In Genesis, Shem is named first among Noah’s sons in the family that survives the flood and leaves the Ark.
Genesis repeatedly identifies Noah’s sons as Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Genesis 8:18 says Noah went out with his sons, his wife, and his sons’ wives after the waters had receded. Shem’s first position in the usual list is significant within Genesis because the later genealogy follows his line toward Abram, who becomes Abraham.
The order of names does not necessarily establish birth order in every passage or tradition. Genesis 10:21 calls Shem the ancestor of the descendants of Eber and also refers to Japheth as the elder brother of Japheth-related wording depending on translation and interpretation. Another common mix-up is Canaan: he is Ham’s son, not one of Noah’s sons. The Ark narrative’s surviving family consists of Noah, his wife, his three sons, and the three daughters-in-law.