Devine Scripture

Genesis 9:23

What does Genesis 9:23 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 9:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 9:23 means

In stark contrast to Ham, Shem and Japheth demonstrated profound respect and filial devotion. They took a garment, placed it on their shoulders, and walked backward into the tent to cover their father's nakedness. By turning their faces away, they intentionally avoided looking upon their father's shame, thus preserving his dignity. Their actions embody love, honor, and discretion, actively mitigating the disgrace caused by Noah's drunkenness and Ham's disrespectful revelation. This act of covering is a powerful illustration of reverent compassion.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Shem and Japheth took a robe, and putting it on their backs went in with their faces turned away, and put it over their father so that they might not see him unclothed.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Shem taketh--Japheth also--the garment, and they place on the shoulder of them both, and go backward, and cover the nakedness of their father; and their faces <FI>are<Fi> backward, and their father's nakedness they have not seen.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But Sem and Japheth put a cloak upon their shoulders, and going backward, covered the nakedness of their father: and their faces were turned away, and they saw not their father's nakedness.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Shem and Japheth took the upper garment and both laid [it] upon their shoulders, and went backwards, and covered the nakedness of their father. And their faces were turned away, that they saw not their father's nakedness.

Context

This verse directly follows Ham's disrespectful actions, presenting the contrasting, honorable response of Shem and Japheth. Their careful and reverent actions provide the positive example against which Ham's behavior is judged. This pivotal moment sets up Noah's subsequent pronouncements of blessings and curses, as their conduct directly informs the nature of his prophetic words concerning their and their descendants' destinies.

v.22And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without.

v.23This passage

v.24And Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his youngest son had done unto him.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Peter 4:8

    above all things being fervent in your love among yourselves; for love covereth a multitude of sins:

  • 1 Timothy 5:19

    Against an elder receive not an accusation, except at the mouth of two or three witnesses.

  • Romans 13:7

    Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

  • Exodus 20:12

    Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee.

  • 1 Peter 2:17

    Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

  • 1 Timothy 5:1

    Rebuke not an elder, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brethren:

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