Genesis 9:23

Authorized King James 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּקַּח֩

H3947

took

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

שֵׁ֨ם

H8035

And Shem

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

וָיֶ֜פֶת

H3315

and Japheth

jepheth, a son of noah; also his posterity

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַשִּׂמְלָ֗ה

H8071

a garment

a dress, especially a mantle

וַיָּשִׂ֙ימוּ֙

H7760

and laid

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שְׁכֶ֣ם

H7926

their shoulders

the neck (between the shoulders) as the place of burdens; figuratively, the spur of a hill

שְׁנֵיהֶ֔ם

H8147

it upon both

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

#10

וַיֵּֽלְכוּ֙

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#11

אֲחֹ֣רַנִּ֔ית

H322

backward

backwards

#12

וַיְכַסּ֕וּ

H3680

and covered

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

#13

אֵ֖ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#14

וְעֶרְוַ֥ת

H6172

nakedness

nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)

#15

אֲבִיהֶ֖ם

not their father's

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

#16

וּפְנֵיהֶם֙

H6440

and their faces

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#17

אֲחֹ֣רַנִּ֔ית

H322

backward

backwards

#18

וְעֶרְוַ֥ת

H6172

nakedness

nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)

#19

אֲבִיהֶ֖ם

not their father's

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

#20

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#21

רָאֽוּ׃

H7200

and they saw

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 9 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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