1 Chronicles 1:1

KJV

¶ Adam, Sheth, Enosh,

KJV (with Strong's)

Adam {H121}, Sheth {H8352}, Enosh {H583},

Complete Jewish Bible

Adam, Shet, Enosh,

Berean Standard Bible

Adam, Seth, Enosh,

American Standard Version

Adam, Seth, Enosh,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The opening verse of 1 Chronicles immediately establishes the foundational lineage of humanity, listing "Adam, Sheth, Enosh." This concise genealogical entry serves as the chronological and theological bedrock for the entire book, anchoring Israel's history and identity within the broader sweep of God's universal plan, tracing an unbroken line from the very first human created by God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** First Chronicles, unlike Genesis, does not provide narrative detail alongside its genealogies. The book opens abruptly with a rapid-fire succession of names, starting from 1 Chronicles 1:1 and continuing through 1 Chronicles 9:44, setting the tone for the Chronicler's primary purpose: to provide a comprehensive historical and theological account for the post-exilic community. By commencing with Adam, the author emphasizes the universal scope of God's redemptive plan and the deep roots of Israel's heritage within that divine narrative, connecting the present generation to the very beginning of God's interaction with humanity, as detailed in [the creation account](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") and the early history of mankind in [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - Genealogy from Adam to Noah").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, genealogies were not mere lists but vital documents that validated claims to land, inheritance, social status, and religious office. For the Israelites, especially the post-exilic community returning from Babylon, these records were crucial for re-establishing tribal distinctions, ensuring adherence to the Mosaic Law (e.g., land distribution, priestly service), and ultimately, for anticipating the Messiah's lineage. The Chronicler's meticulous record-keeping underscored the historical reliability and divine foundation of Israel's story, providing a sense of continuity and legitimacy to a people rebuilding their national and spiritual identity.
* **Key Themes:** This opening verse immediately establishes several critical themes that permeate the book. **Historical Continuity** is paramount, as the unbroken chain of human existence from Adam highlights God's faithfulness throughout history and underscores that the people of Israel are part of a divinely ordained lineage, not an accidental development. This also speaks to **Divine Sovereignty**, implicitly affirming God's active involvement and sovereign control over human history from its very inception. Furthermore, for the returning exiles, these genealogies provided a crucial **Foundation of Identity**, enabling them to re-establish tribal affiliations, land claims, and priestly legitimacy, grounding their belonging to God's chosen people in universal human history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Adam (Hebrew, _'ādām'_):** This name literally means "man," "mankind," or "humanity." It signifies not just an individual but the progenitor of the entire human race, emphasizing the universal scope of the genealogy that follows and the common origin of all people.
* **Sheth (Hebrew, _šēṯ'_):** Known as Seth in English, this name means "appointed" or "placed." In the Genesis narrative, Seth was given to Adam and Eve as a replacement for Abel, through whom the godly line would continue after Cain's sin ([Genesis 4:25](/genesis/4-25 "Genesis 4:25 - Birth of Seth")). His inclusion here highlights the continuation of the covenant line despite human failure.
* **Enosh (Hebrew, _'ĕnôš'_):** Meaning "mortal man," "frail man," or "human being," Enosh underscores the inherent weakness and mortality of humanity even in these early generations. It serves as a subtle reminder of the human condition and the need for divine grace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Adam,"**: The opening word immediately establishes the universal starting point of the genealogy. By beginning with the first human, the Chronicler sets the stage for a comprehensive historical record that encompasses all humanity before narrowing its focus to Israel. This highlights God's overarching plan for all people.
* **"Sheth,"**: The inclusion of Seth is significant as he represents the divinely appointed lineage through whom the promise of a righteous seed would continue after the fall and the murder of Abel. He is the link in the line that would eventually lead to Noah, Abraham, and ultimately, David.
* **"Enosh"**: The third name in this sequence, Enosh, continues the direct, unbroken line from Adam through Seth. His presence reinforces the historical continuity and the meticulous nature of the Chronicler's record, emphasizing the precise tracing of the lineage that forms the backbone of Israel's identity.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 1:1 and the subsequent chapters is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list but a structured literary form that serves multiple purposes: establishing historical continuity, validating claims (land, inheritance, office), and demonstrating divine faithfulness through generations. The Chronicler employs **Conciseness** and **Repetition** of names, creating a rhythmic, almost litany-like effect that underscores the unbroken nature of the lineage. The abrupt beginning with "Adam" demonstrates **In Medias Res** (in the middle of things), as the Chronicler assumes the reader's familiarity with the Genesis narrative, immediately diving into the historical record without preamble. This serves to ground the post-exilic community's identity in a deep, ancient, and divinely preserved past.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological significance of 1 Chronicles 1:1 lies in its assertion of God's sovereign hand over history from its absolute beginning. By starting with Adam, the Chronicler grounds the entire narrative of Israel within the universal story of humanity, emphasizing that God's covenant with Israel is not an isolated event but part of a grander, cosmic plan initiated at creation. This foundational verse underscores the importance of lineage and continuity in God's redemptive purposes, showing how every generation plays a role in the unfolding divine drama. It reaffirms the historical reliability of the biblical record and the enduring nature of God's promises through the generations.

* [Genesis 5:1](/genesis/5-1 "Genesis 5:1 - Genealogy of Adam")
* [Luke 3:38](/luke/3-38 "Luke 3:38 - Genealogy of Jesus to Adam")
* [Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin through Adam")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a simple list of names, 1 Chronicles 1:1 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that we are all part of a larger, divinely orchestrated story that began with creation. Our lives, seemingly small, are threads in a vast tapestry woven by God through millennia. This verse calls us to recognize our shared humanity, tracing our origins back to Adam, which underscores our universal need for redemption and the common ground we share with every person on earth. It also encourages us to consider our own place within God's ongoing narrative, recognizing that our faith connects us not just to the immediate past but to a rich heritage stretching back to the dawn of time, affirming God's faithfulness through every generation. We are called to live in light of this grand narrative, understanding that God's purposes are unfolding and we have a part to play in His eternal plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding our shared lineage from Adam impact our view of human dignity and the universal need for salvation?**
* **In what ways does the concept of "historical continuity" in this verse encourage us about God's faithfulness across generations?**
* **How can recognizing our place in God's grand historical narrative influence our sense of purpose and identity today?**

### FAQ
**Why does 1 Chronicles begin with genealogies, and specifically with Adam?**

Answer: 1 Chronicles begins with extensive genealogies, starting with Adam, for several crucial reasons pertinent to its original audience, the post-exilic community in Judah. First, genealogies were vital for re-establishing identity and order after the Babylonian exile. They helped confirm tribal affiliations, validate claims to land and inheritance, and legitimize priestly and Levitical service, which was essential for the restoration of temple worship. By starting with [Adam](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Creation of Man"), the Chronicler grounds Israel's history in the universal story of humanity, emphasizing that God's covenant people are part of a divinely ordained plan that began at creation. This universal scope highlights God's sovereignty over all history and provides a sense of continuity and legitimacy for a people rebuilding their national and spiritual life, reminding them that their story is deeply rooted in God's overarching purposes for the world, as seen in [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - Genealogy from Adam to Noah").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The genealogy beginning with Adam in 1 Chronicles 1:1 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Adam represents the head of fallen humanity, through whom sin and death entered the world ([Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin through Adam")), Jesus is presented as the "last Adam" or the "second man," the new head of a redeemed humanity ([1 Corinthians 15:45](/1_corinthians/15-45 "1 Corinthians 15:45 - The Last Adam") and [1 Corinthians 15:47](/1_corinthians/15-47 "1 Corinthians 15:47 - The Second Man")). The meticulous tracing of lineage from Adam through Seth and subsequent generations in Chronicles foreshadows the divine necessity of a pure and unbroken line leading to the Messiah. Luke's Gospel, in particular, explicitly traces Jesus's genealogy back to Adam, even calling Adam "the son of God" ([Luke 3:38](/luke/3-38 "Luke 3:38 - Jesus's Genealogy to Adam")), thereby emphasizing Jesus's universal claim as the Savior of all humanity, not just Israel. Through Christ, the brokenness introduced by the first Adam is reversed, and new life and righteousness are offered to all who believe, transcending all tribal or national distinctions, fulfilling God's original redemptive purpose for mankind.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 3:38

Which was [the son] of Enos, which was [the son] of Seth, which was [the son] of Adam, which was [the son] of God.

Genesis 4:25

¶ And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, [said she], hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew.

Genesis 5:32

And Noah was five hundred years old: and Noah begat Shem, Ham, and Japheth.