EOB: Official Site of the Eastern / Greek Orthodox Bible (Old and New Testament)

Genesis 10:14

EOB (Eastern / Greek Orthodox Bible):

Pathrusim, Casluhim, were the ancestors of the Philistines, and Caphtorim.

EOB Footnote:

The MT includes “from whom came the Philistines” (or “from where the Philistines went out”), a phrase absent from the LXX tradition. This clause explicitly identifies the Pathrusim or Casluhim as the ancestors of the Philistines, which is a significant genealogical addition not reflected in the Greek text.

Other Translations:

KJV (King James Version):

And Pathrusim, and Casluhim, (out of whom came Philistim,) and Caphtorim.

WEB (World English Bible):

Pathrusim, Casluhim (which the Philistines came from), and Caphtorim.

Benton LXX (Vaticanus):

And the Pathrusim, and the Casluhim, whence came forth the Philistines, and the Caphtorim.

Douai-Rheims (Vulgate):

“15 And Chanaan begot Sidon his firstborn, the Hethite,”

Apostoliki Diakonia (LXX):

the Pathrusim, the Casluhim (from whom the Philistines came), and the Caphtorim.

YLT (Young Literal Translation )(MT):

Pathrusim, and Casluhim (from where came the Philistim), and Caphtorim.

BBE (Bible in Basic English):

“and Pathrusim and Casluhim and Caphtorim, from whom came the Philistines.”

EOB COMMENTARY:

EOB Commentary:

Commentary on Genesis 10:14

This verse presents the genealogical listing of the descendants of Mizraim (Egypt), specifically mentioning the Pathrusim, Casluhim, and Caphtorim, with the notable parenthetical statement that the Philistines came forth from the Casluhim.

Historical and Typological Significance

The mention of the Philistines in this genealogical context carries considerable weight for the broader scriptural narrative. The Philistines would become one of the most persistent adversaries of Israel throughout the Old Testament period, from the time of the Judges through the monarchy of David. In Orthodox typological reading, the conflicts between Israel and the Philistines prefigure the spiritual warfare between the Church and the forces opposed to God’s Kingdom.

Christological Connections

The land of the Philistines, later known as Palestine, becomes significant in understanding the geography of salvation history. Christ Himself would minister in regions that bordered ancient Philistine territory, and the transformation of these formerly hostile lands into places where the Gospel would be proclaimed demonstrates the universal scope of redemption. What was once enemy territory becomes incorporated into the inheritance of the faithful.

Patristic Interpretation

The Church Fathers generally viewed the Table of Nations in Genesis 10 as demonstrating both the unity of humanity through common descent from Noah and the diversity that would characterize the nations awaiting evangelization. Saint Augustine notes that these genealogies establish the historical framework within which God’s providential plan unfolds, leading ultimately to the Incarnation.

Spiritual Application

For Orthodox spirituality, the mention of peoples who would become adversaries reminds us that no nation or people stands permanently outside God’s mercy. The Philistines, though enemies of Israel, were nonetheless descendants of Noah and thus part of the human family destined for redemption. This reflects the Orthodox understanding that Christ came to save all humanity, breaking down the walls of hostility between peoples.

The genealogical precision of this passage also speaks to the Orthodox appreciation for historical particularity in God’s revelation. Salvation is not abstract but enters into specific times, places, and peoples, transforming human history from within.

Introduction to the book of Leviticus

The Book of Leviticus receives its English title from the Latin Vulgate, which is derived from the Greek Septuagint (LXX) title Leuitikon (Λευιτικόν), meaning “Levitical” or “pertaining to the Levites.”

Read More »

Introduction to the book of Exodus

The Book of Exodus receives its English title from the Greek Septuagint (LXX), where it is called Exodos (Ἔξοδος), meaning “departure” or “exit.” This name was chosen because the central

Read More »