Shem

Shem (Hebrew: שֵׁם, Modern: Šēm, Tiberian: Šêm) is a name of significant historical and cultural importance, primarily known from the Hebrew Bible and other ancient texts. In the Book of Genesis, Shem is one of the three sons of Noah, along with Ham and Japheth. The name Shem is often translated to mean "name" or "renown" in Hebrew, reflecting the biblical narrative where Shem is described as the ancestor of many peoples, including those associated with the Semitic languages. The term "Semitic" itself is derived from Shem's name, used to describe a group of languages and cultures originating in the ancient Near East. In Arabic, the name is translated as سام (Sām), and in Greek, it is Σημ (Sēm). Shem's lineage is central to various religious traditions, particularly in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, where he is often regarded as a progenitor of significant civilizations and a figure of great importance in the post-diluvian world.