Genesis 5:29

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he called {H7121} his name {H8034} Noah {H5146}, saying {H559}, This same shall comfort {H5162} us concerning our work {H4639} and toil {H6093} of our hands {H3027}, because {H4480} of the ground {H127} which the LORD {H3068} hath cursed {H779}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.”

Berean Standard Bible

And he named him Noah, saying, “May this one comfort us in the labor and toil of our hands caused by the ground that the LORD has cursed.”

American Standard Version

and he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us in our work and in the toil of our hands, which cometh because of the ground which Jehovah hath cursed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 5:29 chronicles the birth and naming of Noah, a pivotal figure whose very name encapsulates a profound human longing for relief. His father, Lamech, bestows this name with a deeply rooted hope, envisioning Noah as the one who will bring comfort and rest from the arduous labor and sorrow inflicted upon humanity due to the divine curse on the earth. This concise yet powerful verse encapsulates the deep weariness of a fallen humanity and its persistent yearning for divine intervention amidst a world marred by sin and its consequences.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the extensive genealogical record of Adam’s descendants through Seth, meticulously tracing the lineage from creation up to the impending cataclysm of the Great Flood. Genesis 5, often referred to as the "Book of the Generations of Adam," primarily serves to demonstrate the pervasive reach of death as a consequence of sin, while simultaneously highlighting the continuity of the messianic line through Seth. Lamech’s lament in [Genesis 5:29](/genesis/5-29 "The Naming of Noah") provides a poignant human interjection into an otherwise stark list of births, lives, and deaths, setting the stage for Noah’s unique role as a preserver of humanity and a bringer of a new beginning, immediately preceding the narrative of the escalating wickedness that prompts divine judgment in [Genesis 6](/genesis/6 "The Corruption of Humanity and God's Grief").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near Eastern world, including the patriarchal period of Genesis, was predominantly agrarian. Life was characterized by strenuous physical labor, particularly in cultivating the land to yield sustenance. Lamech's statement reflects the harsh realities of this existence, where the struggle against a resistant earth was a daily, often back-breaking, endeavor. The concept of a "cursed ground" would have resonated deeply with people whose very survival depended on the land's fruitfulness. Naming conventions in this era often carried significant meaning, reflecting hopes, circumstances, or even prophetic insights. Lamech’s naming of Noah, therefore, was not merely an arbitrary choice but a culturally significant act imbued with profound expectation and a lament over the prevailing human condition, echoing the original pronouncement of toil upon Adam in [Genesis 3:17-19](/genesis/3-17-19 "The Curse on the Ground and Human Toil").
* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "The Generations of Adam") contributes to several overarching themes within the broader book. Firstly, it underscores the **pervasiveness of sin and its consequences**, particularly the reality of death and the curse upon creation, which manifests as "work and toil." Secondly, it subtly introduces the theme of **divine providence and preservation**, as God maintains a righteous lineage even amidst increasing human depravity, leading to Noah. Thirdly, Lamech's yearning for "comfort" and "rest" introduces the theme of **humanity's deep longing for redemption and relief** from suffering, a longing that permeates the entire biblical narrative and ultimately points to a greater deliverer. Finally, the naming of Noah foreshadows the **theme of new beginnings** and covenant, which will be fully realized after the Flood.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Lamech's declaration upon naming his son Noah is a profound expression of human suffering and hope, deeply rooted in the consequences of the Fall. His words reveal a keen awareness of the arduous reality of life in a cursed world and a prophetic anticipation of relief.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Noah (Hebrew, _Nôach'_):** This name is directly linked to the Hebrew root _nuach_ (H5162), meaning "rest," "comfort," or "settle." As the patriarch of the flood, Noah's name signifies the hope for a cessation of the relentless toil and sorrow that plagued humanity. It points to a period of reprieve and a new beginning after the cataclysm.
* **Comfort (Hebrew, _nâcham'_):** This verb carries the primary meaning "to sigh," which extends to "pity," "console," or "repent." In Lamech's context, it expresses a yearning for solace and alleviation from the burdens of existence. It suggests not merely physical rest but a deeper spiritual and emotional relief from the constant struggle against a hostile environment and the pervasive sorrow of a fallen world.
* **Cursed (Hebrew, _ʼârar'_):** This strong verb means "to execrate" or "bitterly curse." When applied to the ground by the LORD, it signifies a severe, binding judgment that renders the earth resistant and unproductive without immense human effort. It implies a state of divine disfavor that directly impacts human labor and sustenance, making life a constant struggle against thorns and thistles, as described in [Genesis 3:18](/genesis/3-18 "Thorns and Thistles from the Cursed Ground").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he called his name Noah":** This opening clause establishes the pivotal act of naming, which in ancient cultures often carried prophetic or significant meaning. Lamech, Noah's father, is the one bestowing the name, indicating his personal hope and perhaps a divinely inspired insight into his son's future role.
* **"saying, This [same] shall comfort us":** Lamech's declaration immediately follows the naming, explaining its significance. The phrase "This [same]" emphasizes Noah's unique identity as the one destined to bring relief. The word "comfort" (H5162, _nâcham_) here expresses a deep longing for solace and alleviation from suffering, not just physical ease but a broader sense of peace and restoration.
* **"concerning our work and toil of our hands":** This phrase specifies the nature of the discomfort. "Work" (H4639, _maʻăseh_) refers to general activity or labor, while "toil" (H6093, _ʻitstsâbôwn_) specifically denotes painful, burdensome labor or sorrow. The "hands" (H3027, _yâd_) signify human effort and the physical exertion required for survival. This highlights the pervasive hardship of daily life, a direct consequence of the Fall.
* **"because of the ground which the LORD hath cursed":** This final clause provides the ultimate reason for humanity's suffering and toil. It directly references the divine judgment pronounced in [Genesis 3:17](/genesis/3-17 "The Curse on the Ground") after Adam's sin. The "cursed" (H779, _ʼârar_) ground means it will yield its produce only through great struggle, making human existence a constant battle against the resistance of creation, and bringing forth "thorns and thistles" ([Genesis 3:18](/genesis/3-18 "Thorns and Thistles")).

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Wordplay** is central, as Noah's name (_Nôach_) is directly linked to the Hebrew verb for "rest" or "comfort" (_nuach_ or _nâcham_). This connection underscores the profound hope embedded in his naming. **Lament** is evident in Lamech's words, expressing the deep sorrow and weariness of humanity under the curse, creating a poignant moment within the dry genealogical record. The statement also functions as a **prophecy**, whether fully understood by Lamech or not, as Noah indeed brings a form of "rest" and a new beginning after the Flood. Finally, there is a strong element of **Echo and Allusion**, as Lamech's words directly echo the language and consequences of the Fall detailed in [Genesis 3:17-19](/genesis/3-17-19 "The Curse on Humanity and Creation"), reinforcing the pervasive impact of sin on creation and human experience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 5:29 powerfully encapsulates humanity's deep-seated longing for relief from the pervasive effects of the Fall. It highlights how the curse on the ground, a direct consequence of Adam's sin, has profoundly shaped human existence, making life a constant struggle marked by "work and toil." Yet, even amidst this lament, the verse reveals a glimmer of hope and divine providence. Lamech's naming of Noah, though born of human weariness, points to God's sovereign plan to bring comfort and a new beginning, foreshadowing the greater redemption that will ultimately reverse the curse.

* [Genesis 3:17-19](/genesis/3-17-19 "The Curse on the Ground and Human Toil") - The foundational passage for the curse on the ground and the toil of human labor.
* [Isaiah 40:1-2](/isaiah/40-1-2 "God's Comfort for His People") - God's promise to "comfort" His people, speaking tenderly to Jerusalem and declaring her "warfare is ended."
* [Romans 8:20-22](/romans/8-20-22 "Creation Groaning in Bondage") - Paul's explanation that creation itself groans under the bondage to corruption, eagerly awaiting its liberation, echoing the "cursed ground" theme.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 5:29 serves as a timeless reminder of the universal human experience of struggle, sorrow, and the yearning for rest. Lamech's lament over the "work and toil of our hands" because of the "cursed ground" resonates with our own weariness in a world still groaning under the weight of sin. Whether our toil is physical, emotional, or spiritual, this verse invites us to acknowledge the deep-seated brokenness that necessitates a divine solution. It encourages us to cultivate a posture of hope, recognizing that God, in His infinite wisdom and sovereign plan, often brings comfort and new beginnings through unexpected means, even through ordinary individuals. This ancient cry for relief should stir within us a profound gratitude for the ultimate comfort found in God's redemptive work, and it calls us to anticipate the day when all toil and sorrow will cease.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you experience "work and toil" or a sense of "cursed ground," and how does this verse speak to that experience?**
* **How does Lamech's hope for Noah reflect a universal human longing for comfort and rest?**
* **How does understanding the pervasive impact of the Fall (as seen in this verse) deepen your appreciation for God's redemptive plan?**
* **What does it mean to find "comfort" and "rest" in a world still marked by struggle, and how can we embody that hope for others?**

### FAQ
**Why does Lamech specifically mention "work and toil of our hands" and the "cursed ground"?**

Answer: This directly references the consequences of Adam's sin in [Genesis 3:17-19](/genesis/3-17-19 "The Curse on the Ground and Human Toil"), where God cursed the ground because of Adam's disobedience, making agricultural labor difficult and sorrowful. It highlights the pervasive impact of the Fall on daily human existence and the deep weariness it caused, establishing a direct link between human sin and the struggle for survival.

**Was Lamech's naming of Noah truly prophetic, or just a hopeful wish?**

Answer: While it was certainly a hopeful wish from a father burdened by the harsh realities of life, the subsequent narrative of Noah and the Flood reveals a divine hand at work. Noah did indeed bring a form of "rest" by preserving humanity and creation through the ark, leading to a new beginning and a covenant that provided stability for the earth ([Genesis 8:21-22](/genesis/8-21-22 "God's Covenant with Noah After the Flood")). Thus, it can be seen as a divinely inspired, albeit perhaps partially understood, prophecy, demonstrating God's sovereign plan unfolding through human actions and hopes.

**How did Noah bring "comfort" from the cursed ground?**

Answer: Noah's "comfort" came not from entirely removing the curse, but from providing a new beginning after the devastating Flood. Through him, humanity was preserved, and God established a new covenant, promising the stability of the seasons and no more universal floods. This brought a measure of rest and assurance, even if the fundamental toil of working the ground remained. It was a partial, temporary comfort that pointed to a greater, future rest.

**Does this verse have relevance for modern believers who don't live by agricultural toil?**

Answer: Absolutely. The "work and toil" represents all forms of burdensome labor, sorrow, and struggle in a fallen world, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. Humanity's longing for "comfort" and "rest" from the effects of sin and brokenness is universal and timeless, pointing to our need for ultimate redemption. The verse speaks to the existential weariness of living in a world marred by sin, a condition that transcends specific occupations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Lamech’s hope for Noah was limited to temporal relief from the curse, this verse ultimately points to the greater, eternal comfort and rest found supremely in Jesus Christ. Noah provided a temporary reprieve, preserving a remnant through the ark and ushering in a new, albeit still fallen, beginning. However, Jesus is the true "Noah" who fully bears the curse of sin on the cross, offering [ultimate rest for our souls](/matthew/11-28 "Jesus' Invitation to Rest"). He is the one who delivers humanity from the bondage of sin and death, leading us into [God's eternal Sabbath rest](/hebrews/4-9-11 "Entering God's Sabbath Rest"). Through His sacrificial work and resurrection, Christ effectively reverses the curse, promising a new creation where toil, sorrow, and death will be no more, and all things will be made gloriously new ([Revelation 21:4-5](/revelation/21-4-5 "God Wipes Away Every Tear in the New Creation")). He is the ultimate source of comfort, the one who truly takes away the sin of the world and brings everlasting peace.

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

Matthew 24:37

But as the days of Noe [were], so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Hebrews 11:7

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

2 Peter 2:5

And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth [person], a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;

Isaiah 54:9

For this [is as] the waters of Noah unto me: for [as] I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee.

Ezekiel 14:14

Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver [but] their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD.

Genesis 9:24

¶ And Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done unto him.

Ezekiel 14:20

Though Noah, Daniel, and Job, [were] in it, [as] I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall [but] deliver their own souls by their righteousness.