Definition: By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 10:5. It's a really interesting and slightly complex passage that speaks about how people spread out across the Earth! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes how the different groups of people who live on Earth – the “Gentiles” (meaning non-Jews) – started to spread out and become distinct cultures and nations. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “By these were the islands of the Gentiles divided in their lands…” "Gentile" means "foreign" or "non-Jewish." This refers to the peoples who lived outside of Israel – those living in Egypt, then in other parts of the Middle East, and eventually, across the Mediterranean Sea. These groups were diverse and had different traditions. “…every one after his tongue, after their families…” "Tongue" means language or speech. "Families" refers to the groups of people who came from the same lineage – meaning they shared a common ancestry. So, this suggests that as these people migrated, they began to form distinct communities based on where they originated. "...in their nations." “Nations” means countries or regions. This indicates that each group started to establish its own independent political and cultural boundaries within the larger world. In a nutshell: The verse describes how the diverse peoples of the ancient world gradually split into separate groups, establishing their own countries and cultures as they spread across the globe. Why is this important? This story helps us understand how human history began. It shows that our ancestors didn't just live in one place; they moved around and established different societies, which led to the incredible diversity of cultures we see today. Do you want me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Connect this story to other Bible stories or concepts? Discuss the significance of this early migration?