Who was Shem?

Righteous son of Noah

The story of Shem

Shem - Son
Shem - Son
600 yearsBorn: -2366Died: -1766Son

Shem was a biblical figure and the oldest son of Noah in the book of Genesis in the Old Testament. He was born before the Great Flood and was said to be 100 years old at the time of the flood. Shem, along with his father Noah, his mother, and his brothers Ham and Japheth, were the only survivors of the flood and repopulated the Earth. Shem is considered the father of the Semitic peoples, which include the ancient Babylonians, Assyrians, and Arameans, among others. According to the Bible, Shem lived for 600 years and had several sons. He is an important figure in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions, and his name is mentioned in various religious texts.

Name meaning

Name or Renown

Name origin

Hebrew

Role

Son

First mention

Genesis 5:32

Appearances in the Bible

114 mentions

Family

Relatives of Shem

Shem in the Bible

Explore all 46 chapters where Shem appears

Genesis

Chapter 5

Adam's Genealogy

The chapter continues with the list of the descendants of Adam, including the ages at which they had their children and ...

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Genesis

Chapter 6

God's Judgment on the Earth

God was sad that people were only thinking about bad things and doing bad things. He decided to make it rain for forty d...

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Genesis

Chapter 7

The Great Flood

God told the man he saved to put two of every kind of animal on the ark, one male and one female. He also told them to b...

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Genesis

Chapter 9

God's Covenant with Noah

God blessed the man and his family and told them to be fruitful and multiply. He also gave them permission to eat meat, ...

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Genesis

Chapter 10

The Nations of the Earth

This chapter lists the descendants of the three sons of Noah: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. It also describes the different na...

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Genesis

Chapter 11

The Tower of Babel

The chapter tells the story of the Tower of Babel, where people decided to build a big tower to reach the heavens. God c...

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Genesis

Chapter 14

Abraham Rescues Lot

This chapter tells the story of a battle between different kings and how Abram rescues his nephew Lot.

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Numbers

Chapter 26

The Census of the Israelites

A second census is taken of the Israelites and the land is apportioned among the tribes.

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Numbers

Chapter 34

The Borders of the Land of Canaan

God commands the Israelites to appoint Joshua as Moses' successor and to divide the land of Canaan among the tribes.

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Joshua

Chapter 15

The Inheritance of Judah

Joshua allocates the land of Canaan by lot to the tribe of Judah.

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Joshua

Chapter 17

Manasseh's Territory

Joshua allocates the land of Canaan by lot to the tribes of Manasseh and Benjamin.

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1 Kings

Chapter 12

Rehoboam's Folly

Rehoboam, Solomon's son, refuses to heed the counsel of the older leaders and instead makes demands of the people, leadi...

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1 Kings

Chapter 16

The Reign of Baasha in Israel

Baasha becomes king of Israel and continues in the sins of Jeroboam.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 1

Genealogy from Adam to Abraham

A genealogy of the descendants of Adam through Jacob, including the tribes of Israel.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 2

Genealogy of David

A genealogy of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, detailing their family lineages and populations.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 3

Sons of David

A genealogy of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, detailing their family lineages and populations.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 4

Descendants of Judah and Simeon

A genealogy of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, detailing their family lineages and populations.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 5

Reuben, Gad, and the Half-Tribe of Manasseh

A genealogy of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, detailing their family lineages and populations.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 6

Levi's Genealogy and Roles

A genealogy of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, detailing their family lineages and populations.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 7

Genealogy of the Tribes of Israel

A genealogy of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, detailing their family lineages and populations.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 8

Descendants of Benjamin

A genealogy of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, detailing their family lineages and populations.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 9

Genealogies and Roles of Returning Exiles

A genealogy of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, detailing their family lineages and populations.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 12

Warriors Join David

Warriors join David

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 15

Ark Brought to Jerusalem Successfully

David's victories over the Philistines and other neighboring nations.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 16

Ark Placed in the Tent, David's Song of Thanksgiving

David's victories over the Philistines and other neighboring nations.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 24

Division of the Priests

The division of the priests and Levites into groups for the service of the temple, including the organization of musicia...

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 26

Duties of Gatekeepers, Treasurers, and Other Levites

The division of the priests and Levites into groups for the service of the temple, including the organization of musicia...

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2 Chronicles

Chapter 11

Rehoboam's Reign in Judah

Rehoboam's initial reign in Judah, marked by political and social dynamics that influence the kingdom's trajectory.

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2 Chronicles

Chapter 12

Egypt's Invasion and Repentance

The chapter narrates Judah's lapse, the consequences of foreign invasion, and the subsequent repentance, emphasizing the...

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2 Chronicles

Chapter 17

Jehoshaphat's Righteous Reign

Jehoshaphat's righteous reign, characterized by fidelity to God's ways and educational reforms that contribute to the sp...

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2 Chronicles

Chapter 29

Hezekiah's Cleansing and Restoration

Hezekiah's reign marked by a fervent commitment to restoring worship, cleansing the temple, and renewing the covenant, ...

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2 Chronicles

Chapter 31

Hezekiah's Administrative Reforms

Hezekiah's administrative reforms, highlighting the importance of structured organization and provision for those dedica...

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2 Chronicles

Chapter 35

Josiah's Passover and Death

Josiah's last acts of piety, including the celebration of the Passover, and the somber conclusion of his reign with his ...

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Ezra

Chapter 8

Ezra's Assembly

Ezra assembles the exiles to hear the law and to worship.

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Ezra

Chapter 10

Repentance and Renewal

The repentance and renewal of the exiles, including the removal of foreign wives and the celebration of the feast of the...

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Nehemiah

Chapter 3

Rebuilding the Wall

The beginning of the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem, including the organization of the workers.

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Nehemiah

Chapter 6

The Threat of Attack

The threat of attack from the neighboring peoples and Nehemiah's response.

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Nehemiah

Chapter 8

The Reading of the Law

The reading of the law to the assembled people.

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Nehemiah

Chapter 10

The Signing of a Covenant

The signing of a covenant to obey the law, including the appointment of leaders to enforce the law.

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Nehemiah

Chapter 11

Reestablishment of Worship

The reestablishment of worship in Jerusalem, including the appointment of priests and Levites.

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Nehemiah

Chapter 12

Dedication of the Wall

The dedication of the wall of Jerusalem and the celebration of the feast of Dedication.

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Psalms

Chapter 6

A Cry for Mercy in Times of Trial

Psalm 6 is a heartfelt cry for mercy from a person who feels overwhelmed by their troubles. The psalmist expresses their...

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Psalms

Chapter 12

The Faithful Remnant

Psalm 12 speaks about the state of society in which the wicked prosper and the faithful are few. The psalmist laments th...

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Jeremiah

Chapter 26

Jeremiah's Prophecy in the Temple

In chapter 26 of the book of Jeremiah, the prophet delivers a warning message from God to the people of Judah. Speaking ...

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Jeremiah

Chapter 29

God's Plan for His People

In chapter 29 of the book of Jeremiah, God sends a message to the exiles in Babylon through the prophet Jeremiah. He tel...

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Jeremiah

Chapter 36

The Scribe's Call and King's Ignorance

In Jeremiah chapter 36, God commands Jeremiah to write down all the prophecies he had spoken against Judah and its kings...

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Showing all 46 chapter appearances