Lexical Summary
Yoqtan: Joktan
Original Word: יָקְטָן
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Yoqtan
Pronunciation: yok-TAWN
Phonetic Spelling: (yok-tawn')
KJV: Joktan
NASB: Joktan
Word Origin: [from H6994 (קָטוֹן - insignificant)]
1. he will be made little
2. Joktan, an Arabian patriarch
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Joktan
From qaton; he will be made little; Joktan, an Arabian patriarch -- Joktan.
see HEBREW qaton
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originof uncertain derivation
Definitiona desc. of Shem and ancestor of several Arabian tribes
NASB TranslationJoktan (6).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
, descendant of Shem (DHM in MV compare his name in Arabic tradition, namely
†aµtân: the √ √
👁 Image and
👁 Image being both explained in
Muµî‰ by
👁 Image strike, beat; see Lane
1777ff.) —
Genesis 10:25,26,29 =
1 Chronicles 1:19;
1 Chronicles 1:20;
1 Chronicles 1:23, 'father' of various tribes of Yemen; .
Topical Lexicon
Genealogical Placement within the Table of Nations Joktan appears first in Genesis 10:25–29 within the post-Flood genealogy of Shem. He is listed as the second son of Eber and the brother of Peleg. 1 Chronicles 1:19–23 repeats the data for the post-exilic community, binding together pre-Flood history with Israel’s own story. In both records Joktan stands at the head of thirteen sons, a larger progeny than any other single figure in the Table of Nations. The prominence given to this branch of Eber underscores the breadth of the Shemitic line beyond the eventual covenant family of Abraham.
Brother of Peleg and the Era of Division
Genesis 10:25 states, “Two sons were born to Eber: One was named Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided; and his brother was named Joktan.” While Peleg’s name is tied explicitly to the division of the earth (likely marking either the scattering after Babel or tectonic realignment), Joktan’s placement alongside him becomes a narrative hinge. Scripture traces through Peleg to Abraham and the nation of Israel, yet immediately balances that redemptive line with the extensive, multi-tribal outreach of Joktan. Thus the inspired record preserves the universality of God’s dealings even while narrowing to a chosen family.
Descendants and Geographical Sphere
Genesis 10:26–29 furnishes thirteen sons—Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, Obal, Abimael, Sheba, Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab. The sequence moves from the northwestern edge of Arabia southward and eastward toward the Indian Ocean, mapping a swath of territory later known for incense, gold, and maritime trade. Archaeological correlations suggest connections with the Hadramaut, Uzal (ancient Sanaʿa), Ophir, and Sheba, situating Joktan’s family at the crossroads of commercial routes between Asia and Africa. Their early diffusion anticipates the international scope of biblical history; the region would eventually interact with the covenant community through the Queen of Sheba, the gold of Ophir, and the prophetic oracles against Arabia.
Theological Themes Illustrated
1. Divine Sovereignty over Nations: Joktan’s lineage confirms that God “determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands” (Acts 17:26). Long before Israel’s formation, the Lord was already orchestrating peoples and places for His overarching purposes.
2. Unity of Humankind: By naming Joktan in the same breath as Peleg, Scripture testifies that all peoples—Semitic, Hamitic, and Japhetic—share a common origin and remain under the Creator’s moral government.
3. Balance of Particular and Universal Grace: While the Abrahamic covenant channels salvation history, Joktan’s extensive genealogy reminds readers that God’s redemptive concern encompasses “every tribe and tongue and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9).
Ministry and Devotional Implications
• Genealogies affirm that individual lives and family histories matter to God. Leaders and laypersons alike can draw assurance that the Lord not only knows their names but records their legacy within His unfolding plan.
• Mission strategy benefits from recognizing that vast regions linked to Joktan—modern Yemen, Oman, and parts of Saudi Arabia—already appear on Scripture’s map. Contemporary outreach there is a continuation of God’s early interest in these peoples.
• Teaching through Genesis 10 encourages believers to pray for and engage with ethnic groups descended from the sons of Joktan, many of whom remain unreached.
Prophetic and Missional Overtones
The wealth associated with Joktanite territories (Sheba’s spices, Ophir’s gold) surfaces in prophetic visions of nations bringing tribute to Zion (Isaiah 60:6; Psalm 72:10–15). The presence of Arab sages at the manger (Matthew 2:1–12) and Arab hearers at Pentecost (Acts 2:11) likewise foreshadows the eschatological ingathering. Joktan’s family thus becomes an early signpost toward the day when “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord” (Habakkuk 2:14).
Summary of Biblical References
Genesis 10:25–29 presents Joktan’s introduction and the listing of his thirteen sons. 1 Chronicles 1:19–23 repeats the data to anchor Israel’s returnees in their ancient lineage. In total, Joktan’s name occurs six times, always within these genealogies, yet his impact extends far beyond the brief mentions, touching geography, prophecy, and the Great Commission.
Forms and Transliterations
וְיָקְטָ֣ן ויקטן יָקְטָֽן׃ יקטן׃ veyakeTan wə·yā·qə·ṭān wəyāqəṭān yā·qə·ṭān yakeTan yāqəṭān
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