Genesis 5:3

KJV

And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat [a son] in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Adam {H121} lived {H2421} an hundred {H3967} and thirty {H7970} years {H8141}, and begat {H3205} a son in his own likeness {H1823}, after his image {H6754}; and called {H7121} his name {H8034} Seth {H8352}:

Complete Jewish Bible

After Adam lived 130 years he fathered a son like himself and named him Shet.

Berean Standard Bible

When Adam was 130 years old, he had a son in his own likeness, after his own image; and he named him Seth.

American Standard Version

And Adam lived a hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 5:3 records a pivotal moment in early human history: the birth of Seth to Adam at 130 years of age. This verse, initiating the "Book of the Generations of Adam," profoundly highlights the transmission of Adam's post-Fall image and likeness to his offspring. It signifies that humanity would henceforth bear the imprint of sin and mortality, yet it also subtly points to God's enduring plan for a redemptive lineage, even amidst the consequences of the Fall and the preceding tragedy of Cain and Abel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 5:3 serves as the opening verse of the "Book of the Generations of Adam" (Genesis 5:1), a significant genealogical record that meticulously traces the lineage from Adam to Noah. This section immediately follows the narrative of the Fall in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall of Humanity") and the tragic events of Cain's murder of Abel in [Genesis 4](/genesis/4 "Genesis 4 - Cain and Abel"). The birth of Seth is presented as a new beginning, a divinely appointed "replacement" for Abel, as Eve herself declares in [Genesis 4:25](/genesis/4-25 "Eve's Hope in Seth"). This genealogy, unlike the more narrative-driven chapters preceding it, provides a structural backbone for the early history of humanity, emphasizing continuity and the unfolding of God's purposes through specific individuals, setting the stage for the flood narrative and subsequent covenants.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, genealogies were not merely lists of names but served crucial functions, including establishing claims to land, demonstrating social status, preserving tribal identity, and, in a biblical context, tracing the lineage through which God's promises would be fulfilled. The meticulous recording of ages at the birth of the next generation and the total lifespan of each patriarch underscores the historical veracity and significance of these figures. The concept of "likeness" and "image" was deeply embedded in ancient thought, often associated with kingship or divine representation. While Adam was created in God's image, his begetting a son in *his own* image after the Fall carries profound theological weight, indicating a shift in the nature of humanity's inherited spiritual condition.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 5:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It reinforces the theme of **humanity's fallen state** and the **transmission of sin**, showing that Adam's rebellion had pervasive consequences for all his descendants, who would now inherit a nature prone to sin and mortality. Simultaneously, it introduces the theme of **God's enduring faithfulness and redemptive purpose**, as Seth's birth ensures the continuation of the human line through which the promised "seed" (as hinted in [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "The Protoevangelium in Genesis 3:15")) would eventually come. The meticulous **genealogy** itself highlights the historical continuity of God's plan, emphasizing that He works through specific individuals and families to bring about His ultimate purposes, culminating in the messianic line.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **likeness (Hebrew, _dᵉmûwth'_):** From the root `dāmah` meaning "to resemble," this word denotes similarity, resemblance, or a model. In [Genesis 1:26](/genesis/1-26 "God's Creation in His Image"), humanity is created in God's "likeness," implying a spiritual and moral resemblance. Here, it signifies that Seth shares the characteristics and nature of his father, Adam, particularly Adam's post-Fall, mortal, and sinful nature.
* **image (Hebrew, _tselem'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to shade," `tselem` refers to a phantom, a resemblance, or a representative figure. In [Genesis 1:26-27](/genesis/1-26-27 "Humanity Created in God's Image"), it describes humanity's unique status as God's representative on earth. In Genesis 5:3, the shift from God's image to Adam's image is crucial, indicating that Seth, and all subsequent humanity, would bear the "image" of fallen Adam, marked by sin and mortality, rather than the unblemished divine image.
* **begat (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** A primitive root meaning "to bear young" or "to beget," this term emphasizes the biological and genealogical continuity. In the context of Genesis 5, it underscores the direct transmission of physical and, more importantly, spiritual characteristics from parent to child. The use of this verb throughout the chapter highlights the process of human propagation and the unfolding of generations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years,"**: This clause establishes the timeframe, highlighting Adam's longevity in the antediluvian period and marking a significant passage of time since the Fall. The precise age underscores the historical nature of the genealogy, emphasizing that these are not mythical figures but historical individuals whose lives and generations are meticulously recorded.
* **"and begat [a son] in his own likeness, after his image;"**: This is the theological heart of the verse. It directly contrasts with [Genesis 1:26](/genesis/1-26 "God Creates Humanity in His Image"), where God created Adam in *His* image and likeness. Here, Adam, now fallen, begets a son who reflects *his* own fallen nature. This signifies that the effects of sin—mortality, spiritual alienation, and a propensity toward sin—are transmitted genetically and spiritually to all humanity, establishing the foundational concept of inherited sinfulness.
* **"and called his name Seth:"**: The naming of the son is significant. While [Genesis 4:25](/genesis/4-25 "Eve Names Seth") attributes the naming to Eve, who explains its meaning ("God has appointed another seed for me instead of Abel"), the mention here by Adam reinforces his paternal role and the formal recognition of this new descendant. The name "Seth" (Hebrew, _Sheth_) means "appointed" or "substituted," underscoring his role as a replacement for Abel and the continuation of the human line through which God's redemptive plan would proceed.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 5:3 employs several significant literary devices. **Contrast** is paramount, drawing a stark distinction between humanity's original creation in God's unblemished image ([Genesis 1:26-27](/genesis/1-26-27 "Humanity Created in God's Image")) and the subsequent begetting of offspring in Adam's fallen image. This contrast powerfully conveys the profound impact of the Fall on human nature. The repetition of "likeness" and "image" (Hebrew _dᵉmûwth_ and _tselem_) serves as a form of **reiteration and emphasis**, underscoring the theological point of inherited fallenness. Furthermore, the verse functions as an initiating element of a **genealogy**, a literary form that emphasizes historical continuity, divine faithfulness in preserving a lineage, and the unfolding of God's plan through specific individuals across generations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 5:3 is foundational for understanding the biblical doctrine of humanity's fallen nature and the transmission of sin. It reveals that Adam's rebellion had pervasive and enduring consequences, affecting not only himself but all his descendants, who would inherit a nature prone to sin and mortality. This verse implicitly sets the stage for the need for redemption, as humanity is now born into a state of spiritual brokenness and separation from God's original design. Despite this sobering reality, the birth of Seth also highlights God's unwavering faithfulness and His commitment to His redemptive plan, ensuring the continuation of a human lineage through which His promises would ultimately be fulfilled.

* [Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Sin Entered the World Through One Man"): This verse explicitly states that "sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned." Genesis 5:3 provides the narrative basis for this theological truth, showing the transmission of Adam's fallen nature.
* [Psalm 51:5](/psalms/51-5 "Born in Sin"): David's confession, "Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me," resonates with the reality presented in Genesis 5:3, acknowledging an inherent, inherited sinfulness from conception.
* [1 Corinthians 15:21-22](/1_corinthians/15-21-22 "Death Through Adam, Life Through Christ"): Paul's declaration that "since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive," directly connects the universal experience of death and sin to Adam's original act, as foreshadowed by the transmission of his image in Genesis 5:3.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 5:3 confronts us with the profound reality of our inherited spiritual condition. It reminds us that our inclination toward sin is not merely a matter of learned behavior but stems from a deep-seated, inherited nature passed down from Adam. This understanding should foster humility and a realistic assessment of our need for divine grace. Yet, this verse also offers a powerful testament to God's enduring faithfulness. Even in the immediate aftermath of humanity's catastrophic fall, God did not abandon His creation but meticulously preserved a lineage through which His redemptive purposes would unfold. This should inspire profound hope, reminding us that God's plan of salvation is ancient, purposeful, and unstoppable, ultimately pointing to the one who can truly restore us to His image.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the transmission of Adam's "likeness" and "image" in Genesis 5:3 shape your view of human nature and the pervasive reality of sin?**
* **In what ways does Seth's birth, despite being in Adam's fallen image, demonstrate God's continued faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan?**
* **Considering that we are born in Adam's image, how does this verse highlight our profound need for spiritual transformation and restoration in Christ?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Adam being 130 years old when Seth was born?**

Answer: The mention of Adam's age (130 years) at Seth's birth is significant for several reasons. First, it underscores the historical and chronological nature of the genealogical record, emphasizing that these are real individuals within a specific timeline. Second, it highlights the longevity of human life in the antediluvian period, a recurring theme in [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "The Generations of Adam"). Third, it marks a substantial passage of time since the Fall and the tragic events of Cain and Abel, establishing that Seth represents a new generation and a fresh start within the context of a fallen, mortal world.

**Why is it important that Seth was born "in his own likeness, after his image" instead of God's?**

Answer: This phrase is profoundly important because it marks a critical theological shift from the original creation account. In [Genesis 1:26-27](/genesis/1-26-27 "Humanity Created in God's Image"), Adam was created directly in God's perfect image and likeness, reflecting His divine nature. However, after the Fall in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "The Fall of Humanity"), Adam's nature became corrupted by sin, leading to mortality and spiritual alienation. When Seth is born "in his own likeness, after his image," it signifies that Adam transmitted his *fallen* nature—including the propensity to sin and the reality of death—to his offspring. This verse is foundational for understanding the doctrine of original sin and the universal impact of Adam's rebellion on all humanity.

**Does this verse teach "original sin"?**

Answer: While the term "original sin" is a theological construct developed later, Genesis 5:3 provides crucial biblical support for the concept. By stating that Seth was born in Adam's "likeness" and "image" *after* the Fall, it strongly implies that Adam's sin and its consequences (a corrupted nature, guilt, and mortality) were passed down to his descendants. This means that humanity is not born morally neutral but with an inherent inclination toward sin, a condition inherited from Adam. This understanding aligns with later biblical teachings, such as those found in [Romans 5:12-19](/romans/5-12-19 "Adam and Christ Contrasted").

**How does Seth's birth relate to the hope for a "seed" mentioned earlier in Genesis?**

Answer: Seth's birth is directly linked to the hope for a "seed" in two significant ways. First, Eve herself names him Seth, explaining in [Genesis 4:25](/genesis/4-25 "Eve's Hope in Seth") that "God has appointed another seed for me instead of Abel, since Cain killed him." This highlights Seth's immediate role as a replacement, ensuring the continuation of the human line. Second, and more broadly, Seth's lineage becomes the channel through which the promise of the "seed of the woman" from the protoevangelium in [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "The First Gospel Promise") would ultimately be fulfilled. This "seed" was prophesied to crush the serpent's head, laying the groundwork for the messianic line that would eventually lead to Jesus Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 5:3, by starkly contrasting humanity's fallen image inherited from Adam with the original divine image, profoundly underscores the necessity and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Where Adam transmitted a legacy of sin and mortality, leading to a universal fallen state (as detailed in [Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Sin and Death Through Adam")), Christ is presented as the "last Adam" ([1 Corinthians 15:45](/1_corinthians/15-45 "Jesus, the Last Adam")), who perfectly embodies the image of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Christ, the Image of God") and [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Christ's Radiance and Image")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection, Christ offers a new creation, enabling believers to be "renewed in knowledge after the image of their Creator" ([Colossians 3:10](/colossians/3-10 "Renewed in God's Image")) and to be conformed to the image of His Son ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Conformed to Christ's Image")). Thus, Genesis 5:3 implicitly points to the ultimate need for a divine Savior who can reverse the effects of the Fall and restore humanity to its intended, unblemished likeness to God.

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

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.

Luke 1:35

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Job 14:4

Who can bring a clean [thing] out of an unclean? not one.

John 3:6

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

1 Corinthians 15:39

All flesh [is] not the same flesh: but [there is] one [kind of] flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, [and] another of birds.

Psalms 51:5

Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

Psalms 14:2

The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, [and] seek God.