Genesis 5
“This is the written account of Adam’s family line.
When God created mankind, he made them in the likeness of God. 2 He created them male and female and blessed them. And he named them “Mankind” when they were created.
3 When Adam had lived 130 years, he had a son in his own likeness, in his own image; and he named him Seth. 4 After Seth was born, Adam lived 800 years and had other sons and daughters. 5 Altogether, Adam lived a total of 930 years, and then he died.
6 When Seth had lived 105 years, he became the father of Enosh. 7 After he became the father of Enosh, Seth lived 807 years and had other sons and daughters. 8 Altogether, Seth lived a total of 912 years, and then he died.
9 When Enosh had lived 90 years, he became the father of Kenan. 10 After he became the father of Kenan, Enosh lived 815 years and had other sons and daughters. 11 Altogether, Enosh lived a total of 905 years, and then he died.
12 When Kenan had lived 70 years, he became the father of Mahalalel. 13 After he became the father of Mahalalel, Kenan lived 840 years and had other sons and daughters. 14 Altogether, Kenan lived a total of 910 years, and then he died.
15 When Mahalalel had lived 65 years, he became the father of Jared. 16 After he became the father of Jared, Mahalalel lived 830 years and had other sons and daughters. 17 Altogether, Mahalalel lived a total of 895 years, and then he died.
18 When Jared had lived 162 years, he became the father of Enoch. 19 After he became the father of Enoch, Jared lived 800 years and had other sons and daughters. 20 Altogether, Jared lived a total of 962 years, and then he died.
21 When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. 22 After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. 23 Altogether, Enoch lived a total of 365 years. 24 Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.
25 When Methuselah had lived 187 years, he became the father of Lamech. 26 After he became the father of Lamech, Methuselah lived 782 years and had other sons and daughters. 27 Altogether, Methuselah lived a total of 969 years, and then he died.
28 When Lamech had lived 182 years, he had a son. 29 He named him Noah and said, “He will comfort us in the labor and painful toil of our hands caused by the ground the Lord has cursed.” 30 After Noah was born, Lamech lived 595 years and had other sons and daughters. 31 Altogether, Lamech lived a total of 777 years, and then he died.
32 After Noah was 500 years old, he became the father of Shem, Ham and Japheth.”
Genesis 5 Meaning
Genesis 5 is a genealogy that traces the lineage of Adam to Noah. It provides a detailed account of the descendants of Adam, their ages when they had children, and the total length of their lives. This chapter emphasizes the importance of family and highlights the passing of generations.
Genesis 5 Commentary and Explanation
In Genesis 5, we encounter the genealogy of Adam, the first man, and his descendants up to Noah. This chapter provides us with a detailed account of the generations that followed Adam, highlighting the longevity of their lives and underscoring the narrative of creation and human history.
The chapter begins by emphasizing the significance of Adam as the first human created by God. It traces his lineage through his son Seth, who was born in Adam’s likeness and image, after the image of God. This reaffirms the continuation of God’s divine plan through Adam’s descendants despite the fall from grace in the Garden of Eden.
Throughout the genealogy, we notice a recurring pattern of life spans and the passing of the torch from one generation to the next. Each patriarch mentioned – from Adam to Noah – lived for several hundred years, signifying the remarkable longevity of life in those ancient times. This prolonged lifespan was a testament to God’s providence and the pristine state of creation before the effects of sin fully manifested.
Moreover, the genealogy serves as a bridge between the creation narrative and the subsequent events leading up to the great flood. It establishes a lineage that ultimately leads to Noah, who becomes instrumental in God’s plan to cleanse the earth of wickedness and start anew.
As we look deeper into the details of each patriarch’s life, we can glean spiritual insights and lessons. For instance, the significance of names holds great importance in Hebrew culture, often reflecting the character or destiny of the individual. Names like Methuselah, meaning “when he dies, it shall come,” foreshadow events such as the flood, which occurred in the same year as Methuselah’s death.
Furthermore, the genealogy in Genesis 5 also provides a framework for understanding biblical chronology and the passage of time. By correlating these ages with other biblical events and genealogies, we can establish a rough timeline of early human history, aiding our comprehension of God’s unfolding plan for humanity.
In contemplating the genealogy presented in Genesis 5, we are reminded of the continuity of God’s covenant throughout generations. Despite humanity’s tendency towards sin and disobedience, God remains faithful to His promises, guiding and sustaining His people through every age.
Genesis 5 serves as a pivotal chapter in understanding the origins of humanity and the unfolding narrative of redemption. Through its genealogical record, we are presented with a lineage that culminates in Noah, setting the stage for the events that follow in the subsequent chapters. As we reflect on the lives of these ancient patriarchs, we are encouraged to consider our own place in God’s story and the faithfulness required of us as heirs of His covenant.
Also Read: Genesis 4 Meaning and Commentary
Context of Genesis 5
The events in Genesis 5 take place after the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and before the account of the great flood in Genesis 6. It provides a glimpse into the immediate generations after Adam and showcases the passing of time.
At this point, humanity had been expelled from the Garden of Eden and was living in a fallen world. Despite the presence of sin, God’s faithfulness and love are still manifested through the continuation of human life.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Genesis 5
“This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, He made him in the likeness of God.” (Genesis 5:1)
Here, we are reminded of our origins. We are created in the image and likeness of God, reflecting His character and nature. Despite the fall, we still bear the imprint of our Creator, and this truth highlights our inherent value and worth.
“And Adam lived one hundred and thirty years, and begot a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth.” (Genesis 5:3)
With the birth of Seth, we see the continuation of humanity through the descendants of Adam. God’s plan to populate the earth and fulfill His purposes remains unwavering.
“And all the days of Adam after he begot Seth were eight hundred years; and he had sons and daughters.” (Genesis 5:4)
This verse stresses the longevity of Adam’s life and the fact that he had more children after the birth of Seth. It highlights the importance of family and the continuation of life through future generations.
“And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.” (Genesis 5:24)
Enoch’s unique relationship with God is highlighted in this verse. He walked with God and had such a close fellowship that he was taken up to heaven without experiencing death. Enoch’s story serves as an inspiration for believers to strive for a deep and intimate relationship with God.
“So all the days of Noah were nine hundred and fifty years; and he died.” (Genesis 5:29)
Noah, the final individual mentioned in this genealogy, lived for a significant amount of time and witnessed the unfolding of God’s plan. However, the mention of his death serves as a reminder that life is temporary, and our ultimate hope lies in eternity with God.
Lessons From Genesis 5
- Our lives are part of God’s greater plan. None of us are insignificant; we all have a purpose in His story.
- Despite the presence of sin and the limitations of human life, God’s faithfulness and love endure.
- The importance of family and the passing of generations is highlighted in this genealogy. Our families play a crucial role in carrying forward the values of faith and passing down God’s truth.
- The story of Enoch challenges us to pursue a close relationship with God, walking with Him daily and seeking His presence.
- The brevity of life is a reminder of the need to prioritize eternal matters and seek God’s kingdom above all else.
Final Thoughts
The genealogy in Genesis 5 is more than just a list of names and ages. It is a reminder of God’s faithfulness, the significance of family, and the brevity of human life. As we reflect on these verses, let us be encouraged in our role in God’s story and inspired to seek a deep and intimate relationship with Him.
Let us also value and cherish our families, recognizing the importance of passing down God’s truth to the next generation. Above all, may we remember that our ultimate hope lies in eternity with our Creator, where sin and death will be no more.