Genesis5

Genesis chapter 5 presents the genealogical record from Adam to Noah, detailing the lineage of the patriarchs. It consistently lists their ages at the birth of their primary son, their subsequent years, and their total lifespans, concluding with the phrase "and he died." A notable exception is Enoch, who "walked with God" and was taken by God without experiencing death.

The Book of the Generations of Adam

1
Here is the genealogy of Adam. On the day that God created man he made him in the likeness of God; ​
2
he created them male and female; he blessed them and called them Adam [humankind, man] on the day they were created.
3
After Adam lived 130 years he fathered a son like himself and named him Shet. ​
4
After Shet was born, Adam lived another 800 years and had both sons and daughters.
5
In all, Adam lived 930 years, and then he died. ​

The Line from Seth to Jared

6
Shet lived 105 years and fathered Enosh.
7
After Enosh was born, Shet lived another 807 years and had sons and daughters.
8
In all, Shet lived 912 years; then he died.
9
Enosh lived ninety years and fathered Kenan.
10
After Kenan was born, Enosh lived another 815 years and had sons and daughters.
11
In all, Enosh lived 905 years; then he died.
12
Kenan lived seventy years and fathered Mahalal’el.
13
After Mahalal’el was born, Kenan lived another 840 years and had sons and daughters.
14
In all, Kenan lived 910 years; then he died.
15
Mahalal’el lived sixty-five years and fathered Yered.
16
After Yered was born, Mahalal’el lived another 830 years and had sons and daughters.
17
In all, Mahalal’el lived 895 years; then he died.
18
Yered lived 162 years and fathered Hanokh.
19
After Hanokh was born, Yered lived 800 years and had sons and daughters.
20
In all, Yered lived 962 years; then he died.

Enoch Walks with God

21
Hanokh lived sixty-five years and fathered Metushelach.
22
After Metushelach was born, Hanokh walked with God 300 years and had sons and daughters. ​
23
In all, Hanokh lived 365 years.
24
Hanokh walked with God, and then he wasn’t there, because God took him. ​

Methuselah, Lamech, and Noah

25
Metushelach lived 187 years and fathered Lemekh.
26
After Lemekh was born, Metushelach lived 782 years and had sons and daughters.
27
In all, Metushelach lived 969 years; then he died. ​
28
Lemekh lived 182 years and fathered a son,
29
whom he called Noach [restful]; for he said, “This one will comfort us in our labor, in the hard work we do with our hands [to get what comes] from the ground that Adonai cursed.” ​
30
After Noach was born, Lemekh lived 595 years and had sons and daughters.
31
In all, Lemekh lived 777 years; then he died.
32
Noach was 500 years old; and Noach fathered Shem, Ham and Yefet. ​

Study Notes for Genesis 5

Verse 1

This verse introduces the second major section (*toledot*) of Genesis, detailing the lineage from Adam to Noah. The emphasis on man being created 'in the likeness of God' sets a high standard against which the subsequent mortality is measured.

Verse 3

In contrast to Adam being created in God's likeness (v. 1), Seth is born in Adam's 'own likeness, after his image.' This highlights the transmission of fallen, mortal humanity following the expulsion from Eden.

Verse 5

The recurring phrase 'and he died' acts as a somber refrain throughout the chapter, emphasizing the universality of death and the fulfillment of the judgment pronounced in Genesis 3:19.

Verse 22

To 'walk with God' indicates a life of close fellowship, devotion, and obedience, contrasting sharply with the general trends of the pre-Flood world. This relationship is often cited as the pinnacle of spiritual life in the Old Testament.

Verse 24

Enoch is the first person in Scripture recorded not to have died, having been bodily translated by God (cf. Hebrews 11:5). This extraordinary event serves as a testament to the life-giving reward of faithful devotion.

Verse 27

Methuselah’s 969 years make him the longest-lived human recorded in the Bible. Based on the chronology, his death occurred in the very year the Great Flood began.

Verse 29

Lamech names his son Noah ('rest' or 'comfort'), expressing hope that this child will provide relief from the relentless toil associated with the cursed ground (Gen 3:17). This anticipation foreshadows Noah’s role as the preserver of humanity.

Verse 32

This concluding verse transitions the narrative focus entirely to Noah and his three sons (Shem, Ham, and Japheth), setting the stage for the dramatic events leading up to the Flood.

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