What is the Table of Nations in Genesis 10?

Quick answer

. The Table of Nations in Genesis 10 reveals the nations that descended from Noah’s sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth and reveals the diversity of nations we have today. God offers salvation to everyone and in heaven, we look forward to the day when we will get to praise and worship God with people from every tribe, tongue, and nation.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Table of Nations in Genesis 10 lists the descendants of Noah’s sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth, traditionally identifying seventy nations, though some texts list seventy-two. The Table of Nations offers a unique and important resource of information regarding the early history and migration of humans prior to the time of Abraham. Of great importance is the influence God showed over rescuing one family and then repopulating the earth through Noah's family as part of His redemptive, sovereign plan. The Table of Nations symbolizes the spread of humanity and parallels the New Testament's sending out of seventy (or seventy-two) disciples by Jesus, highlighting the expansion of the gospel to all nations.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

We are called to make disciples of all nations, actively engaging in God’s mission to reach people for Christ and reveal His redemptive plan to all people across the globe. Matthew 28:19–20 commands us, in part, to "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations," emphasizing our responsibility to share the gospel with people from every background. This wide variety of people is evident in the Table of Nations. Revelation 7:9 reveals that people from every tongue, tribe, and nation will be saved, and we look forward to the day when we will worship with this multitude in heaven. In the meantime, we can get a taste of this as we are make disciples of all nations and recognize and celebrate cultural diversity in the body of Christ. Acts 1:8 assures us that "you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth," encouraging us to witness and live out the gospel wherever we are. By doing so, we actively contribute to fulfilling the Great Commission, demonstrating God’s redemptive plan to all nations.

UNDERSTAND

REFLECT

ENGAGE