What does Genesis 10:30 mean?

The previous few verses listed the 13 sons of Joktan, the son of Eber. The names of several of these sons became well known as specific regions or people groups in the Middle East. This verse describes the geographical territory occupied by the various groups of people descended from Joktan. Scholars are uncertain of exactly what modern day areas these names represent. However, the information given in the broader passage indicates that Joktan was the father of the Arabic people.

This portion of Scripture is devoted to explaining how Shem, Ham, and Japheth, Noah's sons, became the ancestors of all of the world's nations. Some of the names listed here will become associated with famous—or infamous—cities or regions of the Bible. An explanation for how they found themselves living in different locations and speaking different languages, will come in chapter 11. Those details are part of the story of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1–9).