Genesis 9:21

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Genesis 9:21 marks a pivotal and sobering moment in the biblical narrative immediately following the Great Flood. After the cataclysmic judgment, Noah, now a vinedresser, succumbs to the intoxicating effects of wine, revealing the persistent reality of human frailty even in a new beginning.

Context

This verse follows Noah's emergence from the ark, his sacrifice to God, and the establishment of the Noahic Covenant, which promised never again to destroy all life by flood. Noah, transitioning from boat builder to farmer, plants a vineyard. This is the first mention of wine production in the Bible, and unfortunately, its first consumption leads to a significant moral failing. His drunkenness and subsequent nakedness in his tent set the stage for the crucial events of Genesis 9:22-27, detailing the actions of his sons, Ham, Shem, and Japheth, and the resulting curse and blessings.

Key Themes

  • Human Fallibility: Even a righteous man like Noah, who "walked with God" (Genesis 6:9), is not immune to sin and its consequences. This highlights the universal nature of human weakness and the need for self-control.
  • The Danger of Excess: The verse vividly portrays the detrimental effects of intemperance. Noah's drunkenness leads to a loss of dignity and vulnerability, emphasizing the biblical caution against overindulgence.
  • Vulnerability and Shame: Being "uncovered" (Hebrew: vayyitgal, meaning "he uncovered himself" or "he was exposed") implies a state of nakedness and profound shame. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, such exposure, especially of an elder or patriarch, was deeply dishonorable and often associated with humiliation or judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "was uncovered within his tent" (Hebrew: וַיִּתְגַּל֙ בְּת֣וֹךְ אָהֳלֹ֔ו - vayyitgal betokh oholo) is critical. The verb vayyitgal is a reflexive form, suggesting Noah himself became uncovered, either through his own actions while intoxicated or simply by virtue of his state. The act of uncovering or seeing nakedness, especially of a parent, carries significant weight in the Old Testament, often implying a severe offense or a curse, as seen in the subsequent narrative of Ham's actions and the curse of Canaan.

Practical Application

Genesis 9:21 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Self-Control: The narrative serves as a stark reminder of the importance of temperance and avoiding excess, particularly concerning substances that impair judgment. It encourages responsible stewardship of our bodies and minds.
  • Dealing with Others' Failings: While Noah’s actions were regrettable, the subsequent verses (Genesis 9:23) demonstrate the contrast between Ham's disrespectful behavior and the reverent actions of Shem and Japheth. This teaches us how to respond with grace, discretion, and honor when others, especially those in authority or our family, stumble.
  • The Reality of Sin: Even after great deliverance or spiritual highs, the potential for sin remains. This verse underscores the continuous need for humility, vigilance, and dependence on God's grace in our daily lives.
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Cross-References

  • Habakkuk 2:15 (7 votes)

    ¶ 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 (7 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 23:31 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

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

  • Titus 2:2 (5 votes)

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

  • Galatians 5:21 (5 votes)

    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.