וַיֹּ֥ולֶד נֹ֖חַ שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה בָנִ֑ים אֶת־שֵׁ֖ם אֶת־חָ֥ם וְאֶת־יָֽפֶת׃
Just before the deluge reshapes the world, we are given a quiet genealogical statement that carries immense theological weight. In Genesis 6:10, the text pauses to inform us that Noah fathered three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. This verse stands at the threshold of divine judgment and human renewal—a moment where language must carry both history and hope.
We will explore one non-obvious grammatical phenomenon embedded in this verse: the use of the definite marker אֶת before each son’s name, even though they appear for the first time in the narrative. This rare syntactic choice reflects a narrative anticipation of significance, marking these figures not merely as descendants but as divinely appointed bearers of postdiluvian humanity.
From Indefinite to Definite: The Structure of Naming
Let’s isolate the core structure:
> וַיֹּולֶד נֹחַ שְׁלֹשָׁה בָנִים / אֶת־שֵׁם אֶת־חָם וְאֶת־יָפֶת
This sentence begins with a general statement: Noah begot three sons. Then it shifts to specify their identities: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. This is not just a list—it is a grammatical progression from generality to specificity, marked by a clear morphological distinction:
– שְׁלֹשָׁה בָנִים — indefinite plural
– אֶת־שֵׁם… וְאֶת־יָפֶת — definite singulars
We will examine how this movement from indefinite to definite shapes the narrative function of these figures and underscores their unique role in salvation history.
וַיֹּולֶד – A Verb That Begins a New World
Let’s begin with the first clause:
> וַיֹּולֶד נֹחַ שְׁלֹשָׁה בָנִים
| Word | Part of Speech | Function |
|---|---|---|
| וַיֹּולֶד | Verb (Qal wayyiqtol, third person masculine singular) | and he begot |
| נֹחַ | Proper noun | Noah |
| שְׁלֹשָׁה בָנִים | Numerical + noun (plural, indefinite) | three sons |
The verb וַיֹּולֶד is a classic wayyiqtol form, typical of Biblical Hebrew prose for introducing completed actions in sequence. Here, it signals the beginning of a new generation—indeed, a new humanity.
Note the use of בָנִים (sons) in the indefinite plural. This grammatical choice sets up a contrast with what follows: the specification of those sons through definite naming.
אֶת־שֵׁם אֶת־חָם וְאֶת־יָפֶת – The Definitive Sons of a New Covenant
Now consider the second clause:
> אֶת־שֵׁם אֶת־חָם וְאֶת־יָפֶת
| Word | Part of Speech | Function |
|---|---|---|
| אֶת־שֵׁם | Preposition + proper noun (masculine singular) | [the son] Shem |
| אֶת־חָם | Preposition + proper noun | [the son] Ham |
| וְאֶת־יָפֶת | Conjunction + preposition + proper noun | and [the son] Japheth |
Each name is preceded by אֶת, which functions here not as the direct object marker (as often taught), but rather as a marker of definiteness—a stylistic device used especially in narrative lists of progeny or lineage.
This usage of אֶת before each name emphasizes their individuality and historical importance. These are not just any sons—they are the sons who will carry forward the covenant and repopulate the earth after the Flood.
Indefinite to Definite: A Grammatical Shift with Theological Weight
Let’s now compare the two parts of the sentence:
| Clause | Literal Meaning | Grammatical Form | Narrative Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| וַיֹּולֶד נֹחַ שְׁלֹשָׁה בָנִים | And Noah begot three sons | Indefinite plural | Introduces a general category |
| אֶת־שֵׁם אֶת־חָם וְאֶת־יָפֶת | Shem, Ham, and Japheth | Definite singulars with אֶת | Identifies specific individuals |
This shift from indefinite to definite is more than grammatical—it is structural storytelling. It mirrors the movement from generality to particularity that defines the biblical worldview: God works through specific people, even within broad historical movements.
By using אֶת before each name, the text subtly elevates them beyond mere offspring. They are marked as key figures in redemptive history, destined to play roles in the unfolding drama of nations and covenants.
אֶת Before Names: A Rare But Significant Usage
The use of אֶת before proper names is relatively rare in Biblical Hebrew. It appears most frequently in genealogical or covenantal contexts, especially where lineage carries theological weight.
Examples include:
– Genesis 46:9 – אֶת־עֵר֙ וְאֶת־אוֹן֙
– Exodus 6:15 – אֶת־עַמִּינָדָ֔ב אֶת־נַחְשׁ֖וֹן
In each case, אֶת serves to highlight the individual’s identity and significance within a larger group.
Thus, in Genesis 6:10, the repeated אֶת before each son reinforces that these are not just biological descendants—but divinely appointed bearers of the future.
Final Reflection: From Three Sons to All Nations
Genesis 6:10 may appear simple at first glance—a genealogical note before the great Flood narrative. But its grammar tells another story: one of precision, purpose, and divine selection.
Through the shift from indefinite to definite, and the rare use of אֶת before names, the text quietly declares that these three sons are not generic figures. They are chosen vessels of continuity, carrying forward the promise of life after judgment.
This is not just Biblical Hebrew grammar.
This is the poetry of legacy.
This is the syntax of salvation—written in the names of three sons.
