The Generation of Shem

The genealogy of Shem is primarily found in Genesis chapters 10 and 11. Shem is one of the three sons of Noah and is often connected with the line that eventually leads to Abraham.

Genealogy of Shem (Genesis 10–11)

Shem

↓

Arphaxad

↓

Salah (Shelah)

↓

Eber

↓

Peleg

↓

Reu

↓

Serug

↓

Nahor

↓

Terah

↓

Abraham (Abram)

Sons of Shem (Genesis 10:22)

The Bible also lists the direct sons of Shem:

• Elam

• Asshur

• Arphaxad

• Lud

• Aram

From Aram came:

• Uz

• Hul

• Gether

• Mash

Important Spiritual/Biblical Connections

Eber → Hebrews

Many scholars connect the name “Hebrew” to Eber.

Peleg

Genesis says:

“In his days was the earth divided” (Genesis 10:25)

This is often connected to:

• division of nations after Babel

• scattering of peoples

• territorial division

• 
  

Abraham

The covenant line leading to Israel comes through Shem: Noah → Shem → Abraham → Isaac → Jacob.

Because of this, Shem’s line is often associated with:

• covenant

• worship of the true God

• preservation of sacred knowledge

Genesis 11 Detailed Line

Generation	Name
1	Shem
2	Arphaxad
3	Salah
4	Eber
5	Peleg
6	Reu
7	Serug
8	Nahor
9	Terah
10	Abraham

Ethiopian and Ancient Eastern Perspective

In many Ethiopian and ancient Eastern traditions, the genealogy of Shem is viewed as:

• the preservation line after the Flood

• the line connected to sacred covenant knowledge

• the continuation of worship after judgment

• the root line connected to Jerusalem/Zion traditions through Abraham

• 
  

Some traditions also emphasize that nations descending from Shem spread through parts of:

• Mesopotamia

• Arabia

• Syria

• regions connected to ancient Near Eastern civilization

Key Scripture References

• Genesis 5

• Genesis 9

• Genesis 10

• Genesis 11

• 1 Chronicles 1

• Luke 3:34–36