Japheth

Son of Noah, traditionally ancestor of European and northern peoples. Blessed by Noah for covering his father’s nakedness along with Shem.

One of Noah’s three sons who survived the Flood, Japheth demonstrated filial respect when he and Shem walked backward to cover their father’s nakedness, avoiding looking upon him. Noah’s blessing declared that Japheth would “dwell in the tents of Shem,” suggesting future cooperation between their descendants. The Table of Nations in Genesis lists his seven sons—Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras—whose descendants traditionally settled in regions of Asia Minor, the Mediterranean coastlands, and Europe.