1 This [is] the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;
2 Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.
3 And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat [a son] in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth:
4 And the days of Adam after he had begotten Seth were eight hundred years: and he begat sons and daughters:
5 And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died.
6 And Seth lived an hundred and five years, and begat Enos:
7 And Seth lived after he begat Enos eight hundred and seven years, and begat sons and daughters:
8 And all the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years: and he died.
9 And Enos lived ninety years, and begat Cainan:
10 And Enos lived after he begat Cainan eight hundred and fifteen years, and begat sons and daughters:
11 And all the days of Enos were nine hundred and five years: and he died.
12 And Cainan lived seventy years, and begat Mahalaleel:
13 And Cainan lived after he begat Mahalaleel eight hundred and forty years, and begat sons and daughters:
14 And all the days of Cainan were nine hundred and ten years: and he died.
15 And Mahalaleel lived sixty and five years, and begat Jared:
16 And Mahalaleel lived after he begat Jared eight hundred and thirty years, and begat sons and daughters:
17 And all the days of Mahalaleel were eight hundred ninety and five years: and he died.
18 And Jared lived an hundred sixty and two years, and he begat Enoch:
19 And Jared lived after he begat Enoch eight hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:
20 And all the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty and two years: and he died.
21 And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah:
22 And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:
23 And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years:
24 And Enoch walked with God: and he [was] not; for God took him.
25 And Methuselah lived an hundred eighty and seven years, and begat Lamech:
26 And Methuselah lived after he begat Lamech seven hundred eighty and two years, and begat sons and daughters:
27 And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died.
28 And Lamech lived an hundred eighty and two years, and begat a son:
29 And he called his name Noah, saying, This [same] shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD hath cursed.
30 And Lamech lived after he begat Noah five hundred ninety and five years, and begat sons and daughters:
31 And all the days of Lamech were seven hundred seventy and seven years: and he died.
32 And Noah was five hundred years old: and Noah begat Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
Overview of Genesis Chapter 5
Genesis Chapter 5 serves as a genealogical record that traces the lineage from Adam to Noah. This chapter highlights the longevity of the early patriarchs and emphasizes the significance of their descendants in the biblical narrative.
Structure of the Chapter
The chapter can be divided into several key sections:
- Introduction of the Adamic Lineage (Verses 1-2)
These verses introduce the creation of humanity and the establishment of male and female, emphasizing the divine image in which they were created.
- Genealogy from Adam to Noah (Verses 3-32)
This section lists the descendants of Adam, detailing their ages at the time of fathering their children and their ages at death.
Key Themes
- The Image of God
The chapter begins by reiterating that humans are created in the image of God, establishing the inherent value and dignity of human life.
- Longevity and Generational Continuity
The long lifespans of the patriarchs reflect a time when humanity was closer to its origins, suggesting a divine blessing and a different relationship with the earth.
- Sin and Mortality
Despite the long lives, the chapter foreshadows the eventual judgment of humanity through the mention of death, as every patriarch dies after a long life.
- Divine Covenant and Preservation
The genealogy culminates in Noah, who is significant for the covenant that God establishes with him, indicating a shift in God’s relationship with humanity.
Detailed Analysis of Key Figures
- Adam
Adam is the first human created by God, and his lineage sets the foundation for the entire human race. His life signifies the beginning of humanity’s relationship with God.
- Seth
Seth is introduced as Adam’s righteous son, through whom the godly line continues. His name means “appointed,” indicating God’s provision for humanity after Abel’s death.
- Enosh
Enosh, the son of Seth, is noted for the beginning of public worship, marking a significant development in humanity’s relationship with God.
- Noah
Noah is the final figure mentioned in this chapter, and his birth is seen as a moment of hope. His name means “rest,” suggesting a future deliverance from the curse of sin.
Theological Implications
Genesis Chapter 5 presents several theological implications:
- The Nature of Humanity
The chapter affirms that all humans are created in the image of God, which carries profound implications for human dignity and ethics.
- The Reality of Death
The repeated phrase “and he died” serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of sin introduced in the previous chapters, highlighting the inevitability of death.
- God’s Sovereignty
The genealogy demonstrates God’s sovereignty in preserving a remnant of faithful humanity through generations, culminating in Noah, who will play a critical role in the salvation narrative.
Conclusion
Genesis Chapter 5 is a crucial link in the biblical narrative, providing a genealogical framework that underscores themes of creation, sin, mortality, and divine promise. The chapter sets the stage for the unfolding story of redemption that follows in the subsequent chapters of Genesis.
