Shem is the name of Noah’s oldest son in the Genesis account. Genesis lists Noah’s sons as Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and Shem is later presented as an ancestor in the genealogy leading toward Abraham.
The order of the names is significant in the biblical genealogy, although the text also describes events involving all three brothers. After the flood, Shem and Japheth cover their father respectfully when Noah is found uncovered, while Ham’s conduct is treated differently in the narrative.
Shem’s importance extends beyond the ark story. In Genesis, he is the ancestor of peoples associated with the line that leads to the patriarchs. The term “Semitic,” used in modern historical and linguistic contexts, derives from Shem’s name, although modern scholarship does not treat biblical genealogy as a complete scientific classification of peoples.