Shem

Meaning: name; renown

the first mentioned of the sons of Noah (Gen. 5:32; 6:10)

He was probably the eldest of Noah's sons. The words “brother of Japheth the elder” in Gen. 10:21 are more correctly rendered “the elder brother of Japheth,” as in the Revised Version. Shem's name is generally mentioned first in the list of Noah's sons. He and his wife were saved in the ark (7:13). Noah foretold his preeminence over Canaan (9:23-27).

He died at the age of 600 years, having been for many years contemporary with Abraham, according to the usual chronology. The Israelitish nation sprang from him (Gen. 11:10-26; 1 Chr. 1:24-27).

Relatives

• Father: Noah
• Mother: not named—Who was Mrs. Noah? What was she like? Learn about this rarely mentioned, but important woman.
• Wife: not named
• Sons: Asshur and others
• Daughters: not named or numbered
• Brothers: Ham, Japheth

ALSO SEE:

• Deluge (the Flood