And Noah had three sons:
The mention of Noah's three sons is significant in the biblical narrative, as they are the progenitors of the post-flood human race. This phrase sets the stage for the repopulation of the earth after the flood. In the context of Genesis, the number three often symbolizes completeness or divine perfection, which may suggest the completeness of Noah's family in fulfilling God's plan for humanity's renewal. The genealogical records in Genesis emphasize the importance of lineage and heritage, which are crucial for understanding the unfolding of God's covenant with humanity.

Shem,
Shem is traditionally considered the ancestor of the Semitic peoples, including the Israelites. His name is associated with the Hebrew word for "name" or "renown," indicating his significance in biblical history. Shem's lineage is particularly important as it leads to Abraham, and ultimately to Jesus Christ, fulfilling God's promise of blessing to all nations through Abraham's seed. The Semitic line is central to the biblical narrative, as it carries the covenantal promises and the messianic hope.

Ham,
Ham is often associated with the African and some Middle Eastern peoples. His descendants are listed in Genesis 10, known as the Table of Nations, which outlines the spread of nations after the flood. The narrative of Ham's actions in Genesis 9:20-27 has been historically misinterpreted and misused, but it is crucial to understand it within its cultural and historical context. Ham's lineage includes notable figures such as Nimrod, who is linked to the founding of several ancient cities and civilizations.

and Japheth.
Japheth is traditionally seen as the ancestor of the Indo-European peoples. His name is thought to mean "expansion" or "enlargement," which aligns with the biblical blessing of expansion given to him in Genesis 9:27. Japheth's descendants are also detailed in the Table of Nations, highlighting the spread of his lineage across various regions. The prophecy of Japheth dwelling in the tents of Shem (Genesis 9:27) has been interpreted as a foreshadowing of the inclusion of Gentiles into the blessings of the covenant, ultimately fulfilled in the New Testament through the spread of the Gospel to all nations.

1. Noah
A righteous man chosen by God to survive the flood and preserve humanity and animal life. He is a central figure in the Genesis account, known for his obedience and faithfulness.

2. Shem
The eldest son of Noah, traditionally considered the ancestor of the Semitic peoples, including the Israelites. His lineage is significant in biblical genealogies.

3. Ham
The second son of Noah, often associated with the African and some Middle Eastern peoples. His actions and descendants are discussed further in Genesis.

4. Japheth
The youngest son of Noah, traditionally linked to the peoples of Europe and parts of Asia. His descendants are also detailed in the genealogies.

5. The Flood
A cataclysmic event that God used to judge the wickedness of humanity, sparing only Noah, his family, and the animals on the ark.The Importance of Family Lineage
The mention of Noah's sons underscores the biblical emphasis on family and lineage. It reminds us of the importance of our own family heritage and the spiritual legacy we leave.

God's Sovereignty in History
The division of humanity into different peoples and nations through Noah's sons illustrates God's sovereign plan in history. We can trust that God is in control of the unfolding of human events.

Unity in Diversity
While Noah's sons represent the diversity of nations, they all originate from the same family. This points to the unity of humanity and the call for Christians to embrace diversity within the body of Christ.

Faithfulness in Parenting
Noah's role as a father to Shem, Ham, and Japheth highlights the responsibility of parents to guide their children in righteousness, even amidst a corrupt world.Verse 10. - And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth (cf. Genesis 5:32). Here (in the story of the Flood) if anywhere, observes Rosenmüller, can traces be detected of two distinct documents (duorum monumentorum), in the alternate use of the names of the Deity, the frequent repetitions of the same things, and the use of peculiar forms of expression; and in vers. 9-13, compared with Genesis 6:5-8, Bleek, Tuch, Colenso, and others find' the first instance of needless repetition, on the supposition of the unity of the narrative, but a sure index of the Elohistic pen, on the hypothesis of different authors; but the so-called "repetition" is explained by remembering that Genesis 6:5-8 forms the close of a section "bringing down the history to the point at which the degeneracy of mankind causes God to resolve on the destruction of the world," while the new section, which otherwise would begin too abruptly, introduces the account of the Deluge by a brief description of its cause (cf. Quarry, p. 367). The structure of the narrative here is not different from what it appears elsewhere (cf. Genesis 2:4; Genesis 5:1).

Parallel Commentaries ...


And
אֶת־ (’eṯ-)
Direct object marker
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

Noah
נֹ֖חַ (nō·aḥ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5146: Noah -- 'rest', patriarch who survived the flood

had
וַיּ֥וֹלֶד (way·yō·w·leḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3205: To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage

three
שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה (šə·lō·šāh)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice

sons:
בָנִ֑ים (ḇā·nîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1121: A son

Shem,
שֵׁ֖ם (šêm)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8035: Shem -- 'name', oldest son of Noah

Ham,
חָ֥ם (ḥām)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2526: Ham -- a son of Noah, also his descendants, also a name for Egyptians

and Japheth.
יָֽפֶת׃ (yā·p̄eṯ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3315: Japheth -- a son of Noah


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OT Law: Genesis 6:10 Noah became the father of three sons: (Gen. Ge Gn)