Genesis 9:23 web — Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it on both their shoulders, went in backwards, and covered the nakedness of t…

World English Bible

"Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it on both their shoulders, went in backwards, and covered the nakedness of their father. Their faces were backwards, and they didn't see their father's nakedness."

— Genesis 9:23, World English Bible

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Genesis 9:23 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Genesis 9 — Context

20

Noah began to be a farmer, and planted a vineyard.

21

He drank of the wine and got drunk. He was uncovered within his tent.

22

Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brothers outside.

23

Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it on both their shoulders, went in backwards, and covered the nakedness of their father. Their faces were backwards, and they didn't see their father's nakedness.

24

Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his youngest son had done to him.

25

He said, "Canaan is cursed. He will be servant of servants to his brothers."

26

He said, "Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Shem. Let Canaan be his servant.

Genesis 9:23 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Genesis 9:23 say?
Genesis 9:23 in the World English Bible reads: “Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it on both their shoulders, went in backwards, and covered the nakedness of their father. Their faces were backwards, and they didn't see their father's nakedness.”
Where is Genesis 9:23 in the Bible?
Genesis 9:23 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Genesis, chapter 9, verse 23.
Who wrote Genesis?
Genesis is traditionally attributed to Moses (traditional). Anciently attributed to Moses; many modern scholars view Genesis as a compilation of older oral and written sources finalized in or after the Babylonian exile. It was written c. 1446–1406 BC.
What is the book of Genesis about?
Genesis is the book of beginnings — the origin of the universe, humanity, sin, and the covenant family God chose to bless the nations. It traces creation, the fall, the flood, and the lives of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, laying the foundation for the rest of Scripture and pointing forward to the redemption that comes through the promised seed.
What are the major themes of Genesis?
Genesis explores themes including Creation, Fall, Covenant, Faith, Family, Promise. These themes shape the meaning and context of Genesis 9:23.
What translation should I read Genesis 9:23 in?
Genesis 9:23 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Genesis 9:23?
Genesis 9:23 reads (WEB): “Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it on both their shoulders, went in backwards, and covered the nakedness of their father. Their faces were backwards, and they didn't see their father's nakedness.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2