King James Version
What Does Genesis 9:22 Mean?
“And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without.”
Context
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.
24
And Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done unto him.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(22, 23) **Ham **. . . **saw **. . . **and told.**—The sin lay not in seeing, which might be unintentional, but in telling, especially if his purpose was to ridicule his father. His brothers, with filial piety, “take a garment,” the loose outer robe or cloak enveloping the whole body, and with reverent delicacy walk backwards, and lay it upon their father’s person.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 9:22 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 9:22
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge