King James Version

What Does Genesis 9:23 Mean?

Genesis 9:23 in the King James Version says “And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Genesis 9:23 · KJV

Context

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.

25

And he said, Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren.

Read Genesis 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and c... 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. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיִּקַּח֩1 of 21

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

שֵׁ֨ם2 of 21

“And Shem”

H8035

shem, a son of noah (often including his posterity)

וָיֶ֜פֶת3 of 21

“and Japheth”

H3315

jepheth, a son of noah; also his posterity

אֶת4 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַשִּׂמְלָ֗ה5 of 21

“a garment”

H8071

a dress, especially a mantle

וַיָּשִׂ֙ימוּ֙6 of 21

“and laid”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

עַל7 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שְׁכֶ֣ם8 of 21

“their shoulders”

H7926

the neck (between the shoulders) as the place of burdens; figuratively, the spur of a hill

שְׁנֵיהֶ֔ם9 of 21

“it upon both”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

וַיֵּֽלְכוּ֙10 of 21
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אֲחֹ֣רַנִּ֔ית11 of 21

“backward”

H322

backwards

וַיְכַסּ֕וּ12 of 21

“and covered”

H3680

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

אֵ֖ת13 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וְעֶרְוַ֥ת14 of 21

“nakedness”

H6172

nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)

אֲבִיהֶ֖ם15 of 21

“not their father's”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וּפְנֵיהֶם֙16 of 21

“and their faces”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אֲחֹ֣רַנִּ֔ית17 of 21

“backward”

H322

backwards

וְעֶרְוַ֥ת18 of 21

“nakedness”

H6172

nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)

אֲבִיהֶ֖ם19 of 21

“not their father's”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

לֹ֥א20 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

רָאֽוּ׃21 of 21

“and they saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

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 9:23 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 9:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 6:1Exodus 20:121 Timothy 5:1Romans 13:71 Peter 2:171 Peter 4:8

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