Elam: this name refers to a people of great antiquity in Babylonia and northeast of the Persian Gulf, whose capital was Susa. Their language is not related to either Semitic or Indo-European languages. They are mentioned in Assyrian inscriptions and in Gen 14.1; Isa 11.11; and elsewhere.

Asshur is the Hebrew word for Assyria. See verse 11.

Arpachshad is mentioned only here and in the parallel passage in 1 Chr 1. Its significance and location have never been established for certain.

Lud: referred to as “Ludim” under verse 13. Speiser says “The name seems to point to the Lydians of Anatolia.”

Aram refers to the Arameans, a powerful state or group of states that struggled with Israel for control of the area. They are mentioned frequently in the Old Testament; for example, in Num 23.7; 2 Sam 8.6; 1 Chr 1.17. Their kingdom was once in Damascus. Through their influence the Aramaic language became a language of commerce and diplomacy.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .