Son of Eber and ancestor of Arabian tribes
Joktan
Named in 6 verses across 2 books, first in Genesis 10:25.
יׇקְטָןJoktan
The name means “small dispute; contention; disgust.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
- Father
- Eber
- Brothers and sisters
- Peleg
- Children
- Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, Obal, Abimael, Sheba, Ophir, Havilah, Jobab
- People
- Early Patriarch
About Joktan Written by AI
Joktan is mentioned in the genealogies of Genesis 10 and 1Chronicles 1 as a descendant of Shem, the son of Noah. He was the son of Eber and the brother of Peleg (Genesis 10:25; 1 Chronicles 1:19). The biblical record states that in the days of Peleg, the earth was divided, possibly referring to the division of languages and nations at the Tower of Babel (Genesis 10:25). Joktan is described as the ancestor of several Arabian tribes. Genesis 10:26 to 29 and 1 Chronicles 1:20 to 23 list his 13 sons: Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, Obal, Abimael, Sheba, Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab. These names are associated with various regions in Arabia, suggesting that Joktan's descendants settled in the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula. The mention of Joktan and his sons in the Table of Nations (Genesis 10) serves to highlight the diversity of peoples and nations that descended from Noah's sons after the Flood. It also demonstrates the fulfillment of God's command to be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth (Genesis 9:1). Although no further details are provided about Joktan's life or his relationship with his descendants, his inclusion in the biblical genealogies emphasizes the connection between the Semitic peoples and the Arabian tribes. It also underscores the importance of genealogical records in ancient Near Eastern societies for establishing family ties and tracing the origins of nations.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897
Little, the second of the two sons of Eber (Gen. 10:25; 1 Chr. 1:19). There is an Arab tradition that Joktan (Arab. Kahtan) was the progenitor of all the purest tribes of Central and Southern Arabia.
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
Where the Bible names him
- Genesis 10:25
Two sons were born to Eber: One was named Peleg, because in his days the earth was divided, and his brother was named Joktan.
- Genesis 10:26
And Joktan was the father of Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah,
- Genesis 10:29
Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab. All these were sons of Joktan.
- 1 Chronicles 1:19
Two sons were born to Eber: One was named Peleg, because in his days the earth was divided, and his brother was named Joktan.
- 1 Chronicles 1:20
And Joktan was the father of Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah,
- 1 Chronicles 1:23
Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab. All these were sons of Joktan.
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.