Jokshan was the father of Sheba and Dedan: was the father of is expressed here in the Hebrew as a verb with the sense in English of “fathered.” The name Sheba occurs in 10.26 as a son of Joktan (which may be equated with Jokshan). In 10.7 Sheba and Dedan are said to be the sons of Raamah. See discussion of these two names in 10.7.

In some languages it is difficult to say Jokshan was the father of … immediately after saying that he was born (verse 2). If this is the case it is necessary to say something like “Jokshan grew up and got married, and his wife had two sons….”

Three names are listed as The sons of Dedan: Ashurim, Litushim and Le-ummim. These person names are in the plural form and should be transliterated as plurals. See Good News Translation. The three names are missing in 1 Chr 1.32-33 and are thought to be later additions to the text. They occur nowhere else and nothing is known about them.

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 .