Biblical Hebrew Forum

[Jerry Shepherd <jshepherd53 AT gmail.com>]

Hi Oun,

As concisely as I can, the toledot formulas seem to serve as a structuring
device for the book of Genesis.  Toledot, purely etymologically, would seem
to mean something like generations.  But it used in Genesis even when the
idea of "generation"is not in view.  So, for example, the last occurrence
in the book, in 37:2, introduces the narrative account of Joseph, even
though the formula is "these are the toledot of Jacob."  Interestingly, the
preceding verses are not about Jacob, but about Esau and the Ishmaelites.
So, what the verse, really seems to be indicating is, "these are the
accounts of Jacob's sons," and that is what follows in the next chapters.
NRSV seems to have the right idea when it translates, "This is the story of
the family of Jacob . . . " and then starts with the story of Joseph.

Blessings,

Jerry Shepherd
Taylor Seminary
Edmonton, Alberta

Jerry Shepherd
jshepherd53 AT gmail.com