In Genesis, Ham is identified as the father of Canaan and an ancestor of the Canaanites.
Genesis 9 names Noah’s three sons as Shem, Ham, and Japheth. It then specifically identifies Canaan as Ham’s son. This genealogy becomes important in the biblical narrative because Canaan is associated with the land and peoples encountered by the Israelites.
The passage is sometimes confused with the later “curse of Ham.” The text in Genesis 9 actually pronounces a curse on Canaan, not directly on Ham. Modern scholars and historians have also emphasized that later racialized interpretations of this passage are not supported by the wording of the genealogy.
Ham’s other named sons in Genesis 10 are Cush, Mizraim, and Put. These genealogical lists connect the post-Flood world with several ancient regions and peoples.