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H1721 · Hebrew · Old Testament
דֹּדָנִים
Dodanim
Proper Noun — People
Dodanim / Rodanim

Definition

Dodanim (H1721) appears in Genesis 10:4 as a son of Javan (Greece), representing a people descended from Noah through Japheth. In 1 Chronicles 1:7 the parallel text reads 'Rodanim,' likely referring to the island of Rhodes. The Table of Nations frames all peoples as known to God.

Usage & Theological Significance

The Table of Nations in Genesis 10 is a profound theological statement: every people group on earth traces back to one family, one Creator. Dodanim, though a minor entry, reminds us that God holds the genealogy of the nations. Paul echoed this at Mars Hill — God 'made from one man every nation of mankind' (Acts 17:26). Even obscure peoples are not outside God's purview. The name may connect to dod (beloved), hinting at the inclusiveness of divine love toward all peoples.

Key Bible Verses

Genesis 10:4 The sons of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.
1 Chronicles 1:7 The sons of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Rodanim.
Genesis 10:1 These are the generations of the sons of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
Acts 17:26 From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth.
Revelation 7:9 A great multitude from every nation, tribe, people and language.

Related Words

External Resources

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