Genesis 9:23 kjv

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.

Genesis 9:23 nkjv

But Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it on both their shoulders, and went backward and covered the nakedness of their father. Their faces were turned away, and they did not see their father's nakedness.

Genesis 9:23 niv

But Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it across their shoulders; then they walked in backward and covered their father's naked body. Their faces were turned the other way so that they would not see their father naked.

Genesis 9:23 esv

Then Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it on both their shoulders, and walked backward and covered the nakedness of their father. Their faces were turned backward, and they did not see their father's nakedness.

Genesis 9:23 nlt

Then Shem and Japheth took a robe, held it over their shoulders, and backed into the tent to cover their father. As they did this, they looked the other way so they would not see him naked.

Genesis 9 verses

Genesis 9 23 Meaning

Genesis 9:23 describes the respectful action of Noah’s sons, Shem and Japheth, in covering their father's nakedness after he became drunk. Rather than observing or publicizing his disgrace as Ham did, they actively chose to preserve their father's dignity and honor by walking backward into the tent, placing a garment over him without witnessing his shame, thereby demonstrating profound reverence and piety.

Genesis 9 23 Context

Genesis chapter 9 follows the account of the Great Flood and God's covenant with Noah. After disembarking from the ark, Noah, now a farmer, plants a vineyard, drinks the wine, and becomes drunk, lying exposed in his tent. His son Ham, seeing his father's nakedness, publicizes it to his brothers outside. In stark contrast, Genesis 9:23 details Shem and Japheth's immediate and deliberate response: they took a garment, carefully entered backward to avoid seeing their father's exposure, and covered him. This episode is crucial, immediately preceding Noah's pronouncements of blessing upon Shem and Japheth and a curse upon Canaan (Ham's son), which foreshadows future familial and national destinies. The passage highlights differing responses to parental weakness and lays the foundation for understanding honor, shame, and divine favor within the patriarchal household and subsequent generations.

Genesis 9 23 Word analysis

• But: Connects the respectful actions of Shem and Japheth in stark contrast to Ham's preceding action of exposure and mockery.

• Shem: Hebrew: שֵׁם (Shēm) meaning "name" or "renown". He represents the line of Abraham and Israel.

• and Japheth: Hebrew: יֶפֶת (Yepheth) meaning "enlargement" or "expansion". Ancestor of various nations, often linked with Gentile peoples. Their joint action signifies a unity in respectful conduct.

• took: Implies deliberate initiative. They didn't just walk away, but actively retrieved something.

• a garment: Hebrew: שִׂמְלָה (śimlāh) - a general term for an outer garment, cloak, or mantle. It served as clothing but here symbolizes a covering of dignity and honor.

• laid it on both their shoulders: A communal act, symbolizing shared responsibility and mutual support in preserving family honor. It wasn't one brother doing it alone; they united.

• and went backward: Hebrew: הָלַךְ אָחוֹר (hāleḵ 'aḥôr) - walking in reverse. This is the crucial, deliberate action to avoid direct sight. It signifies humility and avoidance of engaging with or dwelling upon a shameful situation.

• and covered: Hebrew: כָּסָה (kāsāh) - to cover, conceal, hide. This verb is often used in the context of hiding nakedness, sin, or disgrace, and sometimes has associations with atonement (as in "covering" sin).

• their father’s nakedness: Hebrew: עֶרְוָה (ʿerwāh) - nakedness, shame, indecency, exposed private parts. Seeing someone's nakedness was a serious matter, especially a parent's, often implying deep disrespect or sexual transgression in wider biblical context.

• their faces were turned away: This reinforces the "went backward" action. It highlights a deliberate effort to avert their gaze, showing a conscious decision not to view the indecent scene. This signifies active non-participation in shame or mockery.

• and they did not see: Hebrew: לֹא רָאוּ (lōʾ rāʾû) - a strong negation: they absolutely did not see. This emphasizes their resolute avoidance of the sight, differentiating their pure intent from Ham's presumed "seeing" (which may imply gloating or malicious observation).

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it on both their shoulders": This group of words emphasizes shared initiative and concerted effort. It was a joint decision to actively perform an act of honor and concealment, pooling their resources (the garment) and their physical presence.
  • "and went backward and covered their father’s nakedness; their faces were turned away, and they did not see their father’s nakedness": This phrase complex demonstrates extreme carefulness and reverence. The repetition of "nakedness" highlights the gravity of the exposed state, while the double emphasis on "not seeing" (going backward and turning faces) underscores their deliberate choice to preserve their father's honor and avoid participating in or observing his shame. It exemplifies discretion and filial piety in the face of parental weakness.

Genesis 9 23 Bonus section

• The account highlights the enduring presence of sin even after God's judgment and renewed covenant with humanity. Even the righteous patriarch Noah was subject to human weakness.
• The narrative serves as a potent example of how to cover and extend grace in moments of another's shame, especially within family or spiritual leadership. It's about protecting dignity, not exposing vulnerability for personal gain or malicious pleasure.
• The deliberate "not seeing" is critical; it implies not just averting the eyes but actively choosing not to entertain or spread the disgrace. This stands in contrast to taking "pleasure in unrighteousness" (2 Thes 2:12).
• This verse provides an early, foundational illustration of the concept that love "covers a multitude of sins," applied here in a tangible, relational manner long before the explicit theological formulation.

Genesis 9 23 Commentary

Genesis 9:23 vividly portrays Shem and Japheth's deep reverence and moral uprightness. While their father, Noah, lay exposed in an act of drunkenness, his two sons exemplified active piety and discretion. Their method of covering him – walking backward with averted gazes – speaks volumes. It was not merely a physical act of covering but a profound spiritual and emotional shielding. They refused to capitalize on his vulnerability, mock his failing, or disrespect his dignity. Instead, they preserved his honor by not witnessing his shame, thereby upholding the sanctity of the paternal role. This incident provides a foundational biblical example of how to respond to the private failings or weaknesses of those in authority or those deserving of respect. Their actions demonstrate humility, love, and a desire to restore, rather than expose, and they stand as a counter-narrative to the dishonor shown by Ham. This proactive, reverential covering later led to blessings upon their lines.