God blesses Noah and his sons, urging them to repopulate the Earth. He establishes a covenant: never again will a flood destroy all life. The rainbow serves as its sign. God reaffirms humanity's dominion over creatures but introduces the consumption of meat, with the caveat against consuming blood. Later, a troubling incident occurs: Noah plants a vineyard, becomes drunk, and lies naked in his tent. Ham sees his father's nakedness and tells his brothers, who respectfully cover Noah. Upon waking, Noah learns of Ham's act, leading him to curse Ham's son, Canaan, and bless Shem and Japheth.

Humanity, speaking one language, settles in the land of Shinar. United in ambition and pride, they begin constructing a towering city and a tower "with its top in the heavens." Their intent to make a name for themselves and prevent dispersion is interrupted by God. Viewing the tower as an emblem of human hubris, He confuses their language, ensuring they can't understand one another. This divine intervention results in humanity's scattering across the Earth, and the city is named Babel. The chapter concludes with the lineage of Shem, positioning the narrative towards the introduction of Abram (later Abraham).