Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version 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. New Living Translation 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. English Standard Version 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. Berean Standard Bible 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. King James Bible 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. New King James Version 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. New American Standard Bible But Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it on both their shoulders and walked backward and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were turned away, so that they did not see their father’s nakedness. NASB 1995 But Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it upon both their shoulders and walked backward and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were turned away, so that they did not see their father’s nakedness. NASB 1977 But Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it upon both their shoulders and walked backward and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were turned away, so that they did not see their father’s nakedness. Legacy Standard Bible But Shem and Japheth took the garment and laid it upon both their shoulders and walked backward and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were turned backward, so that they did not see their father’s nakedness. Amplified Bible So Shem and Japheth took a robe and put it on both their shoulders, and walked backwards and covered the nakedness of their father; their faces were turned away so that they did not see their father’s nakedness. Christian Standard Bible Then Shem and Japheth took a cloak and placed it over both their shoulders, and walking backward, they covered their father’s nakedness. Their faces were turned away, and they did not see their father naked. Holman Christian Standard Bible Then Shem and Japheth took a cloak and placed it over both their shoulders, and walking backward, they covered their father’s nakedness. Their faces were turned away, and they did not see their father naked. American Standard Version 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. Contemporary English Version Shem and Japheth put a robe over their shoulders and walked backwards into the tent. Without looking at their father, they placed it over his body. English Revised Version 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation Shem and Japheth took a blanket and laid it over their shoulders. Then they walked in backwards and covered their father's naked body. They turned their faces away so that they didn't see their father naked. Good News Translation Then Shem and Japheth took a robe and held it behind them on their shoulders. They walked backward into the tent and covered their father, keeping their faces turned away so as not to see him naked. International Standard Version Then Shem and Japheth took their father's cloak, laid it across both their shoulders, and walking backwards, they both covered their father's genitals. Their faces were turned away, and they did not see their father's genitals. NET Bible Shem and Japheth took the garment and placed it on their shoulders. Then they walked in backwards and covered up their father's nakedness. Their faces were turned the other way so they did not see their father's nakedness. New Heart English Bible 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 turned the other way, and they did not see their father's nakedness. Webster's Bible Translation 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen 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. World English Bible 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. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Shem takes—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. Young's Literal Translation 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. Smith's Literal Translation And Shem and Japheth will take a garment and they will put upon their two shoulders, and will go backwards and will cover the nakedness of their father: and their faces backwards, and they will not see the nakedness of their father. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut 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. Catholic Public Domain Version And truly, Shem and Japheth put a cloak upon their arms, and, advancing backwards, covered the privates of their father. And their faces were turned away, so that they did not see their father’s manhood. New American Bible Shem and Japheth, however, took a robe, and holding it on their shoulders, they walked backward and covered their father’s nakedness; since their faces were turned the other way, they did not see their father’s nakedness. New Revised Standard Version 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 away, and they did not see their father’s nakedness. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Shem and Japheth took a mantle and laid it upon both their shoulders and walked backward and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward and they did not see their father's nakedness. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Sheem and Yaphet took a cloak and they threw it over both their shoulders and they walked backward and covered the nakedness of their father and their faces were toward their back and they did not the nakedness of their father. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And 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. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Sem and Japheth having taken a garment, put it on both their backs and went backwards, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their face was backward, and they saw not the nakedness of their father. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Noah's Shame and Canaan's Curse…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,… Cross References Leviticus 18:8 You must not have sexual relations with your father’s wife; it would dishonor your father. Deuteronomy 27:16 ‘Cursed is he who dishonors his father or mother.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ 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. Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions. 1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Ephesians 5:11-12 Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. / For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. / It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. / Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. ... 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. Matthew 18:15 If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. James 5:20 consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins. 1 Timothy 5:1 Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as to a father. Treat younger men as brothers, Colossians 3:13 Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone. Romans 13:10 Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. 1 John 4:7-8 Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. / Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. Treasury of Scripture And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it on 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. Exodus 20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. Leviticus 19:32 Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD. Romans 13:7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Jump to Previous Backs Backward Backwards Covered Faces Father's Garment Japheth Laid Nakedness Putting Robe Shem Shoulders Turned WalkedJump to Next Backs Backward Backwards Covered Faces Father's Garment Japheth Laid Nakedness Putting Robe Shem Shoulders Turned WalkedGenesis 9 1. God blesses Noah and his sons, and grants them flesh for food.4. Blood and murder are forbidden. 8. God's covenant, of which the rainbow was constituted a pledge. 18. Noah's family replenishes the world. 20. Noah plants a vineyard, 21. Is drunken, and mocked by his son; 25. Curses Canaan; 26. Blesses Shem; 27. Prays for Japheth, and dies. Then Shem and Japheth took a garment Shem and Japheth, two of Noah's sons, demonstrate respect and honor for their father. The act of taking a garment signifies their intention to protect Noah's dignity. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, family honor was paramount, and this action reflects the importance of maintaining familial respect. The garment symbolizes covering and protection, reminiscent of God providing garments for Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:21, indicating a covering of shame. 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 Persons / Places / Events 1. ShemOne of Noah's sons, who, along with Japheth, showed respect and honor towards their father by covering his nakedness. 2. Japheth Another son of Noah, who participated with Shem in the respectful act of covering Noah. 3. Noah The father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth, who became drunk and lay uncovered in his tent. 4. Ham The son of Noah who saw his father's nakedness and told his brothers, showing a lack of respect. 5. The Tent The place where Noah lay uncovered, symbolizing a private space that was violated by Ham's actions. Teaching Points Respect for AuthorityShem and Japheth's actions demonstrate the importance of respecting and honoring parental authority, even when they are at fault. Modesty and Privacy The act of covering Noah's nakedness underscores the value of modesty and the protection of personal privacy. Love in Action The brothers' decision to cover their father without looking reflects a love that seeks to protect and preserve dignity. Avoiding Gossip Ham's actions serve as a warning against spreading information that can harm others, while Shem and Japheth's actions show the importance of discretion. Family Unity The account highlights the role of family members in supporting and protecting one another, fostering unity and respect. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 9:23?2. How does Genesis 9:23 demonstrate respect for family and authority? 3. What lessons on modesty can be drawn from Genesis 9:23? 4. How does Genesis 9:23 connect to honoring parents in Exodus 20:12? 5. How can we apply the principle of covering others' faults today? 6. What does Genesis 9:23 teach about handling others' mistakes with grace? 7. Why did Shem and Japheth cover their father's nakedness in Genesis 9:23? 8. What cultural significance does covering Noah have in Genesis 9:23? 9. How does Genesis 9:23 reflect on family honor and shame? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 9? 11. Why were the Canaanites cursed with enslavement? 12. Why is Canaan punished for his father’s wrongdoing (Genesis 9:20–27)? 13. Who are Noah's sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth? 14. Who was Ham in the Bible? What Does Genesis 9:23 Mean Then Shem and Japheth took a garment• The two elder sons respond immediately to Ham’s disrespect (Genesis 9:22). • Their joint action models obedience to the fifth commandment’s call to honor parents (Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:2). • A single garment is enough; love does not wait for perfect resources before acting (Luke 10:34–35). Placed it across their shoulders • The brothers share the weight together—an image of bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). • This united stance contrasts with Ham’s solitary mockery, highlighting the blessing tied to unity (Psalm 133:1). • God Himself once provided covering for exposed sinners (Genesis 3:21), foreshadowing every act of godly compassion. Walking backward • They choose a posture that avoids voyeurism, practicing Proverbs 4:25: “Let your eyes look straight ahead.” • Reverence guides their steps; the Law later commands Israel to avoid uncovering nakedness (Leviticus 18:6–7). • This careful movement shows that intent matters as much as outcome (Matthew 5:28). They covered their father’s nakedness • Covering rather than publicizing sin reflects love that “covers all offenses” (Proverbs 10:12; 1 Peter 4:8). • Restoration, not exposure, is the godly goal when someone stumbles (Galatians 6:1). • By shielding Noah, the brothers preserve his dignity and their own integrity (Proverbs 17:9). Their faces were turned away • Deliberate avoidance of wrongdoing aligns with Habakkuk 1:13—God’s eyes are too pure to look on evil. • Turning the face is an act of self-discipline; Job made a covenant with his eyes (Job 31:1). • Purity involves more than refusing to act; it refuses even the lingering gaze (Psalm 101:3). So that they did not see their father’s nakedness • The verse closes by stressing success: they accomplished what they set out to do, keeping their eyes and hearts clean (Matthew 5:8). • In doing so, they position themselves for the blessing Noah will soon pronounce (Genesis 9:26–27). • The passage teaches that righteous honor creates lasting generational impact (Proverbs 20:7). summary Shem and Japheth model respectful, united, and deliberate action that honors their father and God. They refuse to exploit another’s failure, choosing instead to protect, restore, and keep themselves pure. Their example challenges believers to act quickly, work together, and turn away from even the sight of sin, trusting that God blesses those who honor Him by honoring others. Verse 23. - And Shem and Japheth took a garment. Literally, the robe, i.e. which was at hand (Keil, Lange); the simlah, which was an outer cloak (Deuteronomy 10:18; 1 Samuel 21:10; Isaiah 3:6, 7), in which, at night, persons wrapped themselves (Deuteronomy 22:17). Sometimes the letters are transposed, and the word becomes salmah (cf. Exodus 22:8; Micah 2:8). And laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backwards, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not the nakedness of their father; thereby evincing "the regard they paid to their father's honor and their own modesty (Calvin).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Then Shemשֵׁ֨ם (šêm) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 8035: Shem -- 'name', oldest son of Noah and Japheth וָיֶ֜פֶת (wā·ye·p̄eṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3315: Japheth -- a son of Noah took וַיִּקַּח֩ (way·yiq·qaḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3947: To take a garment הַשִּׂמְלָ֗ה (haś·śim·lāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 8071: A dress, a mantle and placed וַיָּשִׂ֙ימוּ֙ (way·yā·śî·mū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set it across עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against their shoulders, שְׁכֶ֣ם (šə·ḵem) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 7926: The neck, as the place of burdens, the spur of a, hill and walking וַיֵּֽלְכוּ֙ (way·yê·lə·ḵū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk backward, אֲחֹ֣רַנִּ֔ית (’ă·ḥō·ran·nîṯ) Adverb Strong's 322: Backwards they covered וַיְכַסּ֕וּ (way·ḵas·sū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 3680: To plump, fill up hollows, to cover their father’s אֲבִיהֶ֑ם (’ă·ḇî·hem) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 1: Father nakedness. עֶרְוַ֣ת (‘er·waṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 6172: Nakedness Their faces וּפְנֵיהֶם֙ (ū·p̄ə·nê·hem) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 6440: The face were turned away אֲחֹ֣רַנִּ֔ית (’ă·ḥō·ran·nîṯ) Adverb Strong's 322: Backwards so that they did not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no see רָאֽוּ׃ (rā·’ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 7200: To see their father’s אֲבִיהֶ֖ם (’ă·ḇî·hem) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 1: Father nakedness. וְעֶרְוַ֥ת (wə·‘er·waṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 6172: Nakedness Links Genesis 9:23 NIVGenesis 9:23 NLT Genesis 9:23 ESV Genesis 9:23 NASB Genesis 9:23 KJV Genesis 9:23 BibleApps.com Genesis 9:23 Biblia Paralela Genesis 9:23 Chinese Bible Genesis 9:23 French Bible Genesis 9:23 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 9:23 Shem and Japheth took a garment (Gen. Ge Gn) |
    |