In Genesis, Japheth was the son of Noah associated with Gomer, Magog, and Javan.
Genesis 10, often called the Table of Nations, lists Japheth’s descendants after the Flood. The chapter names seven sons of Japheth and several grandchildren, including Gomer’s sons Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah, and Javan’s sons Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.
Japheth is one of Noah’s three sons, alongside Shem and Ham. Biblical genealogies connect Shem with several peoples of the ancient Near East and Ham with figures including Cush, Mizraim, Put, and Canaan. These genealogical associations are theological and literary classifications rather than modern scientific ethnic categories.
A common mix-up is confusing Japheth with his brother Shem, whose descendants are listed separately in Genesis 10. In the Hebrew Bible, Japheth is also mentioned in Noah’s blessing after Ham’s offense, where his future enlargement is described.