Shem is the son of Noah named first in Genesis’s post-flood account. Genesis 9:18 introduces Shem and Japheth after Noah leaves the ark, while Ham is identified in the same verse as the father of Canaan.
The order is significant for the genealogy that follows. Genesis 10 lists descendants associated with Japheth, Ham, and Shem, and Genesis later traces the line from Shem through Arpachshad to Abram. This makes Shem a central ancestor in the biblical genealogy leading toward the patriarchal narratives.
A common mix-up comes from Genesis 5:32, which lists Noah’s sons as Shem, Ham, and Japheth before the flood story. In Genesis 9:18, the wording and surrounding episode also place Shem first, but the narrative focuses on Ham’s actions and Noah’s response.
Canaan is not one of Noah’s sons. He is named as Ham’s son, making him a grandson of Noah in the Genesis genealogy. That distinction is important when identifying the three brothers.