Definition: And Shem lived after he begat Arphaxad five hundred years, and begat sons and daughters.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 11:11 together! It's a really important part of the story of how humanity began. Here's what it means in simple terms: “And Shem lived after he begat Arphaxad five hundred years, and begat sons and daughters.” Basically, this verse tells us that Shem was a very long-lived man. Here’s the breakdown: Shem: This is the ancestor of the Jewish people. He’s considered one of the first patriarchs (parents) in the story of creation. Begat: This word means "to be born" or "to produce." So, Shem was born five hundred years after his wife. Arphaxad: This is a name that means “the mighty” or “powerful.” It’s a significant figure in the story of creation and the early days. It represents a powerful young man. Five Hundred Years: This is the key part! Shem lived for five hundred years . That's an incredibly long time – almost 1,000 years! So, what does this tell us about the beginning of humanity? The verse suggests that after Shem’s life, his son Arphaxad was born. And Arphaxad had children – sons and daughters. This is often seen as a pivotal moment because it marks the beginning of humanity – the first people on Earth. Important Note: This verse is a bit mysterious and has been interpreted in different ways throughout history. Some scholars believe it's about the very first human beings who emerged from the waters, while others suggest it’s about the lineage of humanity that followed. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Genesis 11? Discuss what this verse might be symbolizing in a broader context (like the beginning of civilization)?