Genesis 5:29

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.

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}.

whom he called Noach [restful]; for he said, โ€œThis 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.โ€

And he named him Noah, saying, โ€œMay this one comfort us in the labor and toil of our hands caused by the ground that the LORD has cursed.โ€

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

Genesis 5:29 records the birth and naming of Noah, a pivotal figure in biblical history. His father, Lamech, names him with a prophetic hope, stating that Noah will bring comfort and rest from the arduous labor caused by the divine curse on the ground.

Context

This verse appears within the genealogical account of Adam's descendants through Seth, leading up to Noah. The world at this time is characterized by significant human toil and hardship, a direct consequence of the divine curse upon the ground ('adamah) following Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden. Lamech's statement reflects the deep weariness and longing for relief felt by humanity, burdened by the physical demands of survival in a fallen world.

Key Themes

  • Hope Amidst Hardship: Lamech's naming of Noah is an expression of hope and anticipation for future alleviation from the strenuous labor and suffering that defined their existence. It's a cry for comfort in a world full of toil.
  • The Impact of the Curse: The phrase "the ground which the LORD hath cursed" highlights the lasting and pervasive effect of sin on creation. Humanity's "work and toil" is directly linked to this curse, emphasizing the brokenness of the world.
  • Divine Providence and Foresight: While Lamech's immediate understanding of "comfort" might have been limited, Noah indeed brought a new beginning after the subsequent great flood, paving the way for a renewed relationship between God and humanity and a promise concerning the stability of the earth (Genesis 8:21-22).

Linguistic Insights

  • Noah (ื ึนื—ึท - Noach): The name "Noah" is a wordplay on the Hebrew verb nuach (ื ื•ึผื—ึท), which means "to rest," "to settle," or "to comfort." Lamech's prophecy connects Noah's identity directly to the concept of rest and relief from suffering.
  • Cursed (ืึธืจึทืจ - 'arar): This strong Hebrew word denotes a severe, binding curse that brings about negative consequences and often involves separation or deprivation. It underscores the gravity of the judgment placed on the ground.
  • Work and Toil (ืขึดืฆึผึธื‘ื•ึนืŸ - 'ittsabown): This term signifies pain, sorrow, or burdensome labor, reinforcing the difficulty and weariness associated with their daily existence.

Practical Application

Genesis 5:29 offers a timeless message of hope in the face of adversity. It reminds us that even when life is filled with "work and toil" due to the consequences of a fallen world, there is always room for divine comfort and the expectation of future relief. Just as Noah brought a new beginning and a form of rest to his generation, God often provides comfort and deliverance through unexpected means and people. This verse encourages us to look beyond immediate struggles to God's larger plan of redemption and renewal, trusting that He can bring comfort and rest even from the most challenging circumstances.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 24:37 (5 votes)

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

  • Hebrews 11:7 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • Ezekiel 14:20 (4 votes)

    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.