Who is…
Peleg

Hebrew: פֶלֶג —transliteration: Peleg or Pelag —meaning: a channel; canal; brook —possible meaning: division

This name is derived from the word פָלַג (palag or pālag), meaning to split or divide.

also known as: Phaleg (in the Septuagint)

This is the name of one of the sons of Eber, so called because “in his days was the Earth divided” (Genesis 10:25). Peleg is in the genealogy spanning from Adam to King David and to Jesus Christ.

“The ‘division’ that took place was, most likely, the traumatic upheaval at Babel. A division in Genesis 10:5, 32 is mentioned, where the division is “after his tongue.” Nimrod was in the same generation as Eber, and this is the only place in the Table of Nations where the meaning of a son's name is given, indicating the importance of the event it commemorated. However, it is true that two different words are used (Pelag in Genesis 10:25, parad in Genesis 10:5,32). Although the two words are essentially synonymous, this might indicate a different type of division. Many Bible teachers have suggested, therefore, that Genesis 10:25 might refer to a splitting of the single post-Flood continent into the present continents of the world. They associate the modern scientific model of sea-floor spreading and continental drifting with Genesis 10:25.

It should be remembered, however, that the continental drift hypothesis has by no means been proved, and the verse seems to refer more directly to the division into families, countries and languages. Furthermore, even if the continents have separated from a single primeval continent, such a split more likely would have occurred in connection with the continental uplifts terminating the global deluge (Psalm 104:6-9).” (Dr. Henry M. Morris, The Defenders Bible—notes)

Relatives

• Great-grandfather: Arphaxad (son of Shem)
• Grandfather: Salah (Sala, Shelah)
• Father: Eber (Heber, father of the Hebrews)
• Son: Reu
• Grandson: Serug
• Great-grandson: Nahor (father of Terah, who was the father of Abraham)

Genealogy

More information

• Who is Eber?
• Who is Heber?
• What is the tower of Babel?
• MEN of the Bible