Shem
Father of the Semitic PeoplesNoah's eldest son who received his father's blessing and became the ancestor of Abraham, Israel, and ultimately Jesus Christ
Shem was Noah's firstborn son who, along with his brothers, helped build the ark and was saved through the Flood. When Noah became drunk and was shamefully uncovered, Shem and Japheth walked backward to cover their father, honoring him. As a result, Noah blessed Shem, declaring 'Praise be to the LORD, the God of Shem.' Through Shem came the Semitic peoples, including the Hebrews, Arameans, Assyrians, and Arabs. Most significantly, Shem's line led to Abraham, David, and Jesus Christ. The word 'Semitic' derives from his name. Jewish tradition identifies Shem with Melchizedek, the priest-king who blessed Abraham, though this is speculative. Shem lived 500 years after the Flood, long enough to know Abraham (and possibly even Jacob). He represents the blessed line through whom God's redemptive purposes would unfold.
Original Name
שֵׁם (Shem)
Meaning
Name, Renown, Fame
Etymology
Shem's name (Shem) means 'name' or 'renown' in Hebrew. The word is used throughout Scripture to represent reputation, character, and identity. From his name comes 'Semitic' - referring to the languages and peoples descended from him. The blessing 'the God of Shem' connects YHWH specifically to Shem's lineage.
Linguistic Insights
Shem's name (Shem) is the common Hebrew word for 'name,' carrying connotations of reputation, fame, and identity. Noah's blessing 'Blessed be YHWH, the God of Shem' is remarkable - it's the first time God is identified as 'the God of' a specific person, establishing a covenant-relationship pattern continued with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The term 'Semitic' (from Latin 'Semiticus') derives from Shem, encompassing Hebrew, Aramaic, Arabic, Akkadian, and related languages. Genesis 10:21 calls Shem 'the father of all the children of Eber' (avi kol benei Ever) - from 'Eber' comes 'Hebrew' (Ivri). The phrase 'Semitic peoples' thus traces back to Noah's blessed son. Jewish tradition's identification of Shem with Melchizedek (both being priest-figures contemporary with Abraham) remains speculative but reflects Shem's honored status. His 600-year lifespan meant he outlived Abraham and possibly met Jacob.
Translation Notes
- •Shem = 'name, renown, fame'
- •'Semitic' derives from his name
- •Father of Eber, from whom 'Hebrew' comes
- •First person to have God called 'his God'
Related Terms
Born to Noah
Genesis 5:32Entered the ark with family
Genesis 7:13Survived the Flood
Genesis 8:18Covered Noah's nakedness with Japheth
Genesis 9:23Blessed by Noah
Genesis 9:26Fathered Arphaxad 2 years after Flood
Genesis 11:10Lived 500 years after Arphaxad's birth
Genesis 11:11Died at 600 years old
Genesis 11:10-11Genesis 9:23
"But Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it across their shoulders; then they walked in backward and covered their father's naked body."
Genesis 9:26
"He also said, 'Praise be to the LORD, the God of Shem! May Canaan be the slave of Shem.'"
Genesis 10:21
"Sons were also born to Shem, whose older brother was Japheth; Shem was the ancestor of all the sons of Eber."
Genesis 11:10
"This is the account of Shem's family line. Two years after the flood, when Shem was 100 years old, he became the father of Arphaxad."
Luke 3:36
"The son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech."
Born
c. 2448 BC
Died
c. 1848 BC
Lifespan
600 years