Genesis 5:3

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

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}:

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

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

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

Context

Genesis chapter 5 begins a significant genealogical record, tracing the lineage from Adam to Noah. This particular verse, Genesis 5:3, marks a crucial point following the dramatic events of the Fall of Man in Genesis 3 and the tragic murder of Abel by Cain in Genesis 4. After losing Abel, who was a righteous son, and Cain, who was banished, Seth is presented as a replacement, offering a renewed hope for a godly line (as hinted in Genesis 4:25). The verse establishes Adam's age at Seth's birth (130 years) and, most importantly, describes the nature of Seth's birth in relation to Adam.

Key Themes

  • The Transmission of Humanity's Fallen Nature: A central theme is the inheritance of Adam's fallen nature. While Adam was created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27), Seth is born "in his own likeness, after his image." This subtle but profound shift signifies that humanity, post-Fall, would now bear the imprint of sin and mortality passed down from Adam. It foreshadows the concept of original sin, where sin entered the world through one man.
  • Continuity Amidst Brokenness: Despite the profound brokenness introduced by sin and death, God's plan for humanity continues. The birth of Seth ensures the continuation of the human race and, significantly, the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come (Luke 3:38). This highlights God's faithfulness even when humanity fails.
  • Genealogical Foundation: This verse kicks off the first major patriarchal genealogy in the Bible, establishing a historical framework and demonstrating the longevity of early human life. Such meticulous records underscore the Bible's claim to historical accuracy and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through specific individuals and families.

Linguistic Insight

The phrases "in his own likeness" (בִּדְמוּתוֹ, bidmûthô) and "after his image" (כְּצַלְמוֹ, ketsalmô) are highly significant. These are the very same Hebrew words (demuth and tselem) used in Genesis 1:26 to describe humanity's creation in God's image. The repetition here, but with Adam as the model for Seth, emphasizes that Adam's fallen nature—marked by sin and mortality—is now the inherited condition of his offspring. This linguistic parallel powerfully conveys the impact of the Fall on all subsequent generations.

Practical Application

Understanding Genesis 5:3 offers profound insights for today:

  • It helps us grasp the reality of humanity's inherent sinfulness, not merely as a choice, but as a condition inherited from Adam. This explains why all people are prone to sin and fall short of God's glory.
  • This verse indirectly points to the necessity of redemption. Since all are born in Adam's fallen image, a divine intervention is required to restore humanity to God's original design. This sets the stage for the coming of Jesus Christ, who alone can make us new creations in God's true image.
  • It reminds us of God's enduring faithfulness. Even in the face of Adam's sin and its devastating consequences, God did not abandon humanity but continued to work through a chosen line, demonstrating His long-term plan for salvation.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

Cross-References

  • Genesis 4:25 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • John 3:6 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Corinthians 15:39 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Psalms 14:2 (2 votes)

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