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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 10:4 And the sons of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, the Kittites, and the Rodanites.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/10-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/01_Gen_10_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 10:4 - The Japhethites" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And the sons of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, the Kittites, and the Rodanites." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/10.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The sons of Javan <i>were</i> Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/10.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The sons of Javan <i>were</i> Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/10.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The sons of Javan were Elishah and Tarshish, Kittim and Dodanim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/10.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And the sons of Javan <i>were</i> Elishah and Tarshish, Kittim and Dodanim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/10.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The sons of Javan <i>were</i> Elishah and Tarshish, Kittim and Dodanim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/10.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />the sons of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/10.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />And Javan’s sons: Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/10.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />And Javan&#8217s sons: Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/10.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the sons of Javan: Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/10.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/10.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Javan's descendants were the people from Elishah, Tarshish, Cyprus, and Rhodes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/10.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The descendants of Javan were the people of Elishah, Spain, Cyprus, and Rhodes; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/10.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Javan's descendants included Elisha, Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/10.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And the sons of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, the Kittites, and the Rodanites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/10.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The sons of Javan were Elishah, Tarshish, the Kittim, and the Dodanim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/10.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The sons of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Rodanim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/10.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/10.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The sons of Javan were: Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/10.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And sons of Javan [are] Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/10.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And sons of Javan are Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/10.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Chittim and Dodanirn.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/10.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the sons of Javan: Elisa and Tharsis, Cetthim, and Dodanim. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/10.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And the sons of Javan were Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Rodanim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/10.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The descendants of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, the Kittim and the Rodanim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/10.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The descendants of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Rodanim.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/10.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the sons of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, China, and Doranim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/10.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the children of Yavan: Elisha and Tarshish and Katheem and Doraneem.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/10.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the sons of Javan: Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/10.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the sons of Jovan, Elisa, and Tharseis, Cetians, Rhodians.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/10-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=2112" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/10.htm">The Japhethites</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>The sons of Gomer: Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ū·ḇə·nê (Conj-w:: N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">And the sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/3120.htm" title="3120: yā·wān (N-proper-ms) -- A son of Japheth, also his desc. and their land. ">of Javan:</a> <a href="/hebrew/473.htm" title="473: ’ĕ·lî·šāh (N-proper-ms) -- A son of Javan, also his desc. and their land. Probably of foreign derivation; Elishah, a son of Javan.">Elishah,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8659.htm" title="8659: wə·ṯar·šîš (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- A son of Javan, his desc. and their land, also a port on the Mediterranean, also a Benjamite, also a Pers. noble. ">Tarshish,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3794.htm" title="3794: kit·tîm (N-proper-ms) -- A son of Javan, also his desc. and their land. ">the Kittites,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1721.htm" title="1721: wə·ḏō·ḏā·nîm (Conj-w:: N-proper-mp) -- A son of Javan, also his desc. Or Rodaniym; a plural of uncertain derivation; Dodanites, or descendants of a son of Javan.">and the Rodanites.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>From these, the maritime peoples separated into their territories, according to their languages, by clans within their nations.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/1-7.htm">1 Chronicles 1:7</a></span><br />And the sons of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, the Kittites, and the Rodanites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/27-12.htm">Ezekiel 27:12</a></span><br />Tarshish was your merchant because of your great wealth of goods; they exchanged silver, iron, tin, and lead for your wares.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/27-25.htm">Ezekiel 27:25</a></span><br />The ships of Tarshish carried your merchandise. And you were filled with heavy cargo in the heart of the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/23-1.htm">Isaiah 23:1</a></span><br />This is the burden against Tyre: Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for Tyre is laid waste, without house or harbor. Word has reached them from the land of Cyprus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/23-6.htm">Isaiah 23:6</a></span><br />Cross over to Tarshish; wail, O inhabitants of the coastland!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/23-10.htm">Isaiah 23:10</a></span><br />Cultivate your land like the Nile, O Daughter of Tarshish; there is no longer a harbor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/2-10.htm">Jeremiah 2:10</a></span><br />Cross over to the coasts of Cyprus and take a look; send to Kedar and consider carefully; see if there has ever been anything like this:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/25-22.htm">Jeremiah 25:22</a></span><br />all the kings of Tyre and Sidon; the kings of the coastlands across the sea;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/47-4.htm">Jeremiah 47:4</a></span><br />For the day has come to destroy all the Philistines, to cut off from Tyre and Sidon every remaining ally. Indeed, the LORD is about to destroy the Philistines, the remnant from the coasts of Caphtor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/1-9.htm">Amos 1:9</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Tyre, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they delivered up a whole congregation of exiles to Edom and broke a covenant of brotherhood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/1-10.htm">Amos 1:10</a></span><br />So I will send fire upon the walls of Tyre to consume its citadels.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/9-2.htm">Zechariah 9:2</a></span><br />and also against Hamath, which borders it, as well as Tyre and Sidon, though they are very shrewd.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-21.htm">Matthew 11:21-22</a></span><br />“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. / But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-21.htm">Matthew 15:21</a></span><br />Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/3-8.htm">Mark 3:8</a></span><br />Jerusalem, Idumea, the region beyond the Jordan, and the vicinity of Tyre and Sidon. The large crowd came to Him when they heard what great things He was doing.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.</p><p class="hdg">A.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/24-24.htm">Numbers 24:24</a></b></br> And ships <i>shall come</i> from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/23-1.htm">Isaiah 23:1,12</a></b></br> The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/11-30.htm">Daniel 11:30</a></b></br> For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant.</p><p class="hdg">Chittim.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_chronicles/1-7.htm">Dodanim</a> <a href="/ezekiel/27-7.htm">Elishah</a> <a href="/ezekiel/27-7.htm">Eli'shah</a> <a href="/genesis/10-2.htm">Javan</a> <a href="/daniel/11-30.htm">Kittim</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/1-7.htm">Rodanim</a> <a href="/jonah/4-2.htm">Tarshish</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_chronicles/1-7.htm">Dodanim</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/1-7.htm">Elishah</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/1-7.htm">Eli'shah</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/1-5.htm">Javan</a> <a href="/numbers/24-24.htm">Kittim</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/1-7.htm">Rodanim</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-22.htm">Tarshish</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 10</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/10-1.htm">The generations of Noah.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">2. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/10-2.htm">Japheth.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/10-6.htm">Ham.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/10-8.htm">Nimrod becomes the first monarch; the descendants of Canaan.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/10-21.htm">The sons of Shem.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/10.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/10.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>And the sons of Javan:</b><br>Javan is traditionally understood to represent the Greek peoples, as his name is often associated with the Ionians, one of the major Greek tribes. This connection is supported by historical and linguistic evidence, as the Hebrew name "Javan" is similar to the Greek "Ionia." The mention of Javan in the Table of Nations (Genesis 10) highlights the spread of peoples and languages after the flood, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's command to "fill the earth" (<a href="/genesis/9.htm">Genesis 9:1</a>).<p><b>Elishah,</b><br>Elishah is often linked to the region of Cyprus or parts of the Aegean Sea, possibly referring to the ancient Alashiya, known from Egyptian and Ugaritic texts. This connection suggests a maritime people, which aligns with the seafaring nature of the Greeks. Elishah's mention in <a href="/ezekiel/27-7.htm">Ezekiel 27:7</a> as a source of blue and purple dyes further supports the identification with a coastal or island region known for trade.<p><b>Tarshish,</b><br>Tarshish is frequently associated with a distant maritime location, possibly in the western Mediterranean, such as southern Spain. It is mentioned in several biblical passages (e.g., <a href="/jonah/1-3.htm">Jonah 1:3</a>, <a href="/1_kings/10-22.htm">1 Kings 10:22</a>) as a place of wealth and trade, known for its ships. The connection to Javan suggests a link between the Greek world and the broader Mediterranean trade networks. Tarshish is also noted in prophecy, such as <a href="/isaiah/60-9.htm">Isaiah 60:9</a>, where it symbolizes the wealth of nations coming to honor God.<p><b>the Kittites,</b><br>The Kittites are generally identified with the people of Kition, an ancient city on the island of Cyprus. This identification is supported by archaeological findings and historical records. The Kittites' inclusion in the Table of Nations reflects the spread of Javan's descendants into the islands and coastal regions of the Mediterranean, highlighting the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations.<p><b>and the Rodanites.</b><br>The Rodanites are often associated with the island of Rhodes, a significant cultural and commercial center in the ancient world. This connection is supported by the similarity in names and the geographical context. The Rodanites' mention underscores the influence of Javan's descendants in the Aegean and their role in the spread of Greek culture and trade. The presence of these groups in the Table of Nations illustrates the fulfillment of God's plan for humanity to populate and steward the earth, as well as the interconnectedness of the ancient world.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/javan.htm">Javan</a></b><br>A son of Japheth, Javan is traditionally associated with the Greek peoples. His descendants are believed to have settled in regions that are now part of Greece and the surrounding areas.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/elishah.htm">Elishah</a></b><br>Often associated with the region of Cyprus or parts of Greece, Elishah's descendants are thought to have been involved in trade and maritime activities.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/tarshish.htm">Tarshish</a></b><br>A location often linked with maritime trade, possibly in the western Mediterranean. Tarshish is mentioned in other parts of the Bible as a place of wealth and commerce.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/k/kittites.htm">Kittites</a></b><br>Likely referring to the people of Kition, an ancient city on the island of Cyprus. The Kittites are associated with seafaring and trade.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/r/rodanites.htm">Rodanites</a></b><br>Possibly linked to the island of Rhodes or the surrounding areas. Like the other descendants of Javan, they are associated with maritime activities.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_spread_of_nations.htm">The Spread of Nations</a></b><br>Genesis 10, often called the Table of Nations, illustrates the spread of humanity across the earth. It reminds us of God's sovereignty over all nations and peoples.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cultural_and_economic_influence.htm">Cultural and Economic Influence</a></b><br>The descendants of Javan, particularly through maritime trade, had a significant impact on the ancient world. This can encourage us to consider how our own cultural and economic activities can influence others for God's glory.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_plan_for_diversity.htm">God's Plan for Diversity</a></b><br>The diversity of nations and cultures is part of God's design. As Christians, we are called to appreciate and engage with this diversity, recognizing the image of God in all people.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/legacy_and_influence.htm">Legacy and Influence</a></b><br>Just as Javan's descendants left a lasting impact, we are reminded of the importance of our own legacy. How we live and the values we pass on can influence future generations.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_10.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 10</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_should_wives_treat_husbands_biblically.htm">What is Satan's role according to the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_the_angel_amenadiel.htm">What will happen to the righteous and the wicked?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_gen_49_10_reconciled_with_no_king.htm">In Genesis 49:10, how can the claim that 'the scepter shall not depart from Judah' be reconciled with historical periods when no Davidic king ruled?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_did_jesus_mean_by_'i_never_knew_you'.htm">What is the Tablet Theory of Genesis?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/10.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">Javan </span>has four main divisions:--<p><span class= "bld">1. Elishah, </span>a maritime people of Greece. Traces of the name occur in Aeolis and in Elis, a district of the Peloponessus. Some boldly identify with Hellas. The isles of Elishah are mentioned in <a href="/ezekiel/27-7.htm" title="Fine linen with broidered work from Egypt was that which you spread forth to be your sail; blue and purple from the isles of Elishah was that which covered you.">Ezekiel 27:7</a>.<span class= "bld"><p>2. Tarshish. </span>At so early a period this could scarcely be Tartessus, but is more probably the Tyrseni, or Tyrrheni, a race once powerful in Italy, Corsica, Sardinia, and finally in Spain. Probably Tartessus, at the mouth of the Guadalquiver, in Spain, was founded by them, and took from them its name. At this time they; were apparently a small tribe of the Javanites; but while Elishah followed the sea-coast and colonised Greece, Tarshish took a course so far inland to the north of the Danube that it did not reach the sea until it had come to the northern districts of Italy.<p><span class= "bld">3. Kittim. </span>A plural, like Madai. The Kittim were a maritime race, who colonised Cyprus, the chief city of which was Kitium, and probably other islands and coast-districts of the Mediterranean. There was a Kitium also in Macedonia; and Alexander is called King of the Kittim in <a href="//apocrypha.org/1_maccabees/1-1.htm" title="And it happened, after that Alexander son of Philip, the Macedonian, who came out of the land of Chettiim, had smitten Darius king of the Persians and Medes, that he reigned in his stead, the first over Greece,">1 Maccabees 1:1</a>.<p><span class= "bld">4. Dodanim. </span>Another plural. The right reading is probably Rodanim, as in many MSS. in <a href="/1_chronicles/1-7.htm" title="And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.">1Chronicles 1:7</a> and in the LXX., and the Samaritan here. R and D are so constantly interchanged in proper names. owing to the similarity of their shape, that no dependence can be placed upon the reading. The Rodanim would be the Rhodians.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/10.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And the sons of Javan; Elizhah</span>. The isles of Elishah are praised by Ezekiel (<a href="/ezekiel/27-7.htm">Ezekiel 27:7</a>) for their blue and purple; supposed to have been Elis in the Peloponnesus, famous for its purple dyes (Bochart); AEolis (Josephus, Knobel); Hellas (Michaelis, Rosenmüller, Kalisch); without doubt a maritime people of Grecian stock ('Speaker's Commentary'). <span class="cmt_word">And Tarshish.</span> Tarsus in Cilicia (Josephus); but rather Tartessus in Spain (Eusehius, Michaelis, Bochart, Kalisch). Biblical notices represent Tarshish as a wealthy and flourishing seaport town towards the west (<span class="accented">vide</span> <a href="/1_kings/10-22.htm">1 Kings 10:22</a>; <a href="/psalms/48-7.htm">Psalm 48:7</a>; <a href="/psalms/72-10.htm">Psalm 72:10</a>; <a href="/isaiah/60-9.htm">Isaiah 60:9</a>; <a href="/isaiah/66-19.htm">Isaiah 66:19</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/10-9.htm">Jeremiah 10:9</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/27-12.htm">Ezekiel 27:12</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Kittim</span>. Chittim (<a href="/numbers/24-24.htm">Numbers 24:24</a>); Citium in Cyprus (Josephus), though latterly the name appears to have been extended to Citium in Macedonia (Alexander the Great is called the king of Chittim, 1 Macc. 1:1 1 Macc. 8:5), and the colonies which settled on the shores of Italy and Greece (Bochart, Keil, Kalisch). <a href="/isaiah/23-1.htm">Isaiah 23:1, 12</a>; <a href="/daniel/11-30.htm">Daniel 11:30</a> describe it as a maritime people. <span class="cmt_word">And Dodanim</span>. Dordona in Epirus (Michaelis, Rosenmüller); the Dardaniaus, or Trojan's (Gesenius); the Daunians of South Italy (Kalisch); the Rhodani in Gaul, reading as in <a href="/1_chronicles/1-7.htm">1 Chronicles 1:7</a> (Bochart). Josephus omits the name, and Scripture does not again mention it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/10-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">And the sons</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבְנֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Javan:</span><br /><span class="heb">יָוָ֖ן</span> <span class="translit">(yā·wān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3120.htm">Strong's 3120: </a> </span><span class="str2">Javan -- a son of Japheth, also his descendants and their land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Elishah,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלִישָׁ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lî·šāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_473.htm">Strong's 473: </a> </span><span class="str2">Elishah -- a son of Javan, also his descendants and their land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Tarshish,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְתַרְשִׁ֑ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ṯar·šîš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8659.htm">Strong's 8659: </a> </span><span class="str2">Tarshish -- a son of Javan, also a port on the Mediterranean, also a Benjamite</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Kittim,</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּתִּ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(kit·tîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3794.htm">Strong's 3794: </a> </span><span class="str2">Kittim -- a son of Javan, also his descendants and their land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and Dodanim.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְדֹדָנִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḏō·ḏā·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1721.htm">Strong's 1721: </a> </span><span class="str2">Dodanim -- a son of Javan, also his desc</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/10-4.htm">Genesis 10:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/10-4.htm">Genesis 10:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/10-4.htm">Genesis 10:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/10-4.htm">Genesis 10:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/10-4.htm">Genesis 10:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/10-4.htm">Genesis 10:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/10-4.htm">Genesis 10:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/10-4.htm">Genesis 10:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/10-4.htm">Genesis 10:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/10-4.htm">Genesis 10:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/10-4.htm">OT Law: Genesis 10:4 The sons of Javan: Elishah Tarshish Kittim (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/10-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 10:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 10:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/10-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 10:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 10:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>