Ostriches…Made On Day 5 or Day 6?

Ostriches…Made On Day 5 or Day 6?

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, July 15, 2026 (Donate)

When we look at ostriches, emus, cassowaries, rheas, kiwis, and other flightless birds today, a natural question arises: When were they created?

The Bible clearly teaches that all living things were created during Creation Week. More specifically, God created the winged creatures on Day 5 and the land animals on Day 6 (Genesis 1:20–25).

At first glance, however, ostriches seem to “blur” the distinction. It’s true that they have feathers, wings, beaks, and lay eggs like other birds, yet…they spend virtually their entire lives on the ground. They cannot soar through the sky like eagles or storks. Instead, they run across the plains at incredible speeds, using their powerful legs rather than powerful wings.

So where do ostriches fit? Were they really Day 5 creations?

Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

The Puzzle Of Flightless Birds

Ostriches are unmistakably birds. They possess all the major characteristics we associate with birds: feathers, wings, beaks, egg-laying reproduction, and lightweight skeletons. Yet their wings are far too small to lift their massive bodies into the air.

The same is true of emus, cassowaries, rheas, kiwis, and penguins. Each belongs to the bird group, but none flies in the “traditional” sense. This raises an interesting question. If God created birds to "fly above the earth" (Genesis 1:20), why do some birds not fly today?

Flightless Birds; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Did Ostriches' Ancestors Fly?

One possible explanation is that ostriches descended from ancestors that possessed the ability to fly. The Bible never directly says whether the original ostrich kind flew, so we should not be dogmatic. Nevertheless, degeneration since the Fall provides a perfectly reasonable explanation.

After Adam sinned in Genesis 3, creation came under God's curse (Romans 8:20–22). Animals have experienced degenerative and genetic changes since then. We observe loss of function, disease, mutations, extinction, and many examples of degeneration throughout the created world.

Let’s consider modern breeding as an illustration. Large commercial white turkeys were selectively bred from wild flightful turkeys during the twentieth century. Today's domestic birds have such enormous breast muscles that they can barely leave the ground. Their ancestors flew quite well, but artificial selection was used to breed them for meat production rather than flight.

Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Likewise, it is possible that ostriches experienced natural degeneration over thousands of years after the Fall, gradually losing the ability to fly while becoming exceptional runners. The Bible certainly allows for such possibilities.

Losses Are Common In Nature

Biologists have documented many examples of creatures losing abilities. Some beetles have lost functional wings altogether and now spend their lives on the ground. Certain island insects no longer produce wings because flying became unnecessary or disadvantageous in their environment. They fly up and wind ejects them from the island and they become fish food.

These examples involve the loss of information or loss of function—not the evolution of entirely new complex structures. Note that these changes are going in the opposite direction for alleged evolutionary changes.

Creationists have long noted that variation within created kinds often involves degeneration rather than innovation. Losing the ability to fly is far easier biologically than developing the sophisticated anatomy required for powered flight.

So even if the original ostrich kind possessed greater flying ability, losing that ability after the Fall would be reasonable within the biblical worldview.

Job Gives An Interesting Observation

By the days of Job, which was long after the Fall and probably not too many centuries after the Flood, ostriches were already known for their inability to fly.

Job records:

"The wings of the ostrich wave proudly, but are her wings and pinions like the kindly stork's?" (Job 39:13, NKJV)

The comparison is striking. God contrasts the ostrich with the stork, a bird famous for graceful flight. The ostrich has wings, but they do not function like those of a stork. This means that the ostrich's flightlessness was already well established in Job's day.

Stork vs. Ostrich in Job; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Wings Still Serve A Purpose

Although ostriches do not fly, their wings are far from useless. They use them for:

·       Balance while making sharp turns at high speed.

·       Courtship displays.

·       Threat displays toward predators.

·       Providing shade for chicks.

·       Assisting with braking and maneuvering while running.

Likewise, penguins use their wings as remarkably efficient flippers for swimming.

God's design remains functional even when the original purpose of a structure may have changed or diminished.

Land Animals That "Fly"

The opposite situation also exists. Some creatures classified as land animals are capable of remarkable aerial movement despite having no wings.

Flying squirrels glide between trees using folds of skin stretched between their limbs. They do not truly fly, but they can travel impressive distances through the air.

The Paradise Tree Snake does something equally remarkable. It flattens its body into an airfoil and glides from tree to tree without possessing wings at all.

Gliding land animals; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Neither animal is classified as a bird simply because it spends time in the air. Movement alone does not determine biblical classification.

What Does Genesis Actually Say?

Genesis records:

Then God said, "Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds (owph) fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens." So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged (kanaph) bird (owph) according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. (Genesis 1:20–21, NKJV)

The Hebrew word commonly translated "bird" is owph. The word broadly refers to a winged creature. Genesis 1:21 further clarifies this by adding the word kanaph, meaning "wing." Together, they describe creatures possessing wings.

Interestingly, Scripture uses owph more broadly than our modern English word "bird." It includes bats (Deuteronomy 14:11–18), even though bats are mammals. Since birds are the most common flying creature to our everyday experience, it makes sense why translators selected “bird” in many English translations.

Nevertheless, many creationists have also suggested that extinct flying reptiles, such as pterosaurs, would naturally fit within this broader biblical category because they were winged creatures. Likewise, winged insects also fit the broader concept of winged creatures, even though Genesis primarily focuses on the larger created kinds.

For this reason, "winged creatures" often captures the Hebrew meaning better than simply "birds."

God's Own Classification

Perhaps the strongest evidence comes from God's own classification in the Mosaic Law.  Leviticus 11 lists animals classified as owph. Among them are:

·       Eagles

·       Vultures

·       Falcons

·       Ravens

·       Owls

·       Hawks

·       Bats

·       Ostriches

Note the bat, but also note the ostrich. Leviticus 11:16 specifically includes "the ostrich" among the owph. Deuteronomy 14 repeats exactly the same classification:

"The ostrich, the short-eared owl, the seagull, and the hawk after their kinds." (Deuteronomy 14:15, NKJV)

The significance is difficult to miss. God Himself places the ostrich within the Day 5 category of owph. That settles the question.

Conclusion

Ostriches may spend their lives running across the ground, but Scripture consistently classifies them as owph—winged creatures created on Day 5. And of course, they have wings.

Whether the original ostrich kind possessed true flight or whether it was designed from the beginning primarily as a runner remains an open question. The Bible does not explicitly answer it, and faithful Christians may hold different opinions because the Bible didn’t clarify on that question.

What Scripture does make clear is that ostriches belong among God's winged creatures. They possess wings, feathers, and all the characteristics of birds, even if they no longer fly.

Their existence reminds us that our present world is not exactly as God originally created it. Since the Fall, creation has experienced degeneration, loss, and the effects of the curse. Yet even in that fallen condition, ostriches display remarkable design, incredible speed, and fascinating features that testify to the wisdom, glory, and creativity of God.

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Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist defending 6-day creation and opposing evolution since 1998. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.  

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children.

Mr. Hodge earned a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Then he taught at SIUC for a couple of years as a Visiting Instructor teaching all levels of undergraduate engineering and running a materials lab and a CAD lab. He did research on advanced ceramic materials to develop a new method of production of titanium diboride with a grant from Lockheed Martin. He worked as a Test Engineer for Caterpillar, Inc., prior to entering full-time ministry.

His love of science was coupled with a love of history, philosophy, and theology. For about one year of his life, Bodie was editing and updating a theological, historical, and scientific dictionary/encyclopedia for AI use and training. Mr. Hodge has over 25 years of experience in writing, speaking and researching in these fields.

*Images generated by ChatGPT

 

False Doctrines, An Introduction

False Doctrines, An Introduction

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, July 10, 2026 (Donate)

False doctrine is any teaching that contradicts or distorts what God has revealed in His Word. It may deny a major biblical truth, add ideas that Scripture never teaches, or twist passages to support beliefs that are foreign to the Bible.

Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, God repeatedly warned His people to be on guard against false teaching because it leads people away from the truth and often results in sinful living. Jesus warned about false prophets (Matthew 7:15), Paul warned about false teachers entering the church (Acts 20:29-30), Peter wrote about destructive heresies (2 Peter 2:1), and Jude urged believers to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 3).

Beware of false doctrines that pull you away from Christ and His Word; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

False Doctrines Occur Because People Fail To Know And Apply Correct Doctrine

One of the greatest reasons false doctrine spreads is that people don’t know the Scriptures well enough to recognize error. God rebuked His people through the prophet Hosea, saying, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6, NKJV[1]). Likewise, Jesus corrected the Sadducees by saying, "You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God" (Matthew 22:29).

Knowing the Bible isn’t enough by itself. Believers must also apply the Scriptures faithfully. James reminds Christians to be doers of the Word and not hearers only (James 1:22). Churches that consistently teach the whole counsel of God are far less likely to be carried away by every new trend or teaching (Acts 20:27).

Taking Outside Ideas To The Bible (Eisegesis)

False doctrine often begins with eisegesis rather than exegesis. Exegesis seeks to understand what the biblical author intended to communicate in its historical and grammatical context. Eisegesis, on the other hand, reads one's own opinions, cultural ideas, or philosophical assumptions into the text.

People sometimes approach Scripture already committed to secular philosophies, political ideologies, or traditions and then force the Bible to support those beliefs. Instead of allowing God's Word to shape their thinking, they reshape God's Word to fit their preferred worldview. Christians should always submit every human idea to the authority of Scripture rather than making Scripture submit to human ideas (Colossians 2:8).

Reinterpretations Of Scripture (Syncretism)

Another cause of false doctrine is syncretism—the blending or mixing of biblical teaching with beliefs from other religions or philosophies. Throughout Israel's history, the people repeatedly mixed the worship of the true God with pagan practices (Baal, Molech, etc.).

Rather than remaining faithful to God's commands in His Word, they adopted the customs and practices of the surrounding pagan nations—hence, they were mixing their religion with false religions. Naturally, this leads to errors and God’s Word being compromised.

The same danger exists today. Some attempt to combine Christianity with secular humanism (e.g., big bang, millions of years, evolution, denial of the global Flood), Eastern mysticism, New Age spirituality, prosperity theology, traditions, cultic beliefs (e.g., unitarianism, polytheism, Jesus is a created being) or other belief systems.

Once outside ideas are treated as equal to or greater than Scripture, biblical truth becomes diluted and makes it of no effect (consider Matthew 15:1-9). The Bible consistently calls believers to remain faithful to God's revealed Word rather than blending it with competing, illogical worldviews.

Neglect Of The Scriptures

False teaching thrives wherever the Bible is neglected. Churches may become focused on entertainment, motivational speaking, personal opinions, or emotional experiences while giving little attention to careful biblical teaching.

As an example, I once spoke in a church where they had focused so much on creation (which is good) for about 2 years in every level of Sunday school, church, small groups, and youth programs. The pastor informed me of what they had been doing and thought I would be ecstatic. However, my response surprised him.

I encourage him regarding the aspects of creation—because that has been missing in today’s culture, but I explained that for two years, his flock wasn’t getting teachings from other areas (e.g. the whole of Scripture). I pointed out that it is a great to lay the foundation but don’t forget to build the house on that foundation. He realized what he needed to do and that was great.

Getting back to biblical examples, Paul instructed Timothy to "Preach the word!" (2 Timothy 4:2) because he knew a time would come when people wouldn’t endure sound doctrine but would gather teachers who tell them what they want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3-4). A church that neglects systematic Bible study from Genesis to Revelation can leave them unprepared when deception comes. I would suggest:

(1) regular reading

(2) faithful preaching of the 66 books of the Bible

(3) careful study and application (historically, daily living, apologetically, scientifically, etc.)

(4) biblical discipleship provide protection against false doctrine.

Alleged New Teachings By Leaders

Throughout history, false teachers have often appeared from within God's own people. Jesus warned that false teachers come in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves (Matthew 7:15). Paul warned that even leaders from within the church would arise, speaking perverse things to draw disciples after themselves (Acts 20:30).

Many false teachers begin by questioning basic or core biblical doctrine. They may claim that Christians have misunderstood Scripture or have been deceived for nearly two thousand years and that they alone have discovered its "true meaning." Such claims should immediately be a “red flag” and tested against Scripture. Sound doctrine doesn’t depend upon a charismatic personality but upon the written Word of God.

I don’t know how may times a person had been deceived by a false teaching and the first thing they say in their defense of said false teacher is that they are such a godly person. False teachers—like Satan—disguise themselves as angels of light.  

False Prophets And Alleged New Revelations

Scripture repeatedly warns about false prophets (consider Deuteronomy 13) who claim to speak for God. In both the Old and New Testaments, many claimed “divine authority” while actually speaking from their own imagination.

Today, some continue to claim fresh revelations that supposedly carry the same authority as Scripture. Yet God has already provided everything necessary for faith and godliness through His revealed Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3). The Bible claims that the canon is closed and that we shouldn’t expect new prophetic revelations after the New Testament was complete (e.g., Daniel 9:24-27; Jude 1:3). Every alleged prophecy, vision, or revelation must be tested against Scripture, and anything contradicting God's Word must be rejected.

Gnostic Or Hidden Knowledge 

Another recurring source of false doctrine is the promise of secret or hidden knowledge. This idea appeared prominently in ancient Gnosticism (and also modern or neo Gnosticism), which claimed that only an “enlightened few” have a special spiritual insight that regular believers don’t.

The Bible teaches the opposite. God's truth has been openly revealed through Christ, his prophets and Apostles and preserved in the Scriptures. While believers continue growing in understanding, no “secret class” possesses higher revelation beyond God's Word. The gospel is proclaimed publicly to all people, not hidden for an elite group. This should be a red flag if you hear things like this.

Other Reasons People Deviate

There are many additional reasons why people abandon sound doctrine. Pride can make individuals believe they know better than Scripture. Peer pressure and the desire for cultural acceptance often tempt churches to compromise biblical teaching.

Some simply prefer teachings that justify sinful lifestyles (self indulgence). Others become captivated by popular people rather than carefully examining what those leaders actually teach.

Still others are spiritually lazy and fail to test teachings against the Bible as the Bereans did (Acts 17:11). Ultimately, false doctrine flourishes wherever God's authority is replaced by man’s authority.

Conclusion

False doctrine has existed since Satan questioned God's Word in the Garden of Eden by asking, "Has God indeed said?"

Every generation of Christians must therefore remain vigilant—keep your eyes and ears open to God and His Word, not false teachings. The solution isn’t to chase every new idea but to remain firmly grounded in the Scriptures.

We need to be carefully studying God's Word—in context—and testing teachings that come up against it. We need to stand firm and be faithful to the Bible’s truths asking the Holy Spirit for wisdom and discernment.

In doing so, we can recognize error, stand firmly in the truth, and "contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 1:3).

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Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist defending 6-day creation and opposing evolution since 1998. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.  

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children.

Mr. Hodge earned a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Then he taught at SIUC for a couple of years as a Visiting Instructor teaching all levels of undergraduate engineering and running a materials lab and a CAD lab. He did research on advanced ceramic materials to develop a new method of production of titanium diboride with a grant from Lockheed Martin. He worked as a Test Engineer for Caterpillar, Inc., prior to entering full-time ministry.

His love of science was coupled with a love of history, philosophy, and theology. For about one year of his life, Bodie was editing and updating a theological, historical, and scientific dictionary/encyclopedia for AI use and training. Mr. Hodge has over 25 years of experience in writing, speaking and researching in these fields.

 

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[1] My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.

The Treaty of Paris (1783)—a Christly Document?

The Treaty of Paris (1783)—a Christly Document?

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, July 8, 2026 (Donate)

The United States became a nation appealing to God for their independence over the King of Great Britain in 1776—with the Declaration of Independence. Although the first shots began on April 19, 1775. From there, war ensued.

The war officially came to an end with the Treaty of Paris in 1783 (technically called, “The Definitive Treaty of Peace 1783”). Peace was finally agreed upon after 8 years of battling.

Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

The peace treaty opened with a statement that might shock certain politicians of today. The opening sentence states:

“In the Name of the most Holy & undivided Trinity.”

This was not done as a whim. God ,with His various names, is mentioned throughout the peace treaty such as:

·       Divine Providence

·       by the Grace of God

·       in the year of our Lord

But “Holy and undivided Trinity” is very specific. This is one God in three persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This is the God of the Bible alone. This means Christ is referred to and appealed to in the opening sentence of the Treaty of Paris.

What might surprise people is that the USA had three delegates to sign and seal off on it with one from England—David Hartley (Anglican). In total, they were:

·       David Hartley

·       John Adams

·       Ben Franklin

·       John Jay

Why is this so significant? John Jay was Episcopalian. The two others—Ben Franklin and John Adams are often used as examples of people who were not in accordance with Bible teachings about God. Through Ben Franklin moved much more in alignment over his years.

What we know is they signed, sealed, and delivered an agreed upon treaty where they appealed to the Triune God! No deist or unitarian would do such a thing! Though this doesn’t mean they didn’t struggle with these issues. Even so, they publicly signed a document appealing to the Triune God to end the war with England (and the British Empire). 

Christ, who is King of Kings, is supreme over all nations—having all authority over heaven and earth (Matthew 28:18). He sits on the throne of God with His resurrected body sitting to the right of the Father (Hebrews 1:3, 1:13).

I want to encourage you to have faith in Jesus Christ—who is Lord over all. Consider the good news of Jesus Christ today who has the power to save!

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Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist defending 6-day creation and opposing evolution since 1998. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.  

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children.

Mr. Hodge earned a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Then he taught at SIUC for a couple of years as a Visiting Instructor teaching all levels of undergraduate engineering and running a materials lab and a CAD lab. He did research on advanced ceramic materials to develop a new method of production of titanium diboride with a grant from Lockheed Martin. He worked as a Test Engineer for Caterpillar, Inc., prior to entering full-time ministry.

His love of science was coupled with a love of history, philosophy, and theology. For about one year of his life, Bodie was editing and updating a theological, historical, and scientific dictionary/encyclopedia for AI use and training. Mr. Hodge has over 25 years of experience in writing, speaking and researching in these fields.

*Image generated by ChatGPT

 

 

No, Ham Did Not Have Relations with His Mother in Genesis 9

No, Ham Did Not Have Relations with His Mother in Genesis 9

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, July 7, 2026 (Donate)

It is unfortunate that this topic even needs to be addressed, but some modern interpreters argue that Genesis 9 teaches Ham had an immoral relationship with Noah's wife. That interpretation has gained attention in some circles, yet it simply does not fit the text.

Imagined Noah's Tent; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Let's begin with the passage itself.

"And Noah began to be a farmer, and he planted a vineyard. Then he drank of the wine and was drunk, and became uncovered in his tent. And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brothers outside.

But Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it on both their shoulders, and went backward and covered the nakedness of their father. Their faces were turned away, and they did not see their father's nakedness.

So Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done to him. Then he said: 'Cursed be Canaan; A servant of servants He shall be to his brethren.' And he said: 'Blessed be the LORD, The God of Shem, And may Canaan be his servant. May God enlarge Japheth, And may he dwell in the tents of Shem; And may Canaan be his servant.'" (Genesis 9:20-27, NKJV)

Notice something important: Noah's wife is never mentioned. The passage repeatedly refers to Noah's nakedness, not his wife's. Yet some commentators claim that Ham actually had an immoral relationship with his mother and that Canaan was the result of that union. The text simply does not say this.

Why Do Some Interpret It This Way?

The primary reason is the wording found in Leviticus 18. In that chapter, God gave Israel laws prohibiting immoral relationships among close relatives. Several times the expression "uncover the nakedness" is used as a respectful way of referring to forbidden sexual relations.

Because of this language, some interpreters assume that the similar wording in Genesis 9 must carry the same meaning. They conclude that when Ham "saw the nakedness of his father," it actually refers to an immoral act involving Noah's wife.

While that may sound plausible at first, it ignores the context of Genesis 9.

Why This Interpretation Does Not Fit the Context

Genesis plainly states that Noah became uncovered after becoming drunk. The narrative focuses entirely on Noah.

Ham then saw his father's nakedness and dishonored him by derogatorily reporting it to his brothers instead of preserving his father's dignity.

Ancient tents have openings that can often be easily peer into; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Shem and Japheth responded very differently. They placed a garment over their shoulders, walked backward into the tent, deliberately turned their faces away, and covered their father without looking.

The account is internally consistent from beginning to end. Noah is uncovered, Ham sees him, and Shem and Japheth respectfully cover him. There is no mention of Noah's wife participating in the event. The straightforward reading requires no additional assumptions.

Problems with the Alternative View

The alternative interpretation creates a number of difficulties. First, it introduces a person who is never mentioned in the passage. Noah's wife suddenly becomes central to the story even though the text never refers to her.

Second, if Canaan were supposedly the child of such a relationship, that explanation does not fit the timeline. Canaan was already alive when Noah pronounced the curse, so he could not have been conceived as a result of the incident described in Genesis 9.

If Ham was having relations with Noah’s wife (his mother), then we should ascertain that it happened at least three times due to this passage. The initial one is when Ham saw the nakedness of his father (his mother) and did the unspeakable. But then Ham left the tent to tell his brothers. So that is one time.

But notice the nakedness was there again because Shem and Japheth took a garment in and covered “them” while they were now doing this a second time. This would be a very odd thing for Shem and Japheth to do during this horrific act—especially considering Noah later commended them for doing this. But this would be second time.

But we often forget that if certain theologians are correct and that Canaan is the offspring of Ham and Noah’s wife, then Ham and his mother have done this before to conceive the child Canaan (at least nine months prior). He was already born and Noah immediately cursed him when he awoke so this was not a child from what just occurred. So, this means at least three times such inappropriate action supposedly had occurred if this interpretation is to be taken.

Interior of Noah's permanent tent was likely very nice; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Third, the actions of Shem and Japheth become difficult to explain. The text praises them for respectfully covering their father while intentionally avoiding looking at him. That makes perfect sense if Noah himself was lying uncovered. It becomes confusing if an entirely different event is being read into the passage. Why would Shem and Japheth put covering over Ham and their mother while doing such an inappropriate act? And why would this be commendable?

Most importantly, the alternative interpretation asks readers to abandon the natural reading of the narrative in favor of an idea that must be imported from another context.

Why Was Canaan Cursed?

Some wonder why Noah cursed Canaan instead of Ham. The obvious explanation is that God had already blessed Noah's sons after the Flood (Genesis 9:1). Noah may have recognized that he should not pronounce a curse upon one whom God had blessed.

Noah and his family offering sacrifices after the Flood as depicted at the Creation Museum; Photo by Bodie Hodge

Instead, the curse fell upon Ham's line through Canaan. Later biblical history shows that many of Canaan's descendants became notoriously wicked and eventually came under God's judgment.

While interpreters have offered various explanations, none require inventing events that the text never describes.

Take the Passage as It Is Written

Good biblical interpretation begins with the context. Genesis 9 records that Noah became drunk and lay uncovered in his tent. Ham dishonored his father by looking upon his nakedness and publicizing it to his brothers. Shem and Japheth honored their father by respectfully covering him without looking.

Noah's wife is never mentioned, and the narrative gives no indication that she was involved in the incident.[1]

The simplest reading is also the best reading. Rather than importing meanings from another passage without regard for context, we should allow Genesis 9 to speak for itself. Scripture is best interpreted according to its own immediate context, and in this case, that context clearly points to Noah, not his wife, as the focus of the account.

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Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist defending 6-day creation and opposing evolution since 1998. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.  

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children.

Mr. Hodge earned a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Then he taught at SIUC for a couple of years as a Visiting Instructor teaching all levels of undergraduate engineering and running a materials lab and a CAD lab. He did research on advanced ceramic materials to develop a new method of production of titanium diboride with a grant from Lockheed Martin. He worked as a Test Engineer for Caterpillar, Inc., prior to entering full-time ministry.

His love of science was coupled with a love of history, philosophy, and theology. For about one year of his life, Bodie was editing and updating a theological, historical, and scientific dictionary/encyclopedia for AI use and training. Mr. Hodge has over 25 years of experience in writing, speaking and researching in these fields.

*Images generated by ChatGPT 

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[1] Noah’s wife seems conspicuously absent—why didn’t she cover him? Had she died? This is a possibility and may be the very reason Noah drank too much on this given night. But this is digression.