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יֶ֫פֶת (ye.phet)

ye.phet

Japheth

H3315 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 11 verses

N:N-M-P

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
11 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Yepheth, rendered in English as Japheth, identifies the third son of Noah and brother to Shem and Ham. First mentioned in Genesis 5:32, he is listed alongside his fathers and brothers as one of the three men who survived the flood and repopulated the earth. The text records him as the father of seven sons, including Gomer, Magog, Madai, and Javan, whose descendants are traditionally associated with the settling of coastal Mediterranean lands and regions extending into Asia.

Lexical sources note that the name likely means "open" or "expansion." This etymology aligns with the biblical narrative in Genesis 9:27, where Noah blesses Japheth, saying he will dwell in the tents of Shem and that God will enlarge him. The blessing suggests a future growth in territory or influence for his lineage, distinguishing his role in the post-flood genealogies from those of his brothers.

Japheth appears eleven times in Scripture, primarily within the genealogical records of Genesis 10 and 1 Chronicles 1:5-7. These passages list him as the ancestor of various nations, serving as a structural marker for the spread of humanity after the flood. The repeated mention of his name underscores his significance in the biblical account of early human history and the division of peoples into distinct families.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Japheth carries a meaning often understood as 'expansion' or 'openness.' In the biblical narrative, this is not merely a label but a description of God’s plan for his descendants to grow and settle in new lands. When Noah blesses him, he speaks of God enlarging Japheth, pointing toward a future where his family will flourish alongside Shem.

For readers today, this word reminds us that God’s purposes often involve growth beyond our current boundaries. Whether we see this as historical geography or spiritual truth, the text shows God actively shaping nations and families. It invites us to trust that He has room for everyone in His story, even when the path forward seems wide and uncertain.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • and/ Japheth5×
  • Japheth5×
  • <to>/ Japheth1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • יָֽפֶת\׃2×
  • יֶ֔פֶת2×
  • וָ/יָ֑פֶת2×
  • לְ/יֶ֔פֶת1×
  • יֶ֥פֶת1×
  • וָ/יָֽפֶת\׃\ \ס1×
  • וָ/יֶ֜פֶת1×
  • וָ/יֶ֖פֶת1×

Key Verses

  • Genesis 9:27
    May God enlarge Japheth. Let him dwell in the tents of Shem. Let Canaan be his servant.”

    This verse contains Noah’s blessing where God is asked to enlarge Japheth, directly linking the name's meaning of expansion to divine favor.

  • Genesis 10:2
    The sons of Japheth were: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras.

    Here the text lists Japheth’s seven sons, establishing him as the ancestor of specific nations that spread across coastal regions.

  • Genesis 5:32
    Noah was five hundred years old, then Noah became the father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

    This early mention introduces Japheth alongside his brothers, marking the beginning of the post-flood genealogies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Japheth mean?

The Hebrew word יֶ֫פֶת (Japheth) is generally understood to mean 'expansion,' 'openness,' or 'beauty.' In the context of Genesis, it aligns with Noah’s blessing that God would enlarge his territory and influence.

Who was Japheth in the Bible?

Japheth was the third son of Noah. He survived the flood with his family and became the ancestor of several nations listed in Genesis 10, traditionally associated with regions in Asia Minor and Europe.

Why is Japheth mentioned so often?

He appears in genealogical records to show how humanity spread after the flood. His name links Noah’s family to the diverse nations that followed, serving as a structural marker for early human history.

Every Occurrence (11 verses across 2 books)

Genesis 9 verses
Genesis 5:32

Noah was five hundred years old, then Noah became the father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

Genesis 6:10

Noah became the father of three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

Genesis 7:13

In the same day Noah, and Shem, Ham, and Japheth—the sons of Noah—and Noah’s wife and the three wives of his sons with…

Genesis 9:18

The sons of Noah who went out from the ship were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Ham is the father of Canaan.

Genesis 9:23

Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it on both their shoulders, went in backwards, and covered the nakedness of…

Genesis 9:27

May God enlarge Japheth. Let him dwell in the tents of Shem. Let Canaan be his servant.”

Genesis 10:1

Now this is the history of the generations of the sons of Noah and of Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Sons were born to them…

Genesis 10:2

The sons of Japheth were: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras.

Genesis 10:21

Children were also born to Shem (the elder brother of Japheth), the father of all the children of Eber.

I Chronicles 2 verses