King James Version

What Does Genesis 9:21 Mean?

Genesis 9:21 in the King James Version says “And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent.”

Genesis 9:21 · KJV

Context

19

These are the three sons of Noah: and of them was the whole earth overspread.

20

And Noah began to be an husbandman , and he planted a vineyard:

21

And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent.

22

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

23

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent.... This passage belongs to the primeval history section (Genesis 1-11) which establishes universal truths about God, humanity, sin, and divine purposes before focusing on Abraham and Israel. These chapters answer fundamental questions about human origins, the spread of wickedness, God's judgment, and the preservation of a righteous remnant.

Recurring patterns emerge: human sin escalating from individual disobedience to societal corruption, divine patience followed by judgment, gracious preservation of a remnant, and covenant promises ensuring redemptive purposes continue. The genealogies connect historical persons, demonstrate the fulfillment of divine promises (blessing and multiplication), and trace the line leading to Abraham and ultimately Christ.

Key theological themes in this section include: (1) sin's destructive progression affecting all humanity; (2) God's righteous judgment while preserving mercy; (3) human pride and autonomy opposing divine sovereignty; (4) cultural development as both blessing and potential idolatry; (5) God's sovereign plan advancing despite human rebellion. These narratives provide the necessary context for understanding God's calling of Abraham and the covenant promises through which all nations will be blessed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The primeval history (Genesis 1-11) parallels ancient Near Eastern traditions including Sumerian King Lists (pre-flood longevity), Akkadian flood traditions (Atrahasis, Gilgamesh), and Mesopotamian city foundation myths. However, Genesis demythologizes these traditions, presenting monotheistic history rather than polytheistic mythology. The genealogies connecting Adam to Noah to Abraham provide historical framework absent in pagan myths.

Archaeological evidence confirms ancient urbanization (chapter 4's cities), agricultural development, metallurgy, and musical instruments emerging in Mesopotamia's early history. The Babel account reflects Mesopotamian ziggurat construction (stepped pyramid temples), particularly in Babylon. Linguistic diversity requiring explanation was obvious to ancient peoples, making the Babel narrative culturally relevant.

For Israel in covenant with Yahweh, these chapters explained their relationship to surrounding nations. All peoples descended from Noah, but Israel descended from Shem through Abraham—chosen for blessing all nations. The flood demonstrated God's justice and mercy: judging wickedness while preserving the righteous. This pattern would recur throughout Israel's history, assuring them that God's covenant faithfulness endures despite judgment on the wicked.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וַיֵּ֥שְׁתְּ1 of 7

“And he drank”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

מִן2 of 7
H4480

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

הַיַּ֖יִן3 of 7

“of the wine”

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

וַיִּשְׁכָּ֑ר4 of 7

“and was drunken”

H7937

to become tipsy; in a qualified sense, to satiate with a stimulating drink or (figuratively) influence

וַיִּתְגַּ֖ל5 of 7

“and he was uncovered”

H1540

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

בְּת֥וֹךְ6 of 7

“within”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

אָֽהֳלֹֽה׃7 of 7

“his tent”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 9:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 9:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Habakkuk 2:15-16Proverbs 20:1Proverbs 23:31-32Galatians 5:21Titus 2:21 Corinthians 10:12

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 9 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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