Joktan
malePatriarchalMeaning: “Small; he will be made little”
A son of Eber and brother of Peleg, the ancestor of many of the tribes of the Arabian peninsula.
Biography
Joktan was a son of Eber and the brother of Peleg (Genesis 10:25). While Peleg's line led toward Abraham, Joktan became the father of thirteen sons whose names are associated with the peoples and regions of the Arabian peninsula — including Almodad, Sheba, Ophir, and Havilah (Genesis 10:26–29). His large family in the Table of Nations represents the spread of the descendants of Shem across the southern lands.
Life Timeline
Fathers the tribes of the Arabian peninsula
On the Bible timeline
Joktan belongs to the Creation & the Early World era (Beginning – c. 2100 BC).
- c. 2400 BC (traditional)The Flood
- c. 2200 BCThe Tower of Babel
Family Tree
Drag to pan · use + / − to zoom · tap the + on a relative to expand a generation · click anyone to open their page
Themes & lessons from Joktan
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Joktan appears.
People they appear with
Places in their story
Scripture Appearances
6 verses in 2 booksGenesis3 verses
Genesis 10:25
And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided; and his brother's name was Joktan. Peleg: that is Division
Genesis 10:26
And Joktan begat Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah,
Genesis 10:29
And Ophir, and Havilah, and Jobab: all these were the sons of Joktan.
1 Chronicles3 verses
1 Chronicles 1:19
And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg; because in his days the earth was divided: and his brother's name was Joktan. Peleg: that is, division
1 Chronicles 1:20
And Joktan begat Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah,
1 Chronicles 1:23
And Ophir, and Havilah, and Jobab. All these were the sons of Joktan.
Frequently asked about Joktan
Who was Joktan in the Bible?
A son of Eber and brother of Peleg, the ancestor of many of the tribes of the Arabian peninsula.
What does the name Joktan mean?
The name Joktan means “Small; he will be made little”.
Who were Joktan's parents?
Joktan was the child of Eber.
Where does Joktan appear in the Bible?
Joktan is mentioned 6 times across 2 books: Genesis, 1 Chronicles.
What can we learn from Joktan?
The story of Joktan touches on themes of shem, joktan, genealogy, sciences — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Joktan's life.
Sermon Mate
Teaching on Joktan?
Organize your sermon notes, link Scripture passages, and build your outline in Sermon Mate — the workspace for ministry leaders.
Open Sermon Mate →