Genesis 9:21
Genesis 9:21 in Multiple Translations
But when he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and uncovered himself inside his tent.
And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent.
and he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent.
And he took of the wine of it and was overcome by drink; and he was uncovered in his tent.
He drank some of the wine he'd produced, got drunk, and fell asleep in his tent, naked.
And he drunke of ye wine and was drunken, and was vncouered in the middes of his tent.
and drinketh of the wine, and is drunken, and uncovereth himself in the midst of the tent.
He drank of the wine and got drunk. He was uncovered within his tent.
And he drank of the wine, and was drunken, and he was uncovered within his tent.
And drinking of the wine was made drunk, and was uncovered in his tent.
When they later produced grapes, he made wine from the grapes. One day, when he drank too much of the wine, he became drunk, and he lay naked in his tent.
Noah drank some of that wine and got drunk. He took his clothes off and went to sleep in his tent.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 9:21
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 9:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּ֥שְׁתְּ
מִן
הַ/יַּ֖יִן
וַ/יִּשְׁכָּ֑ר
וַ/יִּתְגַּ֖ל
בְּ/ת֥וֹךְ
אָהֳלֹֽ/ה
וַ/יֵּ֥שְׁתְּ
shâthâh
H8354
to drink
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
הַ/יַּ֖יִן
yayin
H3196
wine
Art | N-ms
וַ/יִּשְׁכָּ֑ר
shâkar
H7937
be drunk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
וַ/יִּתְגַּ֖ל
gâlâh
H1540
to reveal
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּ/ת֥וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms
אָהֳלֹֽ/ה
ʼôhel
H168
tent
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 9:21
וַ/יֵּ֥שְׁתְּ
shâthâh
H8354
"to drink"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.
Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.
מִן
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הַ/יַּ֖יִן
yayin
H3196
"wine"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for wine, 'yayin', refers to fermented wine and its effects, including intoxication. It is often mentioned in the Bible in the context of banquets and feasts, such as in the book of Esther.
Definition: wine
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: banqueting, wine, wine(-bibber). See also: Genesis 9:21; Proverbs 20:1; Psalms 60:5.
וַ/יִּשְׁכָּ֑ר
shâkar
H7937
"be drunk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To become drunk or intoxicated, as warned against in Proverbs 23:20. This word describes the state of being under the influence. It is used in various forms, including making someone drunk or being merry.
Definition: 1) to be or become drunk or drunken, be intoxicated 1a) (Qal) to become drunken 1b)(Piel) to make drunken, cause to be drunk 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to be drunk 1d) (Hithpael) to make oneself drunk
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: (be filled with) drink (abundantly), (be, make) drunk(-en), be merry. (Superlative of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; Isaiah 63:6; Isaiah 29:9.
וַ/יִּתְגַּ֖ל
gâlâh
H1540
"to reveal"
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to reveal or uncover something, often in a way that's embarrassing or shameful. It can also mean to exile someone, forcing them to leave their home. In some cases, it's used to describe God revealing himself to people.
Definition: : reveal[information] 1) to uncover, remove 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to uncover 1a2) to remove, depart 1a3) to go into exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) (reflexive) 1b1a) to uncover oneself 1b1b) to discover or show oneself 1b1c) to reveal himself (of God) 1b2) (passive) 1b2a) to be uncovered 1b2b) to be disclosed, be discovered 1b2c) to be revealed 1b3) to be removed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to uncover (nakedness) 1c1a) nakedness 1c1b) general 1c2) to disclose, discover, lay bare 1c3) to make known, show, reveal 1d) (Pual) to be uncovered 1e) (Hiphil) to carry away into exile, take into exile 1f) (Hophal) to be taken into exile 1g) (Hithpael) 1g1) to be uncovered 1g2) to reveal oneself
Usage: Occurs in 167 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, appear, bewray, bring, (carry, lead, go) captive (into captivity), depart, disclose, discover, exile, be gone, open, [idiom] plainly, publish, remove, reveal, [idiom] shamelessly, shew, [idiom] surely, tell, uncover. See also: Genesis 9:21; Job 38:17; Psalms 18:16.
בְּ/ת֥וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
אָהֳלֹֽ/ה
ʼôhel
H168
"tent"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.
Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)
Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.
Study Notes — Genesis 9:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 9:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 9:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 9:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 9:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 9:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 9:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 9:21
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 9:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 9:21
- Sermons on Genesis 9:21
Context — Noah’s Shame and Canaan’s Curse
19These three were the sons of Noah, and from them the whole earth was populated.
20Now Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded to plant a vineyard.
21But when he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and uncovered himself inside his tent.
22And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw his father’s nakedness and told his two brothers outside. 23Then Shem and Japheth took a garment and placed it across their shoulders, and walking backward, they covered their father’s nakedness. Their faces were turned away so that they did not see their father’s nakedness.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 20:1 | Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise. |
| 2 | Habakkuk 2:15–16 | Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbors, pouring it from the wineskin until they are drunk, in order to gaze at their nakedness! You will be filled with shame instead of glory. You too must drink and expose your uncircumcision! The cup in the LORD’s right hand will come around to you, and utter disgrace will cover your glory. |
| 3 | Proverbs 23:31–32 | Do not gaze at wine while it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper. |
| 4 | Galatians 5:21 | and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. |
| 5 | Titus 2:2 | Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love, and perseverance. |
| 6 | Romans 13:13 | Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. |
| 7 | Genesis 6:9 | This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation; Noah walked with God. |
| 8 | Genesis 19:32–36 | Come, let us get our father drunk with wine so we can sleep with him and preserve his line.” So that night they got their father drunk with wine, and the firstborn went in and slept with her father; he was not aware when she lay down or when she got up. The next day the older daughter said to the younger, “Look, I slept with my father last night. Let us get him drunk with wine again tonight so you can go in and sleep with him and we can preserve our father’s line.” So again that night they got their father drunk with wine, and the younger daughter went in and slept with him; he was not aware when she lay down or when she got up. Thus both of Lot’s daughters became pregnant by their father. |
| 9 | 1 Corinthians 10:12 | So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall. |
| 10 | Ecclesiastes 7:20 | Surely there is no righteous man on earth who does good and never sins. |
Genesis 9:21 Summary
This verse tells us that Noah, after planting a vineyard and drinking some of its wine, became drunk and lost control of his actions, which led to him uncovering himself inside his tent. This event shows that even good people can make mistakes and lose self-control, as seen in other parts of the Bible like in the story of Abraham in Genesis 12:10-20. It also highlights the importance of being mindful of our actions and their impact on others, as Noah's sons were affected by his behavior (Genesis 9:22-23). By learning from Noah's mistake, we can strive to be more aware of our own vulnerabilities and weaknesses, and seek to live with humility and self-control, as encouraged in Proverbs 25:28 and Galatians 5:22-23.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Noah become drunk after planting a vineyard?
Noah became drunk because he was not used to the effects of wine, as indicated in Genesis 9:21, and this incident serves as a reminder that even the righteous can fall into sin, as seen in other Bible characters like Abraham and Moses.
What does it mean that Noah uncovered himself inside his tent?
This phrase suggests that Noah lost control of his actions due to intoxication, similar to the loss of control described in Proverbs 23:29-35, and it sets the stage for the events that unfold in the following verses, such as in Genesis 9:22.
Is it a sin to drink wine according to the Bible?
While the Bible warns against drunkenness, as in Ephesians 5:18 and Proverbs 20:1, it does not necessarily condemn moderate wine consumption, as seen in Psalm 104:14-15 and 1 Timothy 5:23, where wine is used for medicinal purposes.
How does this event relate to the rest of the biblical narrative?
This event in Genesis 9:21 serves as a reminder of human frailty and the need for humility, as also seen in the stories of other biblical figures like David in 2 Samuel 11:1-27, and it highlights the importance of accountability and respect within families, as emphasized in Ephesians 6:1-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I, like Noah, might be vulnerable to temptation or loss of self-control, and how can I guard against these weaknesses?
- In what ways do I need to be more mindful of my actions and their impact on those around me, as Noah's actions affected his sons?
- How does this incident in Genesis 9:21 inform my understanding of human nature and the ongoing struggle with sin, as described in Romans 7:14-25?
- What role does humility and accountability play in my own life, and how can I cultivate these qualities in my relationships with others, as seen in the example of Shem and Japheth in Genesis 9:23?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 9:21
And he drank of the wine, and was drunken,.... Either not being acquainted with the strength of it, as is thought by many; or having been used to weaker liquor, as water; or through the infirmity of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 9:21
And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent. And he drank of the wine, and was drunken. This unhappy incident has been viewed in two ways: (1) As the result of ignorance.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 9:21
Either through ignorance and inexperience of the nature and strength of that liquor, or through the infirmity of the flesh, which was tempted by its great and, to him, new pleasantness, and by the refreshment he found in it under the weary labours of his body, and the sad thoughts of his mind, for the desolate condition of the world. He was uncovered, either to relieve himself against the heat of the climate and season, or from his negligence and carelessness; which might easily happen, because men’ s garments at that time were loose, as they were in the following ages, when breeches were not in common use, and therefore were peculiarly prescribed to the priests, .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 9:21
Genesis 9:21 And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent.Ver. 21. And was drunk.] For his own shame, but our learning. Instruunt nos patres tum docentes tum labentes . The best have their blemishes, and a black part, as that cloud had, that conducted Israel out of Egypt; which, while the Egyptians followed, they fell into the sea. And was uncovered within his tent.] One hour’ s drunkenness bewrays that which more than six hundred years’ sobriety had modestly concealed. Well might Solomon say, "Wine is a mocker"; for it mocked Noah with a witness; and exposed him to the mockage of his own bosom-bird. Augustin.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 9:21
(21) He was uncovered is, literally, he uncovered himself. It was no accident, but a wilful breach of modesty.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 9:21
Verse 21. He drank of the wine, c.] It is very probable that this was the first time the wine was cultivated and it is as probable that the strength or intoxicating power of the expressed juice was never before known. Noah, therefore, might have drunk it at this time without the least blame, as he knew not till this trial the effects it would produce. I once knew a case which I believe to be perfectly parallel. A person who had scarcely ever heard of cider, and whose beverage through his whole life had been only milk or water, coming wet and very much fatigued to a farmer's house in Somersetshire, begged for a little water or milk. The good woman of the house, seeing him very much exhausted, kindly said, "I will give you a little cider, which will do you more good." The honest man, understanding no more of cider than merely that it was the simple juice of apples, after some hesitation drank about a half pint of it; the consequence was, that in less than half an hour he was perfectly intoxicated, and could neither speak plain nor walk! This case I myself witnessed. A stranger to the circumstances, seeing this person, would pronounce him drunk; and perhaps at a third hand he might be represented as a drunkard, and thus his character be blasted; while of the crime of drunkenness he was as innocent as an infant. This I presume to have been precisely the case with Noah; and no person without an absolute breach of every rule of charity and candour, can attach any blame to the character of Noah on this ground, unless from a subsequent account they were well assured that, knowing the power and effects of the liquor, he had repeated the act. Some expositors seem to be glad to fix on a fact like this, which by their distortion becomes a crime; and then, in a strain of sympathetic tenderness, affect to deplore "the failings and imperfections of the best of men;" when, from the interpretation that should be given of the place, neither failing nor imperfection can possibly appear.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 9:21
21. and he drank] The representation is that of the man who first made wine out of grapes, and drinking of it in ignorance was overcome by its potency. No blame is attached to him.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 9:21
21. Was drunken — Here is the first recorded instance of drunkenness, and its revolting consequences.
Sermons on Genesis 9:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Power of Faith - Alone With God by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher expresses a desire for manifestations of God that cannot be logically explained, particularly in prison cells in Russia and other countries. He critici |
|
(Genesis) - Part 11 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of self-control and discipline in our lives, using biblical examples. He emphasizes that even though we may have the likeness |
|
Anti-Booze Efforts by Billy Sunday | Billy Sunday passionately preaches against alcohol, expressing his determination to combat the saloon culture that he believes leads to the destruction of lives and families. He em |
|
|
Prohibition (Edited) by Billy Sunday | In this sermon, the preacher highlights the negative impact of excessive taxation on alcohol in America. He argues that the government's decision to impose a $2 tax on whiskey and |
|
|
Open Air Meeting - Part 1 by Billy Sunday | This sermon by Mr. Kelly Sunday focuses on the Christian support of Prohibition, highlighting the attempt to bind the American people to profit-driven industries like breweries and |
|
|
Prohibition by Billy Sunday | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the negative effects of alcohol consumption on society. He highlights the new law passed by Congress, which imposes a two-dollar tax on whisk |
|
Being Blessed by Jesus by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on the Bible and the gospel rather than indulging in alcohol and worldly desires. He shares a story of a young co |