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
This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, he made him in God’s likeness. ​
2
He created them male and female, and blessed them. On the day they were created, he named them “Adam”.
3
Adam lived one hundred thirty years, and became the father of a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth. ​
4
The days of Adam after he became the father of Seth were eight hundred years, and he became the father of other sons and daughters.
5
All the days that Adam lived were nine hundred thirty years, then he died. ​

The Line from Seth to Jared

6
Seth lived one hundred five years, then became the father of Enosh.
7
Seth lived after he became the father of Enosh eight hundred seven years, and became the father of other sons and daughters.
8
All the days of Seth were nine hundred twelve years, then he died.
9
Enosh lived ninety years, and became the father of Kenan.
10
Enosh lived after he became the father of Kenan, eight hundred fifteen years, and became the father of other sons and daughters.
11
All the days of Enosh were nine hundred five years, then he died.
12
Kenan lived seventy years, then became the father of Mahalalel.
13
Kenan lived after he became the father of Mahalalel eight hundred forty years, and became the father of other sons and daughters
14
and all the days of Kenan were nine hundred ten years, then he died.
15
Mahalalel lived sixty-five years, then became the father of Jared.
16
Mahalalel lived after he became the father of Jared eight hundred thirty years, and became the father of other sons and daughters.
17
All the days of Mahalalel were eight hundred ninety-five years, then he died.
18
Jared lived one hundred sixty-two years, then became the father of Enoch.
19
Jared lived after he became the father of Enoch eight hundred years, and became the father of other sons and daughters.
20
All the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty-two years, then he died.

Enoch Walks with God

21
Enoch lived sixty-five years, then became the father of Methuselah.
22
After Methuselah’s birth, Enoch walked with God for three hundred years, and became the father of more sons and daughters. ​
23
All the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty-five years.
24
Enoch walked with God, and he was not found, for God took him. ​

Methuselah, Lamech, and Noah

25
Methuselah lived one hundred eighty-seven years, then became the father of Lamech.
26
Methuselah lived after he became the father of Lamech seven hundred eighty-two years, and became the father of other sons and daughters.
27
All the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty-nine years, then he died. ​
28
Lamech lived one hundred eighty-two years, then became the father of a son.
29
He named him Noah, saying, “This one will comfort us in our work and in the toil of our hands, caused by the ground which the LORD has cursed.” ​
30
Lamech lived after he became the father of Noah five hundred ninety-five years, and became the father of other sons and daughters.
31
All the days of Lamech were seven hundred seventy-seven years, then he died.
32
Noah was five hundred years old, then Noah became the father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth. ​

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.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate
Settings

Reading Style

Typeface

Font Size 19px

Options