Bible Dictionaries
Japheth

Holman Bible Dictionary

(jay' fehth) Personal name meaning, “may he have space.” One of Noah's three sons, either the youngest or next to youngest (Genesis 5:32 ). Genesis 10:2 identifies Japheth's sons as Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras. One of the titans of Greek mythology had a similar name. These names point to Japheth as having been the progenitor of the Indo-European peoples who lived to the north and west of Israel, farthest from Israel. Genesis 9:27 pronounces God's blessing on Japheth and his descendants, including living with Shem, thus getting to dwell in the land of promise, and being served by the Canaanites, thus sharing the position as God's people. Here is an early indication of non-Israelites having a share with God's people. See Noah; Table of Nations .