EOB: Official Site of the Eastern / Greek Orthodox Bible (Old and New Testament)
EOB (Eastern / Greek Orthodox Bible):
EOB Footnote:
KJV (King James Version):
WEB (World English Bible):
Benton LXX (Vaticanus):
Douai-Rheims (Vulgate):
Apostoliki Diakonia (LXX):
YLT (Young Literal Translation )(MT):
BBE (Bible in Basic English):
EOB Commentary:
Genesis 11:11
This verse continues the genealogical record of Shem’s descendants, noting that Shem lived five hundred years after begetting Arpachshad and had other sons and daughters. While such genealogical verses may appear unremarkable at first glance, they carry significant weight within the Orthodox understanding of salvation history.
Theological Significance of the Genealogies:
The genealogies of Genesis serve as a sacred thread connecting Adam to Christ. Saint Luke’s Gospel traces the lineage of our Lord Jesus Christ back through these very patriarchs, including Shem, demonstrating that the Incarnate Word entered into the fullness of human history (Luke 3:36). The Church Fathers understood these genealogies not as mere historical records but as testimonies to God’s providential care in preparing humanity for the coming of the Messiah.
The Diminishing of Years:
Orthodox commentators have noted the gradual decrease in human lifespan following the Flood. While Shem lived six hundred years total, subsequent generations would see progressively shorter lives. Saint John Chrysostom and other Fathers interpreted this decline as reflecting humanity’s continued distance from the original glory of creation, yet also as God’s mercy in limiting the years during which fallen humanity might accumulate sin.
Christological Reading:
The Fathers consistently read these genealogies through a Christological lens. Shem, whose name means “name” or “renown,” stands in the blessed lineage through which the Name above all names would eventually come. The multiplication of descendants mentioned in this verse points toward the promise given to Abraham and ultimately fulfilled in Christ, through whom all nations would be blessed.
Liturgical Connections:
During the liturgical readings of the Old Testament, particularly in the period of Great Lent when Genesis is read extensively, the Church invites the faithful to see themselves as part of this ongoing story of salvation. The genealogies remind us that we too are called to be links in the chain of faith, transmitting the knowledge of God to future generations.
Patristic Wisdom:
Saint Ephrem the Syrian, in his Commentary on Genesis, treats these genealogical passages with reverence, understanding that each name represents real persons who lived, struggled, and died in hope of the promises. This sobriety before the mystery of human existence characterizes the Orthodox approach to such texts.
The verse ultimately testifies to the faithfulness of God across generations, preserving the line through which salvation would come to all mankind.
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.”
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
I. Date and Authorship Holy Tradition of the Orthodox Church, affirmed by the Fathers and the liturgical usage of the Church from the earliest centuries, attributes the Book of Genesis
Does Hebrews 11 on the Maccabees Show Stronger Alignment with 4 Maccabees than 2 Maccabees? Hebrews 11 (the famous “Hall of Faith” chapter) does not explicitly mention the Maccabees by
