Definition: These [are] the sons of Shem, after their families, after their tongues, in their lands, after their nations.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 10:31. It's a really interesting and important part of understanding how humanity began! Here’s what it means, explained simply: Basically, this verse tells us about the first people who lived on Earth. “These [are]…” : This is a way of saying “these” – it's referring to a group of people. “…the sons of Shem…” : Shem was an ancient figure in Jewish and Christian tradition, often considered the ancestor of all descended from Adam. He lived about 2000 years ago. So, this verse refers to the descendants of Shem. “…after their families, after their tongues, in their lands, after their nations.” : This is where it gets a little more complex and gives us a picture of how these early people spread out. It's saying that these “sons” (people) developed different characteristics – they had different families , spoken different languages , and lived in different places . Think of it like this: Imagine a family tree, but instead of just showing who your parents are, it shows how the family has spread out and changed over time. Why is this important? Origins of Humanity: This verse helps us understand where humans came from – they weren’t just one group of people. They evolved and diversified through generations, spreading across the globe. Diversity: It highlights that humanity isn’t a single, uniform entity. We're made up of many different groups with unique histories and cultures. Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+10%3A31](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+10%3A31) – This is a great place to read the verse in context and see how it's used. Wikipedia - Genesis 10: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genesis_10](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genesis_10) – A good overview of the story. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail (like what "Shem" represents)? Connect it to a particular story or concept?