Genesis 9:23

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.

And Shem {H8035} and Japheth {H3315} took {H3947} a garment {H8071}, and laid {H7760} it upon both {H8147} their shoulders {H7926}, and went {H3212} backward {H322}, and covered {H3680} the nakedness {H6172} of their father {H1}; and their faces {H6440} were backward {H322}, and they saw {H7200} not their father's {H1} nakedness {H6172}.

Shem and Yefet took a cloak, put it over both their shoulders, and, walking backward, went in and covered their naked father. Their faces were turned away, so that they did not see their father lying there shamefully exposed.

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.

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.

Commentary

Context

This verse describes a pivotal moment in the narrative immediately following the great flood. After disembarking from the ark, Noah became a farmer and planted a vineyard. He drank wine from his harvest, became intoxicated, and lay uncovered within his tent. The preceding verse, Genesis 9:22, recounts how his son Ham saw his father's nakedness and reported it to his brothers outside. Genesis 9:23 then details the respectful and honorable actions of Noah's other two sons, Shem and Japheth, in stark contrast to Ham's behavior.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Filial Respect and Honor: Shem and Japheth's actions exemplify profound respect for their father. They did not gawk or mock; instead, they took deliberate steps to preserve his dignity, even in his compromised state. This highlights the biblical emphasis on honoring parents, a theme echoed throughout Scripture, such as in the Ten Commandments.
  • Modesty and Covering Shame: Their refusal to look upon their father's nakedness, literally turning their faces backward, underscores a deep sense of modesty and a desire to cover, rather than expose, another's shame. This act of covering was not just physical but symbolic of protecting their father's honor.
  • Distinction in Character: The narrative intentionally contrasts the behaviors of Noah's sons. Ham's action of seeing and telling suggests a lack of reverence, while Shem and Japheth's actions demonstrate piety and compassion. This distinction sets the stage for the subsequent blessings and curses pronounced by Noah.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "nakedness" used here, ‘ervah (ערות), often carries a deeper meaning than mere physical nudity. It frequently signifies shame, disgrace, or vulnerability, particularly in a familial or covenantal context. Thus, Shem and Japheth were not just avoiding a sight; they were actively covering their father's dishonor, performing an act of grace and protection.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless lessons on how we should treat those in authority, particularly our parents and elders, even when they display weakness or make mistakes. It encourages us to:

  • Show Reverence: Choose to honor and respect, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable.
  • Cover, Not Expose: Rather than exposing or gossiping about others' failures and vulnerabilities, we are called to show grace, compassion, and to cover their shame.
  • Act with Intentionality: Shem and Japheth's actions were deliberate and required effort (going backward, laying the garment over their shoulders). True honor often requires intentional effort and self-control. Their actions ultimately led to blessing for their descendants.
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Cross-References

  • Galatians 6:1 (6 votes)

    ¶ Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

  • Exodus 20:12 (3 votes)

    ¶ Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

  • 1 Timothy 5:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Rebuke not an elder, but intreat [him] as a father; [and] the younger men as brethren;

  • 1 Peter 2:17 (2 votes)

    Honour all [men]. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

  • 1 Peter 4:8 (2 votes)

    And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

  • 1 Timothy 5:17 (2 votes)

    ¶ Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

  • 1 Timothy 5:19 (2 votes)

    Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.