Overview
Japheth (meaning "enlarged" or "may God enlarge") was the eldest or one of the eldest sons of Noah, surviving the flood with his father and brothers Shem and Ham. His descendants dispersed across the Mediterranean and into Europe and Asia, establishing the nations that would populate these regions in ancient history.
Key Scriptures
"The sons of Noah who went forth from the ark were Shem, Ham, and Japheth" (Genesis 10:1, ESV). "The sons of Japheth: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras" (Genesis 10:2, ESV). "By these the coastlands of the nations were divided in their lands, everyone according to his language, by their families, in their nations" (Genesis 10:5, ESV).
Application
Reflect on how God's plan of redemption extended to all nations descended from Japheth, reminding us that the gospel is intended for all peoples and tongues throughout the earth.