Shem
Eldest-listed son of Noah, ancestor of Abraham
- Father
- Noah
- Brothers
- Ham, Japheth
- Hebrew
- Shem, "name" or "renown"
- Age at death
- 600 years (Genesis 11:10–11)
- Legacy
- Source of the term "Semite"
Noah's son and Abraham's ancestor, whose name means 'name'; later legend has him bury Adam at Golgotha with Melchizedek.
What is Shem known for?
Shem is one of Noah's three sons who survive the Flood in the ark. Genesis 10–11 traces many peoples to him, including Elam, Ashur and Aram, and his line through Arpachshad leads to Abraham. Genesis 11 says he lived 600 years. The modern word "Semite" comes from his name, which in Hebrew simply means "name" or "renown."
That meaning matters on this site. Zecharia Sitchin claimed that shem in Genesis 11:4, where the builders of Babel want to "make us a name," meant a rocket. Hebrew dictionaries and translators give the ordinary sense, name or reputation.
Later tradition expanded Shem's role. Jubilees says Noah gave him the book of healing remedies an angel had taught him. The Cave of Treasures has Shem and Melchizedek carry Adam's body after the Flood and bury it at Golgotha, the center of the earth. Rabbinic sources often identify Shem with Melchizedek himself. Shem is known from Genesis and these traditions.
Shem appears in the Cave of Treasures burial of Adam, Jubilees' book of remedies, and the debunked 'shem means rocket' claim.
Mentioned on these pages
- Rabbit holeCave of Treasures
- Rabbit holeMastema
- PersonMelchizedek
- PersonNoah
- PlaceGolgotha
Sources
- Genesis 10–11 (KJV), Bible GatewayPrimary text
- Wikipedia, 'Shem'Reference
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