Genesis 9:18

Authorized King James Version

And the sons of Noah, that went forth of the ark, were Shem, and Ham, and Japheth: and Ham is the father of Canaan.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּֽהְי֣וּ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְנֵי

H1121

And the sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

נֹ֗חַ

H5146

of Noah

noach, the patriarch of the flood

הַיֹּֽצְאִים֙

H3318

that went forth

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַתֵּבָ֔ה

H8392

of the ark

a box

שֵׁ֖ם

H8035

were Shem

shem, a son of noah (often including his posterity)

וְחָ֕ם

H2526

and Ham

cham, a son of noah; also (as a patronymic) his descendants or their country

וָיָ֑פֶת

H3315

and Japheth

jepheth, a son of noah; also his posterity

#10

וְחָ֕ם

H2526

and Ham

cham, a son of noah; also (as a patronymic) his descendants or their country

#11

ה֖וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#12

אֲבִ֥י

is the father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#13

כְנָֽעַן׃

H3667

of Canaan

kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?

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