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Genesis 10:22

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

Footnote:

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.