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Genesis 10:19

EOB (Eastern / Greek Orthodox Bible):

The Canaanites’ land went from Sidon to Gerar, all the way to Gaza, then to Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboyim, and finally to Lasha.

EOB Footnote:

The MT includes “Zeboiim” in the list of cities marking the boundary, reading “Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, as far as Lasha.” The LXX omits Zeboiim, listing only “Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim” before mentioning Lasha. Some LXX manuscripts read “Balak” or “Bala” instead of “Lasha.” The place name rendered “Lasha” appears as “Lasem” in some Greek witnesses.

Other Translations:

KJV (King James Version):

And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as thou comest to Gerar, unto Gaza; as thou goest, unto Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboim, even unto Lasha.

WEB (World English Bible):

The border of the Canaanites was from Sidon as you go toward Gerar, to Gaza—as you go toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim—to Lasha.

Benton LXX (Vaticanus):

And the borders of the Chananites were from Sidon till one comes to Gerara and Gaza, till one comes to Sodom and Gomorrha, Adama, and Seboim, as far as Dasa.

Douai-Rheims (Vulgate):

And the limits of Chanaan were from Sidon as one comes to Gerara even to Gaza, until thou enter Sodom and Gomorrha, and Adama, and Seboim even to Lesa.

Apostoliki Diakonia (LXX):

The borders of the Canaanites extended from Sidon toward Gerar as far as Gaza, and then toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, as far as Lasha.

YLT (Young Literal Translation )(MT):

And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as you come to Gerar, unto Gaza, as you go unto Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboim, unto Lasha.

BBE (Bible in Basic English):

And the limit of the Canaanites was from Sidon in the direction of Gerar as far as Gaza; and in the direction of Sodom and Gomorrah and Admah and Zeboiim, as far as Lasha.

EOB COMMENTARY:

EOB Commentary:

Commentary on Genesis 10:19

The Boundary of Canaan and Its Typological Significance

This verse delineates the territorial boundaries of the Canaanite peoples, stretching from Sidon toward Gerar and Gaza, then toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Lasha. While appearing as mere geographical notation, this passage carries profound theological weight for the Orthodox understanding of sacred history.

The Cities of Judgment as Warning

The mention of Sodom and Gomorrah within Canaanite territory anticipates the divine judgment that would later fall upon these cities. The Fathers understood this geographical marker as providential, establishing these locations within the biblical narrative before their destruction would serve as an eternal warning. Saint John Chrysostom frequently invoked Sodom as a type of divine patience followed by righteous judgment, noting that God’s mercy precedes His justice but does not nullify it.

Christological Reading

The boundaries of Canaan mark the land promised to Abraham’s descendants, the very land where the Incarnate Word would walk. Christ Himself referenced Sodom when pronouncing judgment on the unrepentant cities of His own day, declaring that it would be more tolerable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for Chorazin and Bethsaida. Thus, this ancient boundary marker becomes a lens through which we understand Christ’s prophetic ministry and His authority over all judgment.

Liturgical and Spiritual Connections

The Orthodox Church reads portions of Genesis during Great Lent, and the theme of Canaan’s boundaries reminds the faithful of the spiritual geography of salvation. Just as Canaan had defined borders, so too does the Kingdom of God have its boundaries—not geographical but spiritual, marked by repentance, faith, and holy living. The mention of cities destined for destruction during Lenten readings calls the faithful to examine their own hearts and flee from sin as Lot fled from Sodom.

Patristic Interpretation

Saint Ephrem the Syrian saw in the enumeration of Canaanite territories a demonstration of God’s omniscience—He who established the boundaries of nations also foreknew their destinies. This sovereignty over nations prefigures Christ’s universal kingship, proclaimed in the Great Commission when He declared that all authority in heaven and on earth had been given to Him.

The boundaries established in Noah’s descendants would eventually give way to the boundary-transcending Gospel, where there is neither Canaanite nor Israelite, but all are one in Christ Jesus.

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