Genesis 9:19
What does Genesis 9:19 mean?
A plain-English look at Genesis 9:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Genesis 9:19 means
Noah's three sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—are explicitly identified as the progenitors from whom the entire earth would be repopulated. This verse emphasizes the pivotal role of these three individuals in human history. It reminds the reader that all post-flood humanity traces its lineage back to this single family, underscoring the unity of the human race despite future diversifications. This statement sets the stage for the spreading of peoples across the globe and the subsequent development of nations.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000These three were the sons of Noah: and of these was the whole earth overspread.
KJV
King James Version · 1611These are the three sons of Noah: and of them was the whole earth overspread.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901These three were the sons of Noah: and of these was the whole earth overspread.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949These three were the sons of Noah and from them all the earth was peopled.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862These three <FI>are<Fi> sons of Noah, and from these hath all the earth been overspread.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752These three are the sons of Noe: and from these was all mankind spread over the whole earth.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890These three are the sons of Noah; and from these was [the population of] the whole earth spread abroad.
Context
This verse builds directly on the reintroduction of Noah's sons, clarifying their historical significance as the source of all future human populations. It provides a direct link between the small family emerging from the ark and the eventual repopulation of the entire earth. This statement is crucial for establishing the context of the subsequent narrative, as the actions and destinies of these sons will have profound implications for their descendants and the formation of various peoples.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Chronicles 1:4
Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
- Genesis 10:2
The sons of Japheth: Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras.
- Genesis 8:17
Bring forth with thee every living thing that is with thee of all flesh, both birds, and cattle, and every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth; that they may breed abundantly in the earth, and be fruitful, and multiply upon the earth.
- Genesis 5:32
And Noah was five hundred years old: and Noah begat Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
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