Genesis 9:23
Genesis 9:23 in Multiple Translations
Then Shem and Japheth took a garment and placed it across their shoulders, and walking backward, they covered their father’s nakedness. Their faces were turned away so that they did not see their father’s nakedness.
And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not their father’s nakedness.
And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not their father’s nakedness.
And Shem and Japheth took a robe, and putting it on their backs went in with their faces turned away, and put it over their father so that they might not see him unclothed.
Shem and Japheth picked up a cloak and, holding it over their shoulders, walked in backwards and covered up their father's privates. They made sure to look the other way so they wouldn't see their father's privates.
Then tooke Shem and Iapheth a garment, and put it vpon both their shoulders, and went backwarde, and couered the nakednesse of their father with their faces backwarde: so they sawe not their fathers nakednesse.
And Shem taketh — Japheth also — the garment, and they place on the shoulder of them both, and go backward, and cover the nakedness of their father; and their faces [are] backward, and their father's nakedness they have not seen.
Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it on both their shoulders, went in backwards, and covered the nakedness of their father. Their faces were backwards, and they didn’t see their father’s nakedness.
And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father: and their faces were backward, and they saw not their father's nakedness.
But Sem and Japheth put a cloak upon their shoulders, and going backward, covered the nakedness of their father: and their faces were turned away, and they saw not their father’s nakedness.
Then Shem and Japheth took a large cloth and placed it across their backs, and walked backwards into the tent. They covered their father’s naked body with the cloth. Their faces were turned away from their father, so they did not see him naked.
Shem and Jafeth got a coat. They held it over their shoulders and walked backwards into the tent. They put the coat on their father to cover his naked body. They didn’t turn around and look at their naked father.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 9:23
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 9:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּקַּח֩
שֵׁ֨ם
וָ/יֶ֜פֶת
אֶת
הַ/שִּׂמְלָ֗ה
וַ/יָּשִׂ֨ימוּ֙
עַל
שְׁכֶ֣ם
שְׁנֵי/הֶ֔ם
וַ/יֵּֽלְכוּ֙
אֲחֹ֣רַנִּ֔ית
וַ/יְכַסּ֕וּ
אֵ֖ת
עֶרְוַ֣ת
אֲבִי/הֶ֑ם
וּ/פְנֵי/הֶם֙
אֲחֹ֣רַנִּ֔ית
וְ/עֶרְוַ֥ת
אֲבִי/הֶ֖ם
לֹ֥א
רָאֽוּ
וַ/יִּקַּח֩
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שֵׁ֨ם
Shêm
H8035
Shem
N-proper
וָ/יֶ֜פֶת
Yepheth
H3315
Japheth
Conj | N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/שִּׂמְלָ֗ה
simlâh
H8071
mantle
Art | N-fs
וַ/יָּשִׂ֨ימוּ֙
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
שְׁכֶ֣ם
shᵉkem
H7926
shoulder
N-ms
שְׁנֵי/הֶ֔ם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj | Suff
וַ/יֵּֽלְכוּ֙
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֲחֹ֣רַנִּ֔ית
ʼăchôrannîyth
H322
backwards
Adv
וַ/יְכַסּ֕וּ
kâçâh
H3680
to cover
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עֶרְוַ֣ת
ʻervâh
H6172
nakedness
N-fs
אֲבִי/הֶ֑ם
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
וּ/פְנֵי/הֶם֙
pânîym
H6440
face
Conj | N-cp | Suff
אֲחֹ֣רַנִּ֔ית
ʼăchôrannîyth
H322
backwards
Adv
וְ/עֶרְוַ֥ת
ʻervâh
H6172
nakedness
Conj | N-fs
אֲבִי/הֶ֖ם
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
רָאֽוּ
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 9:23
וַ/יִּקַּח֩
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
שֵׁ֨ם
Shêm
H8035
"Shem"
N-proper
Shem was Noah's eldest son, mentioned in Genesis 5:32, and the ancestor of many Semitic tribes. He had several sons, including Asshur and Aram, and is an important figure in biblical genealogy. Shem's story is part of the early history of humanity.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.5.32; son of: Noah (H5146); brother of: Ham (H2526) and Japheth (H3315); father of: Asshur (H0804H), Elam (H5867C), Arpachshad (H0775), Lud (H3865) and Aram (H0758) Also named: Sēm (Σήμ "Shem" G4590) § Shem = "name" the eldest son of Noah and progenitor of the Semitic tribes
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Sem, Shem. See also: Genesis 5:32; Genesis 10:21; 1 Chronicles 1:24.
וָ/יֶ֜פֶת
Yepheth
H3315
"Japheth"
Conj | N-proper
Japheth was a son of Noah and the ancestor of many nations, including those living in the Mediterranean region. His name means 'opened' and he's mentioned in Genesis as one of Noah's three sons. Japheth's descendants spread out after the flood.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.5.32; son of: Noah (H5146); brother of: Shem (H8035) and Ham (H2526); father of: Gomer (H1586), Magog (H4031), Madai (H4074), Javan (H3120), Tubal (H8422), Meshech (H4902) and Tiras (H8494) § Japheth = "opened" the 3rd son of Noah whose descendants after the flood settled on the coastal lands of the Mediterranean spreading north into Europe and parts of Asia
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: Japheth. See also: Genesis 5:32; Genesis 9:27; 1 Chronicles 1:5.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/שִּׂמְלָ֗ה
simlâh
H8071
"mantle"
Art | N-fs
A mantle or dress, like a cloak, is what 'simlah' refers to in the Bible, often translated as 'apparel' or 'garment'.
Definition: wrapper, mantle, covering garment, garments, clothes, raiment, a cloth
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, -ing), garment, raiment. Compare H8008 (שַׂלְמָה). See also: Genesis 9:23; Deuteronomy 21:13; Proverbs 30:4.
וַ/יָּשִׂ֨ימוּ֙
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
שְׁכֶ֣ם
shᵉkem
H7926
"shoulder"
N-ms
This word refers to the shoulder or back, often symbolizing burdens. It is used in Exodus to describe carrying loads and in Genesis to describe the shoulder of a hill.
Definition: 1) shoulder, back 1a) shoulder, shoulder-blade 1b) back (in general) Also means: shikh.mah (שִׁכְמָה "shoulder" H7929)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: back, [idiom] consent, portion, shoulder. See also: Genesis 9:23; 1 Samuel 10:9; Psalms 21:13.
שְׁנֵי/הֶ֔ם
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj | Suff
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
וַ/יֵּֽלְכוּ֙
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
אֲחֹ֣רַנִּ֔ית
ʼăchôrannîyth
H322
"backwards"
Adv
Meaning backwards or the rear, this word describes something located at the back or something that is done in reverse.
Definition: backwards, back part, the rear
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: back (-ward, again). See also: Genesis 9:23; 2 Kings 20:10; Isaiah 38:8.
וַ/יְכַסּ֕וּ
kâçâh
H3680
"to cover"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
עֶרְוַ֣ת
ʻervâh
H6172
"nakedness"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for nakedness, implying shame or exposure. It appears in Genesis 9:22 and Leviticus 18:6, often warning against improper behavior. This concept is also mentioned in Deuteronomy 23:14.
Definition: 1) nakedness, nudity, shame, pudenda 1a) pudenda (implying shameful exposure) 1b) nakedness of a thing, indecency, improper behaviour 1c) exposed, undefended (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: ar.vah (עַרְוָה "dishonor" H6173)
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: nakedness, shame, unclean(-ness). See also: Genesis 9:22; Leviticus 20:11; Isaiah 20:4.
אֲבִי/הֶ֑ם
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
וּ/פְנֵי/הֶם֙
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Conj | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אֲחֹ֣רַנִּ֔ית
ʼăchôrannîyth
H322
"backwards"
Adv
Meaning backwards or the rear, this word describes something located at the back or something that is done in reverse.
Definition: backwards, back part, the rear
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: back (-ward, again). See also: Genesis 9:23; 2 Kings 20:10; Isaiah 38:8.
וְ/עֶרְוַ֥ת
ʻervâh
H6172
"nakedness"
Conj | N-fs
The Hebrew word for nakedness, implying shame or exposure. It appears in Genesis 9:22 and Leviticus 18:6, often warning against improper behavior. This concept is also mentioned in Deuteronomy 23:14.
Definition: 1) nakedness, nudity, shame, pudenda 1a) pudenda (implying shameful exposure) 1b) nakedness of a thing, indecency, improper behaviour 1c) exposed, undefended (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: ar.vah (עַרְוָה "dishonor" H6173)
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: nakedness, shame, unclean(-ness). See also: Genesis 9:22; Leviticus 20:11; Isaiah 20:4.
אֲבִי/הֶ֖ם
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
רָאֽוּ
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
Study Notes — Genesis 9:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 9:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 9:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 9:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 9:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 9:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 9:23
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 9:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 9:23
- Sermons on Genesis 9:23
Context — Noah’s Shame and Canaan’s Curse
21But when he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and uncovered himself inside his tent.
22And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw his father’s nakedness and told his two brothers outside.
23Then Shem and Japheth took a garment and placed it across their shoulders, and walking backward, they covered their father’s nakedness. Their faces were turned away so that they did not see their father’s nakedness.
24When Noah awoke from his drunkenness and learned what his youngest son had done to him, 25he said, “Cursed be Canaan! A servant of servants shall he be to his brothers.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Galatians 6:1 | Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. |
| 2 | Exodus 20:12 | Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. |
| 3 | 1 Timothy 5:17 | Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. |
| 4 | Leviticus 19:32 | You are to rise in the presence of the elderly, honor the aged, and fear your God. I am the LORD. |
| 5 | Romans 13:7 | Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due. |
| 6 | 1 Peter 4:8 | Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. |
| 7 | 1 Timothy 5:19 | Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses. |
| 8 | 1 Timothy 5:1 | Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as to a father. Treat younger men as brothers, |
| 9 | 1 Peter 2:17 | Treat everyone with high regard: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. |
Genesis 9:23 Summary
In Genesis 9:23, we see Shem and Japheth showing great respect and honor towards their father Noah, even when he had made a mistake. They covered his nakedness and turned their faces away, not wanting to see his shame. This teaches us the importance of respecting and honoring our parents, even when they are not perfect, as commanded in Exodus 20:12 and Ephesians 6:2-3. By following their example, we can show love and respect towards those around us, just as God shows love and respect towards us (as seen in John 3:16).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Shem and Japheth walk backward to cover their father's nakedness?
Shem and Japheth walked backward to cover their father's nakedness as a sign of respect, not wanting to see their father's shame, as seen in Genesis 9:23. This act shows their honor and obedience towards their father, similar to the respect shown to God in Exodus 33:23.
What can we learn from the actions of Shem and Japheth in this verse?
We can learn the importance of respecting and honoring our parents, as commanded in Ephesians 6:2-3 and Exodus 20:12, by being considerate of their feelings and dignity, just like Shem and Japheth were towards Noah.
How does this verse relate to the concept of family and relationships?
This verse highlights the importance of family relationships and the need to treat each other with respect and dignity, as taught in Colossians 3:20 and Ephesians 6:1-4, even in difficult situations like the one Noah found himself in.
What does this verse teach us about the character of Shem and Japheth?
This verse shows that Shem and Japheth were men of integrity and respect, who prioritized their father's dignity and well-being over their own desires, demonstrating a character similar to that encouraged in Philippians 2:3-4.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the lesson of respecting and honoring my parents, as seen in the actions of Shem and Japheth, to my own life and relationships?
- What are some ways I can show respect and dignity towards those in authority over me, whether it be parents, employers, or spiritual leaders?
- How can I balance the need to address sin and wrongdoing in my family or community with the need to show respect and dignity towards those involved, as seen in Genesis 9:23?
- In what ways can I demonstrate the same kind of selfless love and respect that Shem and Japheth showed towards their father, in my own relationships and interactions with others?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 9:23
And Shem and Japheth took a garment,.... Who were the two brothers Ham told what he had seen, and who, no doubt, reproved him for his ill behaviour, and then took a garment, a coat of their own, very
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 9:23
And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not their father's nakedness.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 9:23
Genesis 9:23 And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid [it] upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces [were] backward, and they saw not their father’ s nakedness.Ver. 23. And Shem and Japhet took a garment.] Ham had no hand in this good work; which shows what a good one he was, and how far from being of that good emperor’ s mind, who said, that if he should find a bishop committing adultery, he would rather cover that unclean act with his imperial cloak, than suffer it to come abroad to the scandal of the weak, and the scorn of the wicked. Constant. Mag. Theodoret., lib. i. - Eccles. Hist., cap. xi.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 9:23
(22, 23) Ham . . . saw . . . and told.—The sin lay not in seeing, which might be unintentional, but in telling, especially if his purpose was to ridicule his father. His brothers, with filial piety, “take a garment,” the loose outer robe or cloak enveloping the whole body, and with reverent delicacy walk backwards, and lay it upon their father’s person.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 9:23
Verse 23. See Clarke on Genesis 9:22
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 9:23
23. a garment] Heb. simlah, LXX ἱμάτιον, Lat. pallium: the large upper garment which was also used as a covering by night, as appears from Exodus 22:26; Deuteronomy 24:13. The conduct of Shem and Japheth, in its regard for their father’s honour, is contrasted with the levity and want of delicacy displayed by their brother.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 9:23
23. Took a garment — Hebrews, the garment; that is, the loose mantle with which he would naturally have covered himself on going to sleep.
Sermons on Genesis 9:23
| Sermon | Description | |
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Epistle 109 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of patience and unity among believers, urging them to refrain from judging and speaking ill of one another, as such actions sow discord and all |
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Will You Pray in Secret This Week? by Derek Melton | Derek Melton emphasizes the importance of prayer for the leadership of a nation, highlighting the consequences of moral decay within a government and the need for repentance and me |
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A Friend of Sinners - Part 1 by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of having a searchable heart before God, allowing the Holy Spirit to continually search and reveal any hidden sins or areas needing correction |
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A Friend of Sinners by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker warns about the rise of false teachers who will appear as attractive and charismatic individuals. These false teachers will preach a partial gospel, lea |
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Falling Away- Rescue and Restoration by Francis Chan | This sermon emphasizes the importance of not separating our beliefs and convictions from our actions, especially when it comes to helping others in need. It challenges the listener |
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Genesis by Jim Cymbala | Jim Cymbala preaches on Genesis 38, focusing on the flawed character of Judah and the messy circumstances surrounding his family. He emphasizes that despite Judah's moral failures, |
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Empowered to Love and Restore by Francis Chan | This sermon emphasizes the importance of not separating our actions from our beliefs and convictions, urging believers to actively engage in helping others in need, both physically |