Genesis 9:23

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.

Study Bible

Then Shem and Japheth took a garment
Shem and Japheth, two of Noah's sons, demonstrate respect and honor for their father. The act of taking a garment signifies their intention to protect Noah's dignity. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, family honor was paramount, and this action reflects the importance of maintaining familial respect. The garment symbolizes covering and protection, reminiscent of God providing garments for Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:21, indicating a covering of shame.

and placed it across their shoulders
By placing the garment across their shoulders, Shem and Japheth show unity and cooperation in their effort to cover their father. This act of carrying the garment together signifies a shared responsibility and mutual respect. The use of their shoulders highlights the physical effort and care involved, suggesting a deliberate and thoughtful approach to addressing the situation.

and walking backward
Walking backward indicates their desire to avoid seeing their father's nakedness, showing a deep respect for Noah. This action contrasts with Ham's behavior, who saw and possibly mocked his father's vulnerability. The careful approach of Shem and Japheth underscores the biblical principle of honoring one's parents, as later codified in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12).

they covered their father’s nakedness
Covering Noah's nakedness is an act of restoring dignity and concealing shame. This reflects the biblical theme of covering sin and shame, as seen in the sacrificial system and ultimately fulfilled in Christ's atonement. The act of covering is a precursor to the redemptive work of Jesus, who covers the sins of humanity through His sacrifice.

Their faces were turned away
Turning their faces away further emphasizes their respect and intention not to exploit or dishonor their father. This action highlights the importance of modesty and discretion, values upheld throughout Scripture. It also serves as a moral lesson on the appropriate response to the failings of others, promoting compassion and respect rather than judgment and ridicule.

so that they did not see their father’s nakedness
The emphasis on not seeing Noah's nakedness reinforces the theme of respect and honor. This phrase underscores the importance of maintaining the dignity of others, even in their moments of weakness. It serves as a reminder of the biblical call to love and protect one another, reflecting the love and grace that God extends to humanity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Shem
One of Noah's sons, who, along with Japheth, showed respect and honor towards their father by covering his nakedness.

2. Japheth
Another son of Noah, who participated with Shem in the respectful act of covering Noah.

3. Noah
The father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth, who became drunk and lay uncovered in his tent.

4. Ham
The son of Noah who saw his father's nakedness and told his brothers, showing a lack of respect.

5. The Tent
The place where Noah lay uncovered, symbolizing a private space that was violated by Ham's actions.

Teaching Points

Respect for Authority
Shem and Japheth's actions demonstrate the importance of respecting and honoring parental authority, even when they are at fault.

Modesty and Privacy
The act of covering Noah's nakedness underscores the value of modesty and the protection of personal privacy.

Love in Action
The brothers' decision to cover their father without looking reflects a love that seeks to protect and preserve dignity.

Avoiding Gossip
Ham's actions serve as a warning against spreading information that can harm others, while Shem and Japheth's actions show the importance of discretion.

Family Unity
The account highlights the role of family members in supporting and protecting one another, fostering unity and respect.

Bible Study Questions

1. How do Shem and Japheth's actions in Genesis 9:23 reflect the biblical principle of honoring one's parents, and how can we apply this in our own family relationships?

2. In what ways does the account of Noah's sons challenge us to consider our response to the faults and failures of those in authority over us?

3. How can the concept of "covering" in this passage be related to the New Testament teaching on love covering a multitude of sins?

4. What lessons can we learn from Ham's actions about the dangers of gossip and disrespect, and how can we guard against these in our own lives?

5. How does this passage encourage us to promote modesty and privacy in our interactions with others, and what practical steps can we take to uphold these values?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 18
This chapter discusses the laws regarding uncovering nakedness, emphasizing the importance of modesty and respect within family relationships.

Exodus 20:12
The commandment to honor one's father and mother, which Shem and Japheth exemplified in their actions.

Proverbs 10:12
This verse speaks about love covering all wrongs, paralleling the act of Shem and Japheth covering their father's nakedness.

1 Peter 4:8
Highlights the importance of love covering a multitude of sins, similar to the actions of Shem and Japheth.