Ham’s son was Canaan. In the biblical story after the flood, Noah later cursed Canaan, not Ham himself, after the incident involving Noah’s drunkenness and Ham’s disrespect.

What happened

  • Noah planted a vineyard, became drunk, and lay uncovered in his tent.
  • Ham saw his father’s nakedness and told his brothers.
  • When Noah awoke, he pronounced a curse on Canaan , saying he would be the lowest of servants.

Why it matters

The text in Genesis 9 is often read as the origin of the “curse of Ham” idea, but the curse in the passage is actually directed at Canaan. Later interpretations of this story were used in harmful ways, including to justify slavery, which is why many modern readers treat that interpretation very carefully.

In one line

So, after the flood, Ham’s son Canaan becomes the focus of Noah’s curse in the biblical account.