Who was Diklah in the Bible?

Diklah was a descendant of Shem, listed as one of the sons of Joktan in the Table of Nations. He is mentioned only in the genealogical records found in Genesis 10:27 and 1 Chronicles 1:21.

Why is Diklah mentioned in the Bible?

Diklah's inclusion in the genealogies establishes the lineage of the Semitic peoples after the flood. His mention, along with his brothers, shows the spread and diversification of nations from a common ancestor, fulfilling God's command to be fruitful (Genesis 9:1).

What does the name Diklah mean?

The name Diklah likely means 'palm grove' or 'date palm,' suggesting a connection to a region known for these trees. This fits the pattern of Joktan's sons, whose names are often associated with Arabian locations or geographical features.

Diklah

Old TestamentPatriarchsMaleSon of joktan

Diklah was a descendant of Shem through Joktan, mentioned in the genealogies of Genesis and 1 Chronicles. (Gen.10.27; 1Ch.1.21)

Diklah

Biography

Diklah was a son of Joktan, a descendant of Shem through the line of Eber, as recorded in the Table of Nations in Genesis 10:27 and its parallel in 1 Chronicles 1:21. Joktan is notable as having produced thirteen sons, many of whom are believed to have given their names to Arabian tribes and territories. Diklah's name may be connected to the Aramaic and Hebrew word for the date palm, suggesting a possible association with a region noted for palm cultivation. Like his brothers Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, and others, Diklah represents one of the early Semitic peoples who spread across the ancient Near East after the dispersion from Babel, populating what became the Arabian Peninsula and surrounding regions.

Significance

Diklah's inclusion in the Table of Nations reflects the biblical conviction that all peoples of the earth trace their origins to God's creative and providential ordering of humanity after the flood. As a descendant of Shem, Diklah belongs to the Semitic branch of Noah's family, within which God would ultimately work the redemptive purposes that culminated in Abraham's calling. The meticulous genealogies of Genesis 10 demonstrate that no nation or people group exists outside God's sovereign purview. Diklah's name, though obscure, affirms that Scripture's vision of human history is comprehensive, encompassing every family, language, and people as part of God's universal plan.

Verse Appearances (2)

Genesis

Genesis 10:27

1 Chronicles

1 Chronicles 1:21

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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