The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 9:18-29
The threefold distribution of the human race —into the Shemitic, Hamitic, and Japhetic families. The fall of Noah was through wine; not, indeed, a forbidden product of the earth, but, like the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, representing a tremendous responsibility . I. THE FERTILITY OF SIN . It was out of drunkenness that the widespread curse of the Hamitic nations came forth. And the drunkenness is closely connected with other sins— What a picture of the... read more
John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 9:27
Verse 27 27.God shall enlarge Japheth. In the Hebrew words יפת (japhte) and יפת (japheth,) there is an elegant allusion. For the root of the word is פתה (pathah,) which, among the Hebrews, signifies to entice with smooth words, or to allure in one direction or another. Here, however, nearly all commentators take it as signifying to enlarge. (301) If this exposition be received, the meaning will be, that the posterity of Japheth, which for a time would be scattered, and removed far from the... read more