Joktan
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Joktan in the Bible?
Joktan was the son of Eber and father of 13 tribes, according to Genesis 10:25-26, 29 and 1 Chronicles 1:19-20, 23.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Joktan's lineage clarifies the biblical narrative's distinction between Semitic groups in the Levant and those settling in the Arabian Peninsula, providing context for the geographical spread of early Hebrew-speaking populations.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Joktan reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Joktan in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Joktan clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Genesis 10:25-261 Chronicles 1:19-20
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Joktan." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/joktan/