Genesis 9:21

KJV

And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he drank {H8354} of the wine {H3196}, and was drunken {H7937}; and he was uncovered {H1540} within {H8432} his tent {H168}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He drank so much of the wine that he got drunk and lay uncovered in his tent.

Berean Standard Bible

But when he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and uncovered himself inside his tent.

American Standard Version

and he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 9:21 presents a stark and sobering account of Noah, the patriarch through whom humanity was preserved from the Great Flood, succumbing to the effects of wine. This pivotal incident, occurring in the nascent stages of a new world, profoundly illustrates the enduring reality of human fallibility and the pervasive nature of sin, even within a righteous individual. It sets the stage for a dramatic familial crisis and prophetic declarations that would shape the destiny of nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the monumental event of the Great Flood and Noah’s emergence from the ark. Having received God’s blessing and the establishment of the [Noahic Covenant](/genesis/9-9 "God's Covenant with Noah and All Living Creatures"), which promised never again to destroy all life by flood, Noah transitions from maritime preservation to agricultural endeavor. He becomes a "man of the soil" (`ish ha'adamah`) and plants a vineyard, marking the first biblical mention of viticulture. This seemingly innocuous act tragically precipitates his moral lapse, as his consumption of wine leads to intoxication and public exposure. The events of [Genesis 9:21](/genesis/9-21 "Noah's Drunkenness and Uncovering") are the direct prelude to the critical narrative in [Genesis 9:22-27](/genesis/9-22-27 "The Actions of Noah's Sons and Noah's Prophecy"), which details the contrasting reactions of his sons—Ham, Shem, and Japheth—and the subsequent pronouncements of curse and blessing that profoundly impact their descendants and the trajectory of human history.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, wine was a common beverage, often associated with joy and celebration, as seen in various biblical texts (e.g., [Psalm 104:15](/psalms/104-15 "Wine that Gladdens the Heart")). However, drunkenness was consistently viewed negatively, leading to impaired judgment, moral degradation, and public shame. For a patriarch like Noah, who held a position of immense authority and respect as the head of the post-diluvian human family, his nakedness was a profound disgrace. Nakedness, particularly of an elder or parent, carried deep cultural connotations of vulnerability, dishonor, and even a symbolic loss of power or dignity. It was a state to be concealed, not exposed, and its revelation, especially if intentional or disrespectful, constituted a severe transgression against familial and societal norms, setting the stage for the dramatic and consequential reactions of his sons.

* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 9:21](/genesis/9-21 "Noah's Drunkenness") contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **persistence of human sin and fallibility** even after a divine judgment and a new beginning; the Flood cleansed the earth but did not eradicate the sinful propensity within the human heart, as demonstrated by Noah, a man previously described as "righteous" and one who "walked with God" ([Genesis 6:9](/genesis/6-9 "Noah's Righteousness")). Secondly, it highlights the **dangers of intemperance and the misuse of God's gifts**, showing how something intended for good (wine) can lead to shame and negative consequences when abused. Thirdly, the incident introduces the critical theme of **honor and shame** within family dynamics, setting up the stark contrast between Ham's disrespectful "seeing" and the reverent "covering" by Shem and Japheth, which has lasting implications for the unfolding narrative of nations and their moral standing before God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 9:21](/genesis/9-21 "Noah's Drunkenness and Uncovering") succinctly narrates Noah's actions and their immediate outcome: "And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent." This verse marks a pivotal moment, revealing the immediate consequences of his intemperance, leading to a state of vulnerability and profound dishonor. The text does not condemn the act of drinking wine itself, but rather the excess that results in intoxication and the subsequent exposure.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wine (Hebrew, _yayin'_):** H3196, from an unused root meaning "to effervesce." This term refers to fermented grape juice, a common beverage in the ancient world. While often associated with joy and celebration, its misuse, as seen here, leads to "intoxication," highlighting its dual nature as both a blessing and a potential source of moral downfall. The specific mention of "wine" here is significant as it marks its first appearance in the biblical narrative as a cultivated product, immediately followed by its negative consequences.
* **Drunken (Hebrew, _shâkar'_):** H7937, a primitive root meaning "to become tipsy" or "to be satiated with a stimulating drink." This word explicitly describes Noah's state of intoxication, indicating a loss of self-control and impaired judgment. The verb form implies a process or state of being overcome by the drink, leading directly to his subsequent actions and vulnerability. It underscores the profound moral and physical impact of excessive consumption.
* **Uncovered (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** H1540, a primitive root meaning "to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile; figuratively, to reveal." In this context, the reflexive form of the verb implies Noah "uncovered himself" or "was exposed." This is a crucial term, signifying not merely physical nakedness but a state of vulnerability, shame, and loss of dignity. The act of being "uncovered" sets in motion the subsequent narrative of Ham's transgression and the righteous response of Shem and Japheth, making it a central element in the unfolding drama of honor and dishonor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he drank of the wine":** This phrase establishes the immediate cause of the subsequent events. Noah, having planted a vineyard, partakes of its fruit. This is the first recorded instance of wine consumption in the biblical narrative, setting the stage for its potential for both blessing and curse.
* **"and was drunken":** This clause describes the direct consequence of Noah's drinking. His state of intoxication signifies a loss of self-control and impaired judgment, a condition consistently portrayed negatively throughout Scripture. This demonstrates that even a righteous man like Noah is susceptible to human weakness and the pitfalls of excess.
* **"and he was uncovered within his tent":** This final clause details the shameful outcome of Noah's drunkenness. His "uncovered" state implies nakedness, a condition of profound vulnerability and dishonor in ancient Near Eastern culture, especially for a patriarch. The privacy of his "tent" (H168, _ʼôhel_), typically a place of refuge and intimacy, becomes the scene of his public disgrace, setting the stage for the actions of his sons and the subsequent patriarchal curses and blessings.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of [Genesis 9:21](/genesis/9-21 "Noah's Drunkenness") employs several potent literary devices. There is a strong sense of **Irony**, as Noah, the one chosen to preserve humanity through the Flood, falls prey to a moral failing in the new world, demonstrating that divine judgment does not eradicate the human propensity for sin. The scene also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as Noah's nakedness and subsequent curse on Canaan prefigure later biblical themes of shame, exposure, and the consequences of moral transgression, particularly in relation to the land and its inhabitants. The stark **Contrast** between Noah's initial righteousness and his drunken state underscores the fragility of human virtue. Furthermore, the "tent" serves as powerful **Symbolism**, representing a place of privacy and familial sanctity, which is tragically violated by Noah's actions and Ham's subsequent disrespect, setting a precedent for the importance of respecting boundaries and authority within the family unit.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Noah's fall in [Genesis 9:21](/genesis/9-21 "Noah's Drunkenness") serves as a profound theological statement on the enduring nature of human sinfulness even after a cataclysmic divine judgment and a new beginning. Despite being a righteous man chosen by God, Noah’s vulnerability to intemperance underscores that the Flood did not cleanse humanity of its fallen nature; sin remains deeply ingrained in the human heart. This incident highlights the critical importance of self-control and vigilance against temptation, even for those who have experienced significant spiritual deliverances. It also introduces the theme of honor and shame, demonstrating how personal failings can have far-reaching consequences, not only for the individual but for their descendants, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human actions and their ripple effects through generations.

* [Proverbs 20:1](/proverbs/20-1 "Wine is a Mocker")
* [Ephesians 5:18](/ephesians/5-18 "Be Filled with the Spirit")
* [Romans 7:18-19](/romans/7-18-19 "The Struggle with Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 9:21](/genesis/9-21 "Noah's Fall") offers timeless lessons for believers today, emphasizing the critical importance of self-control and vigilance against temptation, even after significant spiritual milestones or deliverances. Noah's vulnerability underscores that no one is immune to sin's pull, encouraging a continuous reliance on God's grace and humility in our daily lives. This passage reminds us that righteousness is a gift and a pursuit, not an inherent state of sinlessness. Furthermore, the subsequent narrative (e.g., [Genesis 9:23](/genesis/9-23 "Shem and Japheth's Actions")) provides a powerful model for how to respond with grace, discretion, and honor when others, especially those in authority or within our families, stumble, contrasting Ham's disrespectful actions with the reverent covering provided by Shem and Japheth. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of humility, recognizing our own capacity for sin, and to extend compassion and discretion when faced with the failings of others, seeking to cover rather than expose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be susceptible to a "Noah moment" – a lapse in judgment or self-control, even after significant spiritual victories?**
* **How does Noah's story challenge the idea that spiritual maturity or past righteousness makes one immune to sin?**
* **When you witness the failings of others, especially those you respect, how do you respond? Do you tend to expose or to cover with grace and discretion?**

### FAQ
**Why is Noah, a righteous man, depicted as falling into sin?**

Answer: Noah's fall serves as a powerful reminder of the pervasive nature of sin and human fallibility. Even individuals described as righteous, like Noah ([Genesis 6:9](/genesis/6-9 "Noah's Righteousness")), are not perfect and remain susceptible to temptation and moral failure. This highlights that righteousness is a gift from God and a pursuit, not an inherent state of sinlessness, underscoring humanity's constant need for divine grace and redemption. It teaches that even great faith does not negate the reality of indwelling sin.

**What is the significance of Noah being "uncovered"?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, nakedness, especially of an elder or patriarch, was deeply shameful and dishonorable. It signified a loss of dignity, vulnerability, and often implied a state of judgment or humiliation. Noah's "uncovered" state, a result of his drunkenness, makes him vulnerable to public disgrace and sets the stage for the contrasting responses of his sons, which have profound implications for the subsequent narrative and the future of their descendants. It symbolizes a loss of control and the stripping away of his patriarchal authority and honor.

**Does this verse condemn the consumption of wine?**

Answer: This verse does not explicitly condemn the consumption of wine itself, but rather the excess that leads to drunkenness. The problem lies in Noah's intoxication and the resulting loss of control and dignity. The Bible generally presents wine as a gift from God (e.g., [Psalm 104:15](/psalms/104-15 "Psalm 104:15 - Wine that Gladdens the Heart")) but consistently warns against its misuse and the dangers of drunkenness (e.g., [Proverbs 20:1](/proverbs/20-1 "Proverbs 20:1 - Wine is a Mocker"), [Ephesians 5:18](/ephesians/5-18 "Ephesians 5:18 - Be Filled with the Spirit")). The narrative serves as a cautionary tale against intemperance and its destructive consequences.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Noah's fall in [Genesis 9:21](/genesis/9-21 "Noah's Drunkenness and Uncovering") underscores humanity's persistent need for a perfect deliverer, a role ultimately and perfectly fulfilled by Jesus Christ. Noah, despite his righteousness and God's covenant with him, demonstrates that even the best of humanity cannot escape sin's stain or perfectly uphold God's standards. This highlights the insufficiency of human effort and the absolute necessity of a divine solution for sin. Christ, the true "righteous one" ([1 John 2:1](/1_john/2-1 "Jesus Christ the Righteous")), perfectly resisted temptation, lived a sinless life, and ultimately offered himself as the perfect sacrifice on the cross, enduring the ultimate shame and exposure ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Looking to Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith")) to cover the shame and nakedness of humanity's sin. He provides a spiritual covering and redemption that no human act, like Shem and Japheth's physical covering of Noah, could ever achieve. Through His atoning work, believers are clothed with His righteousness ([Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Garments of Salvation")) and offered true and lasting restoration where all human efforts and covenants ultimately fall short.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Habakkuk 2:15

¶ Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to [him], and makest [him] drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness!

Habakkuk 2:16

Thou art filled with shame for glory: drink thou also, and let thy foreskin be uncovered: the cup of the LORD'S right hand shall be turned unto thee, and shameful spewing [shall be] on thy glory.

Proverbs 20:1

¶ Wine [is] a mocker, strong drink [is] raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

Proverbs 23:31

Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, [when] it moveth itself aright.

Proverbs 23:32

At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.

Titus 2:2

That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

Galatians 5:21

Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.