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Yefet, known as Japheth in English, is a biblical character first mentioned in Genesis 6:10, where he is listed as the third of Noah’s three sons. Together with his brother Shem, he covers his father’s nakedness when Noah gets drunk after emerging from the ark. For this, Noah blesses him. He is described as having seven sons, among them Yavan, considered to be the father of the Greeks.
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The Blessing of Japheth
TANAKH
Noah's blessing to his sons after the flood describes the future roles and relationships of Japheth, Shem, and Canaan. The book of Genesis, the first book of the Torah, recounts Noah's blessing and its implications for the descendants of his sons.
The Sacred Language of Japheth
TALMUD
The Greek language is considered sacred and permissible for writing Torah scrolls. Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel interprets Genesis 9:27 to support the use of Greek for Torah scrolls, arguing that it is because the Greeks are descendants of Japheth.
Noah's Blessing for Japheth
SECOND TEMPLE
Noah's prayer for Japheth includes a unique blessing that God will widen Japheth and allow him to dwell in the houses of Shem. Philo of Alexandria, a first-century Jewish philosopher, offers an interpretation of Noah's blessings and curses after the Flood.
The Primacy of Japheth
COMMENTARY
Japheth, although the youngest, is presented first in the genealogies because he is considered greater in stature and honor than Ham. Radak, a medieval Jewish commentator, provides historical and genealogical context to clarify textual ambiguities in the Hebrew Bible.
Building the Ark, James Tissot, 1896-1902
Building the Ark, James Tissot, 1896-1902
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