Genesis 5:32 Meaning and Explanation
“And Noah was five hundred years old: and Noah begat Shem, Ham, and Japheth.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Noah, at age 500, fathers three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth—who will survive the flood.
The Context of Genesis 5:32
Noah, at age 500, becomes father to Shem, Ham, and Japheth—the patriarchs of the post-flood world.
What Does Genesis 5:32 Mean?
Noah becomes the father of three sons at five hundred years old: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. These three names mark the beginning of the post-flood world, for they alone, with Noah and his wife, will be saved through the waters. Their births establish the foundations for humanity's renewal after the coming judgment.
The delayed fatherhood of Noah—at the advanced age of 500—emphasizes the divine timing of his sons' arrival. They will be the right age to help their father, grow to adulthood during the ark's construction, and become the ancestors of all post-flood humanity. The simplicity of naming them here belies their cosmic significance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 5:32
What does Genesis 5:32 mean?
Noah, at age 500, fathers three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth—who will survive the flood.
What is the context of Genesis 5:32?
Noah, at age 500, becomes father to Shem, Ham, and Japheth—the patriarchs of the post-flood world.