Shem

Lore & Background

Shem is one of the three sons of Noah who entered the ark with their father and their wives (Genesis 7:13). After the flood, Shem and Japheth together covered their father Noah's nakedness, walking backward to avoid seeing him, while Ham saw it and told them (Genesis 9:23). In response, Noah blessed the LORD God of Shem and declared that Canaan (Ham's son) would be Shem's servant (Genesis 9:26). Noah also said that God would enlarge Japheth, who would dwell in the tents of Shem, and that Canaan would be his servant as well (Genesis 9:27).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray Shem as a key figure in the post-flood narrative, distinguished by his respectful behavior toward his father Noah and by the blessing he receives. Shem and Japheth's act of covering Noah's nakedness contrasts with Ham's failure, leading to a pronouncement of blessing on Shem and servitude for Canaan (Genesis 9:23-26). Shem is also the ancestor of Eber, linking him to the Hebrew lineage (Genesis 10:21). His genealogy is recorded in detail, showing his sons and his long life after the flood (Genesis 10:22, 31; 11:10-11). The passages do not specify Shem's age at the flood or his death, nor do they describe his personal character beyond these events. The text presents Shem as a patriarch through whom blessing and lineage continue, but it does not elaborate on his individual actions beyond the incident with Noah.

Did You Know?

• Shem was one of the eight people on the ark, along with Noah, Ham, Japheth, and their wives (Genesis 7:13).
• Shem and Japheth covered their father's nakedness without looking at him, while Ham saw it (Genesis 9:23).
• Noah declared that Canaan, Ham's son, would be Shem's servant (Genesis 9:26).
• Shem is called the father of all the children of Eber, a name linked to the Hebrews (Genesis 10:21).

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"Shem is one of the sons of Noah in the Bible (Genesis 5–11 and 1 Chronicles 1:4)." — Shem "And Noah was five hundred years old, and Noah begot Shem, Ham, and Japheth." — Shem "And Noah begot three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth." — Shem "On the very same day Noah and Noah’s sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and Noah’s wife and the three wives of his sons with them, entered the ark—..." — Shem