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What Is a Toledot?

Writer: John Richardson
John Richardson
5 hours ago
2 min read

It is always good to take in some biblical Hebrew to start your day!


First, how does one pronounce toledot? One should take the phonetic approach to understand the pronunciation in the Hebrew: toh-LED-oth. This word occurs ten times in Genesis and means “generations.” Specifically, it is usually elleh toledot meaning “these are the generations of.”


“These Are the Generations Of…”

This phrase, “these are the generations of,” functions as a natural chapter division within the book of Genesis, usually helping make sense of the narrative progression from one character to the next.


But more than just signaling divisions and character changes, the toledot works to move from the entire world to the family of Israel, which will bless the nations. The toledot bridges each section of Genesis as the author moves from one person to the next ensuring the narrative does not wander aimlessly.


Narrowing Down the Line of the Promise

Additionally, the toledot narrows down the line of the promise; the promise of the coming Messiah and the promise of redemption (the eternal blessing).


One could read Genesis in this way:

  1. heavens and earth

  2. Adam

  3. Noah

  4. Shem

  5. Terah

  6. Isaac

  7. Jacob


This eventually leads us to the 12 sons/tribes of Israel that will bless the nations. The peak of Jacob’s blessing is Jesus Christ. God includes the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew to reaffirm that fact. Through the work of Jesus Christ, the Gentiles are made part of the family as they are saved.


The Toledots and God’s Preserving Work

Other toledots exist in Genesis aside from the ones that I’ve listed previously in examples 1-7. They show glimpses of how God worked to ensure the coming Messiah, while also displaying the way he blessed the nations.


When one reads through the account of Joseph’s life, it is clear that God’s work to provide food for the nations is a blessing. Food is a temporary blessing but a blessing that points to the bread of life who would forever satisfy our hunger.


A Reason to Give Thanks

Therefore, when you read across “these are the generations of…” take time to thank God for his preserving work that was fulfilled in the work of Christ.


-Pastor John Richardson

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