Genesis 10:22

RBT Translation:

Builders of Name are Concealed,⁴⁰⁶ and Assurance,⁴⁰⁷ and I Mend According to A Demon, and Lud, and Highland.⁴⁰⁸

Julia Smith Literal 1876 Translation:
The sons of Shem: Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaeshad, and Lud, and Aram.

LITV Translation:
The sons of Shem were Elam, and Asshur, and Arpachshad, and Lud, and Aram.

Brenton Septuagint Translation:
Sons of Shem, Elam, and Asshur, and Arpachshad, and Lud, and Aram, and Cainan.

Footnotes

406

Elam from Strong’s #5867, alam. To conceal.

407

“Assurance” Asshur, אשור, noted as the place where Nimrod went to build Nineveh is from אשר, ashar meaning to go straight, go ahead, be happy, advance, succeed. 

As a noun it can carry the sense of “assurance” or “confirmation.” This derives from the general Semitic semantic field of the root, which conveys “rightness,” “success,” or “being straight/upright, go straight.” In usage, it can denote approval, validation, authentication, or acknowledgment of correctness, distinct from the proper noun אַשּׁוּר (“Assyria”). 

Gesenius defines the root "to be straight, right, to be fortunate, successful, prosper" and as a noun, "happy, fortunate, step"

(cf. Gesenius אשר and אשור)

The Hebrew feminine noun אשור has a literal sense of “step” or “footstep.” In biblical poetry, it is frequently used figuratively to signify one’s moral, ethical, or spiritual path. Poetic forms with possessive suffixes include אשרוֹ, אשרנוּ, אשריוּ, and אשרי. Notable occurrences are: Job 23:11; Job 31:7; Psalm 17:5, 11; Psalm 37:31; Psalm 40:2; Psalm 44:18; Psalm 73:2; Proverbs 14:15; Proverbs 17:5. In many contexts (e.g., Job 31:7; Psalm 44:18; Psalm 73:2), the steps are depicted as deviating from the right way or being surrounded by adversaries, reflecting the concept of false assurance or misguidance. Conversely, passages such as Psalm 37:31 and Psalm 40:2 emphasize steps that are established or held firm under divine guidance, indicating true assurance or correct moral progress. Comparative Semitic evidence (Arabic, Ethiopic) supports the literal sense of “footstep,” while the semantic extension from “straightness” to moral or spiritual guidance explains the figurative use in biblical poetry.

(cf. Strong's #838)

 

408

ארפכשד One of the more plausible etymologies for Arphaxad (ארפכשד), based on a Semitic or Akkadian reading is "I heal according to a demon"

• אַרְפַ (’Arpha) — could be linked to the verb meaning “to heal, bind, mend”. Some scholars connect it to Akkadian rapāšu (“to heal, to bind”) or related Semitic roots. A 1st person imperfect (future/progressive) would be ארפא (“I will mend/heal”). So ארפ could represent a contracted or adapted form in a name, which is common in theophoric or protective names. (cf. Strong's #7495)

• כְשָׁד (-kshad) — is easily interpreted as שׁד meaning “a demon, evil spirit" using the preposition כְ "like/as, according to." The alternative being "like a breast."

• The “fail as the breast / cursed breast-bottle” (Strong's) reading is much more speculative and relies on very forced folk etymology.

• “I mend according to a demon” aligns better with Semitic naming patterns: verbs + objects or forces, often with protective or aspirational meanings, and also fits with the immediate context of meanings embedded within the names (negative).

Aram (highland) from the same Strong’s #759, armon, a (high) citadel, castle, fortified tower.