רוֹדָנִים (do.da.nim)
do.da.nim
Dodanim
N:N--PGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--PG
Word Overview
The term rodanim refers to a people group descended from Javan, appearing in the genealogical records of Genesis 10:4 and 1 Chronicles 1:7. In these lists, they are grouped with other descendants of Javan, such as Elishah, Tarshish, and Kittim, indicating their place within the broader table of nations.
Most modern scholars identify the rodanim with the Rhodians, the inhabitants of the island of Rhodes in the Aegean Sea. This identification aligns with the phonetic similarity between the Hebrew name and the Greek name for the island. While some older sources suggest a meaning related to "leaders," the geographical connection to the Mediterranean is the most widely accepted understanding among historians.
The brief mention of this group highlights the ancient Israelite awareness of distant peoples across the sea. By including them in the genealogy, the biblical text acknowledges the wide reach of Javan’s lineage, extending into the islands and coastal regions of the eastern Mediterranean world.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Rodanim appears in two brief genealogical lists within Scripture, tracing a people group back to Javan. These records serve as a reminder that God’s plan for humanity extends far beyond the borders of Israel. By naming distant island communities, the biblical text acknowledges the wide reach of human history and culture.
For your faith, this detail offers comfort in the scope of God’s sovereignty. He is not limited to one nation or region but knows and orders all peoples across the ancient world. Whether you are studying history or simply reflecting on family roots, these names show that every lineage has a place within God’s broader narrative.
Understanding these connections helps us appreciate the richness of Scripture’s historical context. It invites us to see ourselves as part of a larger story, one that begins with creation and includes all nations. This awareness can deepen our sense of belonging to God’s universal family.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Rodanim1×
- and/ Dodanim1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/רוֹדָנִֽים\׃\ \ס1×
- וְ/דֹדָנִֽים\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 10:4
The sons of Javan were: Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.
This verse places Rodanim among the sons of Javan, highlighting their role in the Table of Nations as part of the broader dispersion of peoples.
-
I Chronicles 1:7
The sons of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Rodanim.
The parallel list in Chronicles confirms the inclusion of Rodanim, reinforcing the historical continuity of these genealogical records.