Genesis 10:5

Of these, &c. It is probable that the text in this verse has suffered. As in Genesis 10:20 we find "these are the sons of Ham" and in Genesis 10:31 "these are the sons of Shem," so we should expect in this verse "these are the sons of Japheth." We should, therefore, probably put a full stop after the word "divided," and insert: "These are the sons of Japheth." This will improve the sense; for (1) the words "of these" cannot refer generally to the contents of Genesis 10:2, but only to the contents of Genesis 10:4; (2) while the expression "the isles were divided in their lands" is intolerably harsh. "Of these" should be taken to refer to "the sons of Javan" only. From them the Greek settlements branched off in all directions among the islands and the coastlands, i.e. "the isles of the nations." After this piece of information the genealogist summarizes the foregoing list, "These are the sons of Japheth in their lands, every one after his tongue," &c.

isles Better, as R.V. marg., coastlands. Cf. Isaiah 11:11; Jeremiah 2:10; Ezekiel 27:6.