשְׁפְּחֹ֧ת
בְּנֵי־נֹ֛חַ לְתוֹלְדֹתָ֖ם בְּגוֹיֵהֶ֑ם וּמֵאֵ֜לֶּה
נִפְרְד֧וּ הַגּוֹיִ֛ם בָּאָ֖רֶץ אַחַ֥ר הַמַּבּֽוּל׃
(פ) |
Magog
Most probably a Teutonic people, living to the
north of the Holy Land (cf. Ezekiel 38:2). Some
sources identify Magog with Germania (Targum
Yonathan; Targum on
1 Chronicles 1:5; Pesikta
Zutratha). Others identify them with the Goths (Yerushalmi,
Megillah 1:9).
These were a Teutonic people who migrated to
Scythia, in what is now southern Russia.It is
therefore not contradictory when some sources
identify Magog with Scythia (Josephus; Yoma 10a,
according to Rabbenu Chananel; Arukh s.v. Germamia).
Ancient histories state that the Scythians came from
Asia, driven by the Massagetae (cf. Meshekh),
and settling near the Cimerians (Herodotus 4:11; see
note on Genesis
10:2, 'Gomer').
Linguistically, the Scythians were related to the
Iranians, and hence, to the Persians and the Medes.
It is therefore significant that there was a Persian
tribe known as the Germanians (Herodotus 1:125).
Other sources note that Magog may denote the
Mongols, whose very name may be a corruption of
Magog. Indeed, Arab writers referred to the Great
Wall of China as the 'wall of al Magog' (Rabbi Aaron
Marcus, Kesseth
HaSofer, p. 112a).
Other ancient sources agree with the
identification of Magog as living to the north of
the Black Sea (Yov'loth 9:8).
|
Tuval
A northern country, see Ezekiel 38:2, 27:13. This
is usually identified with Bithynia (Targum
Yonathan; Targum on
1 Chronicles 1:5; Yerushalmi,
Megillah 1:9).
The Talmud also refers to it as Beth-unyaki, which
is the Talmudic term for Bithynia (Yoma 10a).
This is in the area to the east of the Bospherus (Yov'loth 9:11).
Josephus, however, says that the Tuvalites were the
Ibers. Some say that these were the people of the
Iberian Peninsula, and hence they were the original
Spaniards. Indeed, one source says that this is why
the Spanish refer to themselves as cen-tuvales
(gentualla), literally 'people of Tuval' (Abarbanel).
However, there was also an Iberian people who lived
to the east of the Black Sea.
|
Meshekh
A northern kingdom; cf. Ezekiel 38:2, 27:13;
Psalms 120:5. Most Talmudic sources identify Meshekh
with Mysia (see Targum
Yonathan; Targum on
1 Chronicles 1:5; Yerushalmi,
Megillah 1:9; Yoma 10a;
Buber on Pesikta
Zutratha 26a).
This was the land to the west of Bithynia, along the
Dardanelles (Hellespont) and Marmara Sea (cf. Yov'loth 9:12;
Herodotus 7:42,74). They might possibly be
associated with Mycenae, an ancient city in Greece.
Josephus, however, associates Meshekh with
Cappadocia, whose capital is Mazaka, in what is now
central Turkey (see Herodotus 1:72). It is very
close to Galatia (see Gomer). Another possibility
would be to identify Meshekh with the Massagatae, an
ancient people who lived in Russia to the east of
the Aral Sea (cf. Herodotus 1:201). It was these
people who drove the Scythians into Cimeria (Ibid.
4:11). It is also possible to identify Meshekh with
the Moschians mentioned in ancient sources
(Herodotus 7:78). The name may be related to the
Muskeva River, and hence to Moscow. Indeed, there
are sources that say the Meshekh was the forerunner
of the Slavs (Kesseth HaSofer).
|
Riphath
In 1 Chronicles 1:6, however, the reading is
Diphath (cf. Rashi ad loc.). Josephus identifies
these people with the Paphlagonians, an ancient
people who lived on the Rifas River (see Kesseth
HaSofer 113a.
Cf. Herodotus 7:72; Iliad 2:851).
Other sources identify it with Parkhvan, Parkvi or
Parsvey (Targum Yonathan; Targum on
1 Chronicles 1:6), most probably Parkvi, a country
in Northern Ariana (in Persia). Still others
identify it with Chadiv or Hadiath (Yerushalmi,
Megilla 1:9; Bereshith
Rabbah 37).
The correct reading is most probably Hadiyv, which
is identified with Adiebena, a district in Assyria
between the Lycus and Caprus rivers. Abarbanel
identifies these people with the Etruscans, who
settled in Italy, Venice and France.
|
Tarshish
In 1 Chronicles 1:7, it is Tarshishah. It was
famed for its ships, see 1 Kings 10:22, 22:49, etc.
Also see Isaiah 23;10, 66:19, Ezekiel 38:13, Jonah
1:3. Josephus identifies it with Cilicia, whose
capital was Tarsus. The identification with Tarsus
is also upheld in Talmudic sources (Targum
Yonathan; Yerushalmi, Megilla 1:9).
Some associate it with Tuscany, Lombardi, Florence
and Milan (Abarbanel. Cf. Sefer
HaYashar).
|
Kittim
An island people; cf. Jeremiah 2:10, Ezekiel 27:6.
Also see Numbers
24:24, Isaiah 23:1, 23:12,
Daniel 11:30. Josephus identifies it with Cyprus,
whose main city was Citius (cf. Abarbanel). The Targum,
however identifies it with Italy (Italion, Italia),
and hence, it is seen as the source of the Italian
and Romans (cf. Targum on Numbers
24:24).
|
isolated nations
(Cf. Hirsch; Kesseth
HaSofer). Literally 'islands.'
|
Cush
See note on Genesis
2:13. There was also an
ancient city of Kish 8 miles east of Babylon. Other
ancient sources also indicate that it was to the
east of the Holy Land (cf. Yov'loth 9:1).
The Targum however,
renders it as Arabia (Targum Yonathan; Targum on
1 Chronicles 1:8). This, however, may also have
referred to an area in Africa on the upper Nile (cf.
Herodotus 2:19). Josephus identifies Cush here with
Ethiopia.
|
Put
See Jeremiah 46:9, Ezekiel 27:10, 38:5, Nahum 3:9.
Josephus identifies it with Lybyos or Lybia in North
Africa. In Coptic (ancient Egyptian), Lybia is also
known as Phiait. The Targum,
however, renders it as Alichrok, possibly
Heracleotes. Other ancient sources state that it is
to the east of the Holy Land (Yov'loth 9:1).
|
Yefeth
All the following nations belong to the
Indo-European language group. Some have identified
Yefeth with the Greek Iapetus.
|
Gomer
Most probably the Celts (cf. Herodotus 2:33), the
Franks, or the Gauls, all of whom were closely
related. Early sources translate this as Afrikey (Targum
Yonathan. Cf. Targum on
1 Kings 20:22, 22:49, where this is the translation
of Tarshish; see Genesis
10:4). This Afrikey,
however, is not Africa, but Frikia or Phrygia (Arukh
HaShalem; Buber on Pesikta
Zutratha 26a.
See note on Genesis
10:3, 'Togarma'). The
Phrygians were an ancient nation who lived to the
south of the Black Sea (cf. Iliad 2:862;
Herodotus 7:30,31). They were originally known as
Brigians (Herodotus 7:73). Linguistically, the
Phrygians were related to the Armenians, but they
may have also been related to the Franks, since
there is a resemblance between the two names.
Indeed, there are some ancient sources that identify
Gomer with the Franks (Sefer HaYashar, p.26; Tol'doth
Yitzchak).The Phrygians were pushed out of
their general land in the 8th century b.c.e. by the
Cimerians, a people who originally lived in southern
Russia (Crimea), to the north of the Black Sea (cf.
Herodotus 4:11, 1:16, 1:103). It is therefore
significant that the Talmud identifies Gomer with
Germamia (Yoma 10a; Yerushalmi,
Megillah 1:9).
Germamia denotes Cimeria rather than Germany (cf. Arukh
HaShalem). In ancient Assyrian, the Cimerians
were indeed known as the Gimerrai, cognate to Gomer
(in other places, however this is the translation of
Togarma, see Targum on
Ezekiel 27:14, 38:6). The Cimerians were seen as
originally having been a Nordic people (Odyssey11:12-19).
Some sources identify them with the Cimbri of
Jutland (around Denmark), a nation of Teutonized
Celts.
Josephus writes that Gomer was the founder of the
nation known as the Galatians (Antiquities 16:1;
cf. Abarbanel). Galatia was in the same area as
Phrygia and Cimeria, but it was renamed Galatia
(from Gaul) when it was conquered by the Celts of
Gaul.
Other ancient sources agree with this, writing
that Gomer lived to the east of the Tina (Halys, cf.
Herodotus 1:6) River (Sefer HaYov'loth 9:8).
|
Madai
Ancestor of Medes (Josephus; Yerushalmi,
Megillah 1:9).
This is also the opinion of the Talmud (Yoma 10a,
cf. Hagahoth
Beth Chadash, Rabbenu Chananel ad loc; Eyn
Yaakov ibid.).
Another source translates Madai as Chamadai (Targum on
1 Chronicles 1:5), possibly referring to Hamadan, an
ancient Medean capital. An ancient source states
that Madai is to the west of Gomer and Magog, on the
shores and the islands (Yov'loth 9:9).
(See Herodotus 7:62).
|
Yavan
Yawan in
ancient Hebrew, denoting Ionia (cf. Josephus. Also
see Herodotus 7:94). Other sources state that Yavan
is Macedonia (Targum Yonathan; Yoma 10a,
see note on Genesis
10:2, 'Madai'). Others
translate it as Ovisos (Yerushalmi, Megilla 1:9),
denoting Ephisus, an ancient Greek city in Lydia,
founded by the Ionians around 1050 b.c.e. An ancient
source states that Yavan lived on the islands and
the shore of Lydia (Yov'loth 9:10),
where indeed the Ionians lived.
|
Tiras
The Targum identifies
this as Tarkey (Targum Yonathan), which is
identified as Thrace. Josephus likewise states that
Tiras is Thrace. This is a people who lived in the
Balkans, in what is now European Turkey and
Bulgaria. Indeed (as we see in the Targum)
Turkey derives its name from Thrace. Linguistically
Thracian is related to Albanian. There is also a
possible relationship with the Etruscans. It is
notable that there was a Tearus (Tiras) River going
through Thrace (Herodotus 4:89).In the Talmud,
however, there is a dispute as to the identity of
Tiras, with some saying that it is Thrace, while
others say that it is Persia (Yoma 10a; Yerushalmi,
Megillah 1:9).
The Persians, however, received their name from
Perseus, whose kingdom was originally Tiryns
(Herodotus 7:61). Moreover, one of the original
Persian tribes was the Terusieans or Derusieans (Ibid. 1:125).
Another ancient source identifies Tiras with the
larger Mediterranean islands (Yov'loth 9:14).
|
Ashkenaz
This is a nation associated with the Ararat area;
Jeremiah 51:27. In Talmudic sources, it is rendered
as Asia (Targum Yonathan; Targum on
1 Chronicles 1:6; Yerushalmi,
Megillah 1:9). In ancient times, besides denoting
the entire continent, Asia also referred to what is
now the western part of Asiatic Turkey, bordering on
the Aegean Sea. However, there was also a tribe of
Asies living in the area of Sardis (the modern
Sart), the capital of Lydia (Herodotus 4:45). Both
are the same area.Josephus, on the other hand,
says that the Ashkenazites are the Reginians. Some
associate this with Rhegium (the modern Regga), on
the tip of the Italian peninsula (cf. Herodotus
1:167). However, there was also a Rhagae or Rages
that was a major city in Medea (cf. Tobit 4:1).
This was a bit south of the present Teheran, due
south of the Caspean sea (cf. Arukh
HaShalem, s.v. Asia).
The Medes indeed were known to descend from the race
of the Achemenids (Herodotus 7:61).
More logical, however, would be to associate the
'Reginia' of Josephus with Regnum Polemonis, to the
south-east of the Black Sea, immediately in the
Ararat area. The 'Asia' mentioned in Talmudic
sources could then be Amasia, a city in that area.
By the tenth century, the term Ashkenaz was used
to refer to Germany (Siddur Rav Amram Gaon).
This may be because, as we have seen, Gomer, the
father of Ashkenaz, was associated with 'Germania.'
But according to this, the 'Reginia' mentioned in
Josephus may have been the Rennus or Rhine area.
There are other sources that relate Ashkenaz to the
Ashkuza mentioned in ancient writings, or to the
Scythians.
|
Togarmah
A northern people; See Ezekiel 27:14, 38:6.
Josephus identifies these people with the Phrygians
(see Gomer).
Other sources have Barberia (Targum Yonathan;
Targum on
Chronicles 1:6), which some identify as Germania,
Barbara, or Britannia. Indeed there are sources that
render Togarmah as Germaniki or Germania (Yerushalmi,
Megilla 1:9; Bereshith
Rabbah 37; Targum on
Ezekiel 38:6). There are other sources that identify
Togarmah with the Armenians (Keseth HaSofer)
or Turks (Abarbanel). Indeed, in a modern sense,
Togarmah is used for Turkey. The name Togarmah
corresponds to Tegarma, found in cuneiform
inscriptions, referring to an area near Carchemish
in Armenia.
|
Elisha
This is seen as an island; see Ezekiel 27:7.
Josephus identifies it with the Aeolians (Antiquities 1:6:1),
who were known to have inhabited the island of
Lesbos (Herodotus 1:151). Others, however, identify
it with Sicily (Abarbanel). This is supported by the Targum which
renders it Italia (Targum on
Ezekiel 27:7).Talmudic sources identify Elisha
with Alsu or Elis (Yerushalmi, Megillah 1:9; Bereshith
Rabbah 37).
This may be identified with Elis, an ancient land in
Peloponnesus (southern Greece) along the Ionian Sea
(see Iliad 2:615).
A small village, Ilis or Eleis, currently remains on
the site of the city of Elis. In the interior of the
country was the sanctuary and valley of Olympia,
where the quadrennial Olympic games were held for
over 1000 years.
Others identify this Talmudic source with Hellas,
since the Greeks called themselves Hellas or Ellis (Kesseth
HaSofer). This was indeed an ancient appelation
for a Greek tribe (cf. Iliad 2:681;
but see Thucydides 1:3). It may also be associated
with the Halys River, which separated the
Greek-dominated area from the Asiatic. The name
Helles is also found in the Hellespont, the channel
that currently separates Europe from Asia (the
modern Dardanelles).
|
Dodanim
In 1 Chronicles 1:7 it is Rodanim (cf. Bereshith
Rabbah 37:1).
The Dodonians were known to be an ancient people
(cf. Iliad 2:748;
Herodotus 2:52-57). The Targum renders
it as Dardania, a city on the Dardanelles, after
which the strait was named (cf. Herodotus 1:189,
7:43; Iliad 2:819).
The Targum
(Yonathan) also
adds Ridos, Chamen and Antioch. Ridos is identified
with Rhodes (Abarbanel). Others identify the Dodanim
with the Bohemians (Tol'doth Yitzchak; cf. Sefer
HaYashar).
|
Mitzraim
The Hebrew name for Egypt. Regarding the origin of
the name 'Egypt,' see Josephus, Contra
Apion 1:15.
|
Canaan
Aborigine tribe of the Holy Land. See Genesis
10:15-19. |
Sabhta
Usually transliterated Sabta. Josephus identifies this
nation with the Astaborans. The Talmud identifies it with
outer Takistan, see S'bha. The Targum renders
it S'midai, Smadai or Samrai, a Cushite tribe, possibly the
Sabrata of North Africa.
|
Dedan
Josephus identifies this nation with the Judadeans of
western Ethiopia. The Targum has
M'zag, perhaps the Mazices of northern Africa.
|
S'bha
Usually transliterated as Seba. Cf. Isaiah 43:3, 45:14,
Psalms 72:10. Josephus identifies this with the Sabeans, a
people living in southern Arabia. The name may still be
preserved in the town of As Sabya. The Targumrenders
it Sinirai or Sinidai. In the Talmud, this nation is
identified with Sakistan or Sagistan (Yoma 10a).
Sagistan is a district in Drangonia in the Persian Empire,
occupied by Scythians.
|
Havila
See note on Genesis
2:11. The Targum has
India. Josephus, however, has Getuli.
|
Raamah
They were traders in spices, precious stones and gold;
Ezekiel 27:22. Here the Targum has
Lubai, the Lybians. The second time Raamah is mentioned in
this verse, however, the Targum
(Yonathan) has
Mavryatinos, which is Mauretania, a district in northwest
Africa. (cf. Yevamoth 63a; Sifri, Deuteronomy
3:20).
|
Sabht'ka
Usually transliterated as Sabteca. The Targum renders
it Zingain, possibly the African Zeugis.
|
Sheba
Actually Sh'bha. See 1 Kings 10:1, Genesis
10:28, 25:3. Josephus identifies
these with the Sabeans, as he does to S'bha. The Targum renders
it Zamdugad, Zamrugad (on Genesis)
or Zmargad and Dmargad (on Chronicles).
|
Nimrod
See Micah 5:5. He is credited as being the first
Babylonian king and the builder of the Tower, see Genesis
11:1-9 (Sefer HaYashar;
Josephus 1:4:3. Cf. Targum
Yonathan on Genesis
10:11). See note on Genesis
14:1, 25:29. |
Calneh
The Talmud identifies this as Nofar-Ninfi (Yoma 10a).
This is Nippur, midway between Erekh and Babylon on the
Euphrates River. It is the modern Niffer. Other sources
identify it with Ctesphon, a city on the eastern bank of the
Tigris (Targum Yonathan; Bereshith Rabbah 37).
|
Babylon
Babel or Babhel in
Hebrew. See Genesis
11:9.
|
Erekh
See Ezra 4:9, Rashi ad
loc. This was
a city near Ur, on the lower Euphrates River. The Talmud (Yoma 10a)
identifies it with Urikhuth, or Arkhath. This is identified
with Uruk, an ancient name for Erekh. The Targum had
Hadas, which may be identified with Edessa. The Midrash
identifies it with Charan (Bereshith Rabbah 37).
|
Akkad
This was the royal city of Accad, which was the capital of
northern Babylonia. The exact site of the city is unknown,
although it was near Sippar, and about 30 miles north of
Babylon. The Targum renders
this as Netzivim (Targum Yonathan; Bereshith Rabbah 37).
This was a city in the northeast end of Mesopotamia (cf. Shabbath 32b).
|
Shinar
Usually identified with Sumer. The Targum calls
it the land of Pontus (Targum Yonathan). This is
obviously not Pontus, which was a land to the south of the
Black Sea. Rather, it is the Latin word pontus,
meaning sea. Hence, Pontus was the 'land of the sea,' that
is the land toward the Persian Gulf. See note on Genesis
14:1. |
Nineveh
The ancient capital of Assyria, on the Tigris River. See
Jonah 1:2, 2 Kings 19:36.
|
Rechovoth Ir
Literally 'broad places of the city,' or 'avenues of the
city.' The Talmud says that it is Euphrates of Mishan (Yoma 10a).
Meshan or Mesene is the island formed by Euphrates, the
Tigris and the Royal Canal. The Targum,
however, translates it, 'avenues of the city.' Thus, it
would not be a place name, but would denote the fact that
Asshur built Nineveh as a city with avenues.
|
Calach
This is a city a few miles south of Nineveh. Its modern
name is Nimrud! The Talmud states that it is 'Borsof on the
Euphrates' (Yoma 10a).
This is Borsif or Borsippa, some 20 miles south of Babylon
on the Euphrates. It is, however, a long distance from
Nineveh. The Targum renders
it Pariyoth of Charyoth, probably denoting Chadiyath in
Assyria.
|
Anamim
The Targum renders
this Martiorti or Mariotai. These are the people of
Mareotis, a district in lower Egypt containing the town of
Marea.
|
Asshur
See Genesis
10:22. Hebrew for Assyria. It also
denotes a city on the Tigris River, some 50 miles south of
Nineveh. The Talmud (Yoma 10a)
identifies it with Selik, that is Seleucia. See Genesis
2:14.
|
Resen
The Talmud identifies Resen with Aktispon or Ctesphon (Yoma 10a;
cf. Tosafoth, Gittin 6a,
s.v. U'MiBhey).
See comment on Calneh. The Targum renders
it Talsar or Talasar, see Targum on
Isaiah 37:12, 2 Kings 19:12.
|
great city
This refers to Nineveh (Yoma 10a;
Rashi).
|
Ludim
The Targum renders
this Givatai. This appears to be related to the name Gipt or
Egypt, and also to the word Coptic, which denotes the
ancient language of Egypt (cf. Megillah 18a, Sanhedrin 115a).
Josephus, however, states that all the nations in this verse
are unidentifiable.
|
Lehabhim
Literally 'fire people,' since their faces are like fire
(Rashi). The Targum translates
this name as Livvakai or Livkai, possibly a Lybian tribe.
Josephus states that they are Lybians. See note on Genesis
10:6 regarding
Put.
|
Naftuchim
The Targum translates
this as Pontsikhnai or Pantsekhyaanaei, probably denoting
Pentaschoinos. This is a district in Egypt later referred to
as Dodekaschoinos |
Pathrusim
See Isaiah 11:11, Jeremiah 44:1, 44:15, Ezekiel 29:14,
30:14. The Targum translates
it as Nasyotai or Gasyotai, denoting Casiotis, the district
surrounding Mount Casius, east of Pelusium in Egypt. The Targum on
1 Chronicles 1:12 reverses the definition of Pathrusim and
Casluchim. In the Midrash it is rendered as Parvitoth (Bereshith
Rabbah 37).
|
Casluchim
The Targum renders
this as Pentpoletai, most probably Pentapolis, an Egyptian
district also called Cyrenaica. In the Midrash it is
rendered Pekosim (Bereshith Rabbah 37).
Saadia Gaon identifies it with Sa'id on the upper Nile.
|
Philistines
Pelishtim in
Hebrew. These people lived on the shore of the Mediterranean
between the Holy Land and Egypt (cf. Exodus
13:17).
|
Sidon
Tzidon in
Hebrew, to the north of the Holy Land, see Genesis
10:19. This was the capital of
Phoenicia. However, according to the Targum (on
1 Chronicles 1:13), Canaan's first-born was Bothnias (or
Cothnias), who was the founder of Sidon.
|
Heth
Cheth in
Hebrew, father of the Hittites, one of the tribes living in
the Holy Land; cf. Genesis
15:20. They lived to the west of
the Dead Sea around Hebron; Genesis
23:5. Both the Hittites and
Amorites were associated with the Jerusalem area; Ezekiel
16:3,45.
|
Jebusites
Yebhusi in
Hebrew. Jebus (Yebhus) is identified with Jerusalem;
Judges 19:10, 1 Chronicles 11:4; Joshua 15:63, Judges 1:21.
The Jebusites therefore lived in the Jerusalem area. Later,
however, this area was settled by the Hittites (Pirkey
Rabbi Eliezer 36;
Rashi on Deuteronomy
12:17).
|
Amorites
A people who originally lived on the west of the Dead Sea,
but were driven out (Genesis
14:7). They lived around Hebron,
where they allied with Abraham (Genesis
14:13). They also lived around
Shechem (Genesis
48:22). Later, they settled the
land on the east bank along the Arnon River, near Moab (Numbers
21:13). They also lived in Gilead
(Numbers
32:39). They later invaded the
Holy Land again (Judges 1:34).
|
Girgashites
Inhabitants of the Holy Land (Genesis
15:21). According to tradition,
they left the Holy Land before the Israelite invasion and
settled in Africa (Yerushalmi, Shabbath 6:31;
Rashi on Exodus
33:2, 34:11).
|
Caphtorim
See Deuteronomy
2:23, Amos 9:7. It is identified
as an island, Jeremiah 47:4. From the context, it appears to
be an island on the Nile Delta. However, the Septuagint, and
the Targum
(Yonathan) translate
it as Cappadocia, Kaputkai or Kapudka. This was an area
south of the Black Sea (see note on Genesis
10:2 regarding
Meshekh). This does not seem to be a possible explanation,
since from the context, these are an Egyptian people. Saadia
Gaon identifies it with Damyat or Shafchu, to the west of
Port Sa'id (Cf. Masa'oth
Rabbi Binyamin 24).
According to the Midrash, the Caphtorim were pygmies, and
were descendants of the Pathrusim and the Casluchim (Bereshith
Rabbah 37).
Accordingly, this verse should be, 'and the Pathrusim and
Casluchim, from whom there descended the Philistines and
Caphtorim.' |
Arkites
They are identified as the residents of Arce, a city at
the northwest foot of Mount Lebanon (Josephus; Bereshith
Rabbah 37.
Cf. Bekhoroth 57b).
|
Arvadites
These are identified as the inhabitants of the island of
Aradus on the Phoenician coast (Josephus; Yerushalmi,
Megillah 1:9, Bereshith
Rabbah 37).
Others identify them with the town of Antridanai, that is,
Antarados, a town opposite the island of Arados (Targum
Yerushalmi). Another source identifies them with the
Lutsai, probably the inhabitants of Arethusia, between
Epiphania and Emasa.
|
Tzemarites
Literally 'wool people,' possibly because they sold or
worked with wool (Bereshith Rabbah 37).
Talmudic sources render their area as Chametz, Chomtzia,
Chamitai and Chumtzai (Targum Yonathan; Yerushalmi,
Megillah 1:9,Bereshith
Rabbah 37).
This is identified with Emasa (the modern Hums) a city of
Syria on the eastern bank of the Orontes River. See note on Genesis
36:36.
|
Chamathites
This is to the north near Mount Hermon; Judges 3:3. Also
see Numbers
13:21, 34:8, Amos 6:14, Ezekiel
47:17. It is on the Orontes River. Josephus states that it
is the place called Amathe, although the Macedonians call it
Ephania (cf. Bereshith
Rabbah 37).
It is also identified with Antioch (Targum Yonathan).
|
Gerar
Capital of the Philistine nation, toward the south of the
Holy Land, near the coast (Genesis
20:1, 26:1).
|
Gaza
Aza in
Hebrew. City on the south of Holy Land along the
Mediterranean shore.
|
Gomorrah
Amorah in
Hebrew.
|
Hivites
Chivi in
Hebrew. They lived in the central part of the Holy Land near
Shechem (Genesis
34:2). They also lived in Gibeon,
and survived the conquest of the Holy Land (Joshua 9:3,7,
11:19). They lived in the north, near Mount Lebanon, from
Hermon to Chamath (Judges 3:3). Some identify them with the
people of Tripoli (Targum Yerushalmi). The Midrash
apparently notes that they were cave dwellers (Chaldun;
Bereshith Rabbah 37).
They were also adept at testing soil by taste (Shabbath 85a,
but see Tosefoth
ad loc. s.v. Chivi).
See note on Genesis
36:3.
|
Sinites
(cf. Isaiah 49:12, Radak ad loc.). Josephus states that
their identity is unknown. Others, however identify them
with the Antusai (Targum Onkelos; Targum Yonathan;
Bereshith Rabbah 37).
This is most probably associated with the city of Orhosia, a
Phoenician seaport, south of the Eleutheros River. Other
sources identify the Sinites with the Kafruseans (Targum
Yerushalmi).
|
Tzevoyim
These four cities were in what is now the southern end of
the Dead Sea (Genesis
14:2,3). They were destroyed by
God for their wickedness (Genesis
19:24,25). These cities formed the
southeast border of the Canaanite territory.
|
Lasha
Or Lesha. This is identified with Caldahi (Targum
Yonathan; Bereshith Rabbah 37).
This is most probably Callirohoe, a resort city on the
eastern shore of the Dead Sea. |
Hebrews
(Cf. Targum
Yonathan; Ibn Ezra). Literally, 'the sons of Eber' (see Genesis
10:24, 11:14). In Hebrew,
'Hebrews' are Ivri'im,
literally, 'Eberites,' or 'Sons of Eber.' Others, however,
translate this verse, 'sons of all who live on the other
side of the river' (Rashi; Ramban).
|
the eldest
This refers to Yefeth (see note on Genesis
9:24). However, according to those
who maintain that Shem was the eldest, the verse should be
translated, 'the older brother of Yefeth.'
|
Elam
See Genesis
14:19. It is associated with Media
(Isaiah 21:2, Jeremiah 25:25). We thus find that the capital
city of Shushan (Susa) was in the province of Elam on the
Ulai River (Daniel 8:2). Josephus thus writes that Elam was
the ancestor of the Persians. It is thus described as the
territory between Shushan and Media (Saadia Gaon). Other
sources identify it with the area between the Tigris and
India (Yov'loth 9:2).
|
Asshur
Identified with Assyria (cf. Josephus). See Genesis
2:14, 10:11. Their territory was
basically east of the Tigris.
|
Arpachshad
He was the ancestor of Abraham (see Genesis
11:10). Josephus states that he
was the ancestor of the Chaldeans, who lived on the lower
Euphrates. In Hebrew, the Chaldeans were known as Casdim (see
note onGenesis
11:28). They lived near the
Persian Gulf (Yov'loth 9:4).
The Targum translates
the name as Arphasdai (Targum on
1 Chronicles 1:17,18). See Herodotus 6:5.
|
Lud
Josephus identifies this with Lydia, south of the Black
Sea (see Herodotus 7:74).
|
Aram
Ancestor of Aramaea (from where the language Aramaic
comes), to the northeast of the Holy Land, approximately
where Syria is now. Josephus states that the Greeks called
the Aramaeans Syrians. Its capital was Damascus (Isaiah
7:8). It also included the area between the Tigris and
Euphrates rivers (Yov'loth 9:5).
Laban was thus called an Aramaean (Genesis
22:20, 24:4, cf. Deuteronomy
26:5). Aram was important because
of its association with Abraham's family.
|
Utz
Cf. Jeremiah 25:20, Job 1:1. Josephus writes that Utz
founded the cities of Trachnitis and Damascus, and settled
the lands between the Holy Land and Celesyria (Antiquities 1:6:4).
Other sources identify Utz with Armatyai (Targum on
1 Chronicles 1:17), which is most probably the modern
Armannia (Romania, near Constantinople). See Targum on
Lamentations 4:21, 1 Chronicles 1:42, Job 1:1. See note on Genesis
10:23 'Chul'.
|
Chul
Josephus states that Chul founded Armenia, a land to the
south of the eastern Black Sea. See Herodotus 7:73.
|
Gether
According to Josephus, the founder of the Bactrian nation.
|
Mash
In 1 Chronicles 1:17 it is Meshekh (see Genesis
10:2). Josephus identifies it with
Charax Spanisi. Other sources state that it is the land in
the area of Mount Mash in Mesopotamia, north of Netzivim (Kesseth
HaSofer).
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Eber
Ancestor of the Hebrews. See note on Genesis
10:21. He was a prophet (Rashi). |
world became divided...
This refers to the split occurring after the destruction
of the Tower of Babel (see Genesis
11:8). This took place in the year
that Peleg died (Seder Olam; Rashi). According to the
chronologies (see Genesis
11:19), this was in the year 1996,
when Abraham was 48 years old.
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Yoktan
Josephus states that he and his children lived near the
Cophon River in India. In Arabian traditions, he is Kochton,
the founder of Yemen (see Kesseth
HaSofer, 123a).
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Almodad
Some identify him with the founder of Morad in Yemen (Kesseth
HaSofer). Others say that it is Allumaeoltae mentioned
in Ptolemy's Geography.
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Shelef
Possibly Shalepynoi mentioned by Ptolemy (Geography 6:7,
p. 154).
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Chatzarmaveth
Literally, 'Courtyard of Death.' Some identify this with
Hadarmaveth in southern Arabia (Kesseth HaSofer 122a).
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Yerach
To the west of Hadarmaveth, there is a Mount Varach (Kesseth
HaSofer).
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Hadarom
Some interpret this as denoting 'the south.' This was a
fortress to the south of San'a (Kesseth HaSofer). See
1 Chronicles 18:10; Zechariah 12:11.
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Uzal
This was the ancient Arabic name for San'a, the capital of
Yemen (Kesseth HaSofer).
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Diklah
Literally a palm tree. Some say that it is an area in
Mina, abundant in palm trees (cf. Pliny 6:28).
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Obhal
Some identify this with Avalitae on the Ethiopian Coast.
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Abhimael
Literally 'Father of Mael.' Some identify this with the
Mali, a tribe living in the Mecca area, described by
Theophrastus (Enquiry into Plants 9:4).
This is the Minaei described by Strabo.
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Sh'bha
Or Sheba. See Genesis
10:7, 25:3.
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Ophir
The place from which King Solomon brought gold; 1 Kings
9:28, 10:11. Cf. Psalms 45:9, Isaiah 13:12. From the
context, it is a place on the Arabian peninsula. Some
identify it with El Ophir, a town in Oman. Josephus,
however, identifies Ophir with Aurea Chersonesus, belonging
to India (Antiquities 8:6:4).
The Septuagint translates Ophir as Sophia, which is Coptic
for India. There was indeed an ancient city known as Soupara
or Ouppara in the vicinity of Goa on the western coast of
India. Later authors identified Ophir with the New World
(Rabbi Azzaria de Rossi, Meor
Eynaim, Imrey Binah 11;
David Gans, Nechmad
VeNaim 3:75; Tzemach
David 2:1533; Seder
HaDoroth 5254).
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Havilah
See notes on Genesis
10:7, 2:11. Some identify this
with Chavlotai, an area on the Persian Gulf described in
ancient geographies (Strabo 16:728. This is Huvaila in
Bahrein. Others state that it is Avalitae on the Avalite Bay
(now Zeila), a city on the Sea of Adan south of Bab el
Mandeb. There is also a Nagar Havili in India, on the
Arabian Sea, some 80 miles north of Bombay. There is also a
town Chwala on the Caspian Sea, and therefore in Russian the
Caspian Sea is called Chwalinskoje
More. The name Havilah in the Torah may refer to more
than one place.
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Yovav
This is identified as Yovevitai or Yoveritai mentioned by
Ptolemy, along the Salachitis Gulf (Gulf of Oman).
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Their settlements
This refers to the children of Yoktan. According to some
authorities, however, it refers to all the children of Shem
(Cf. Ramban on Genesis
11:12).
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Meshah
This is identified with Mecca (Saadia). Others say that it
is Mocha (Al Mukha) in Yemen (cf. Ptolemy, Geography 6:7,
14a, 74b). Others identify it with Mesene (Khowr-e Musa) at
the mouth of the Tigris, where it flows into the Persian
Gulf.
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Sepher
Some sources identify this with Medina (Saadia Gaon). The
Midrash states that it is T'phari or Taphar (Bereshith
Rabbah 37).
Others identify it with Isfor in southern Arabia.
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eastern mountain
Some identify this with Alakdar in eastern Arabia, on the
Indian Ocean (Kesseth HaSofer). |
Shem
The descendants of Shem are known as the Semites. Theirs is the
Semitic language group.
nations
There are seventy nations mentioned in this chapter. These are the
seventy nations or seventy languages often mentioned in Talmudic
literature.
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