Shem, Ham, and Japheth were the three sons of Noah, introduced in Genesis 5:32 and prominently featured in Genesis chapters 6 through 10. They were the only men, along with their father, who survived the global flood, and through them, the post-flood world was repopulated.
Genesis 6:10 says, “And Noah begot three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.” They entered the ark with Noah and their wives, and from these three sons, all nations after the flood descended (Genesis 9:19).
After the flood, a significant event unfolded in Genesis 9:20–27. Noah became drunk and lay uncovered in his tent. Ham, the father of Canaan, saw his father’s nakedness and told his brothers. Shem and Japheth took a garment, walked in backward, and covered their father respectfully. When Noah awoke and learned what happened to him, he said, “Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants he shall be to his brethren” (Genesis 9:25). He then blessed Shem, saying, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Shem,” and he declared that Japheth would be enlarged and dwell in the tents of Shem (Genesis 9:26–27).
These words were prophetic. Shem became the father of the Semitic peoples, including Abraham and eventually the Messiah. Ham’s descendants settled in parts of Africa and the Middle East, including Egypt and Canaan. Japheth’s line expanded into the territories of Europe and Asia Minor.
Genesis 10, often called the Table of Nations, outlines the descendants of each son and their spread across the earth. This chapter establishes that all humanity descends from these three men, affirming the unity of the human race and the divine oversight of nations.
Shem, Ham, and Japheth represent the continuation of God’s plan through Noah’s family. Shem’s line becomes central to redemptive history, culminating in Jesus Christ. The account also teaches reverence, responsibility, and the far-reaching consequences of actions within a covenant family.
