Log inSign up

Genesis 9 · a question people ask

Ham saw it, so why is Canaan cursed?

Interpretation

The text doesn't explain. It does mention twice beforehand that Ham is Canaan's father: "Ham is the father of Canaan" (9:18) and "Ham, the father of Canaan" (9:22). Protestants suggest different reasons.

How Christians read it

Where Christians differ, Favor sets out the main views side by side and doesn't pick one.

Looking ahead to the Canaanites

Noah's words look ahead to Canaan's descendants, the peoples of the land (Genesis 10:15-19). The law later warns Israel not to do "as they do in the land of Canaan" (Leviticus 18:3), and says the land "vomited out her inhabitants" for those practices (18:24-25).

Genesis 10:15-19 · Leviticus 18:3 · Leviticus 18:24-25

A father punished through his son

Ham dishonored his father, and he is answered through his own son. The curse lands on the son of the son who shamed his father.

Genesis 9:22-25

Canaan was involved

Because the text names Canaan twice before the curse, some think Canaan himself had a part in what happened, though the text doesn't say what.

Genesis 9:18 · Genesis 9:22

The verses

“The sons of Noah who went out from the ship were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Ham is the father of Canaan.”
Genesis 9:18 · World English Bible
“Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brothers outside.”
Genesis 9:22 · World English Bible
“He said, “Canaan is cursed. He will be a servant of servants to his brothers.””
Genesis 9:25 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Genesis 9

Genesis 9: A bow in the cloud

In Hebrew the rainbow is God's bow, set in the cloud as the sign of a covenant he makes with every living thing, and he says he will look at it and remember. Noah's first recorded words curse Canaan, not Ham.

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekGenesis 9 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Genesis 9

All questions about Genesis →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions