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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Genesis 5:28–32. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here we have the first mention of Noah, of whom we shall read much in the following chapters. Observe,
I.His name, with the reason of it:
Noah signifies rest; his parents gave him that name, with a prospect of his being a more than ordinary blessing to his generation: This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the Lord hath cursed. Here is,
1.Lamech's complaint of the calamitous state of human life. By the entrance of sin, and the entail of the curse for sin, our condition has become very miserable: our whole life is spent in labour, and our time filled up with continual toil. God having cursed the ground, it is as much as some can do, with the utmost care and pains, to fetch a hard livelihood out of it. He speaks as one fatigued with the business of this life, and grudging that so many thoughts and precious minutes, which otherwise might have been much better employed, are unavoidably spent for the support of the body.
2.His comfortable hopes of some relief by the birth of this son: This same shall comfort us, which denotes not only the desire and expectation which parents generally have concerning their children (that, when they grow up, they will be comforts to them and helpers in their business, though they often prove otherwise), but an apprehension and prospect of something more. Very probably there were some prophecies that went before of him, as a person that should be wonderfully serviceable to his generation, which they so understood as to conclude that he was the promised seed, the Messiah that should come; and then it intimates that a covenant-interest in Christ as ours, and the believing expectation of his coming, furnish us with the best and surest comforts, both in reference to the wrath and curse of God which we have deserved and to the toils and troubles of this present time of which we are often complaining. "Is Christ ours? Is heaven ours? This same shall comfort us."
II.His children, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
These Noah begat (the eldest of these) when he was 500 years old. It should seem that Japheth was the eldest (Gen 10:21), but Shem is put first because on him the covenant was entailed, as appears by Gen 9:26, where God is called the Lord God of Shem. To him, it is probable, the birth-right was given, and from him, it is certain, both Christ the head, and the church the body, were to descend. Therefore he is called Shem, which signifies a name, because in his posterity the name of God should always remain, till he should come out of his loins whose name is above every name; so that in putting Shem first Christ was, in effect, put first, who in all things must have the pre-eminence.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
Adam lived for one hundred and thirty years, and he begot a son in his own likeness and image, and he named him Seth. Adam indeed was created in the likeness and image of God, because he was made immortal in both soul and body. However, after he corrupted the image and likeness of God in himself by sinning, he begot a son in his own likeness and image, that is, mortal, corruptible, capable of reason, bound by the guilt of his transgression, and to be freed only by the grace of his Creator. It should be noted that where our Codices, translated from the Hebrew source, say Adam lived for one hundred and thirty years and begot Seth, the ancient translation has, instead of one hundred and thirty, two hundred and thirty; where our Codices continue, "And the days of Adam after he begot Seth were eight hundred years, and he begot sons and daughters," that one has seven hundred instead of eight hundred. And where it concludes, "And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years, and he died," it places the same total, and such a distinction of numbers is preserved in all generations up to the flood between the two editions, so that before the birth of a son each one in the Septuagint is said to have had one hundred years more, and after the birth one hundred years less than in the Hebrew truth. But in the conclusion, both editions place an equal number; except only in the sixth generation; where in both Codices, Jared is found to have begotten Enoch at one hundred and sixty-two years, and after his birth to have lived eight hundred years: and in the ninth, where, according to the Hebrew truth, Lamech begot Noah when he was one hundred and eighty years old, and after he was born, he is found to have survived for five hundred and ninety-five years. However, in the Septuagint, the years before Noah was born are found to be one hundred and eighty-eight, and after he was born, five hundred sixty-five; thus it happens that Lamech is found to have lived twenty-four years longer in Hebrew than in the Septuagint Codices: by which difference of interpretations, it is made that the lifetime of Methuselah seems to extend fourteen years beyond the flood, and so the years before the flood according to the Hebrews are one thousand five hundred and fifty-six; according to the Septuagint, which the chronographers follow, two thousand two hundred and forty-two: although the most learned Augustine professes that even in the Septuagint translation, Methuselah is found in fewer but more accurate Codices to have died six years before the flood: who, when he most diligently investigated the cause of the aforementioned discord in interpretations, and did not wish to derogate from the faith of the Septuagint translators, whom the apostles and evangelists are proven to have followed in many places; and he himself believed they used more a prophetic gift than the office of interpretation in translating the Scriptures; he concluded in this way, saying: "Therefore it is more credible for someone to say that when these first began to be copied from the library of Ptolemy; at that time, something like this could have happened in one Codex, but first copied from there, from which it spread more widely, where indeed the error of the scribe could have happened. However, it is not absurd to suspect this in that question about the life of Methuselah." And after some: "I would not doubt at all that it is rightly done, he says, when something different is found in both Codices, since both cannot be according to the faith of the transactions, that the truth be believed rather to the language from which it is translated into another by interpreters." Therefore, according to Hebrew truth, Adam lived one hundred and thirty years and begot Seth. Seth lived one hundred and five years and begot Enos. Enos lived ninety years and begot Cainan. Cainan lived eighty years and begot Mahalalel. Mahalalel lived sixty-five years and begot Jared. Jared lived one hundred and sixty-two years and begot Enoch.
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Summary
Genesis 5:30 concludes the biographical entry for Lamech, Noah's father, by specifying that he lived an additional 595 years after Noah's birth and continued to have other children. This verse, embedded within a crucial genealogy, highlights the remarkable longevity of the antediluvian patriarchs and underscores God's unwavering preservation of the human lineage, particularly the messianic line, amidst the unfolding history of humanity under the curse.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated within Genesis 5, often referred to as "the book of the generations of Adam" (compare Genesis 5:1). This chapter meticulously traces the lineage from Adam to Noah, providing a chronological backbone for early biblical history. Genesis 5:30 immediately follows the birth announcement of Noah in Genesis 5:29, where Lamech expresses a profound hope that Noah would bring "rest" from the toil and curse upon the ground. Verse 30 then completes Lamech's biographical entry, noting his long post-Noah life and the expansion of his family, thereby setting the stage for the narrative of the great flood that begins in Genesis 6:5.
Historical & Cultural Context
The antediluvian period, prior to the great flood, is characterized in Genesis by extraordinary human longevity, a stark contrast to post-Flood lifespans. This extended lifespan meant that early generations often overlapped for centuries, allowing for direct transmission of knowledge, oral traditions, and even eyewitness accounts of pre-Fall conditions and God's earliest dealings with humanity. Culturally, the emphasis on "begat sons and daughters" highlights the patriarchal structure and the paramount importance of family lineage and procreation, not only for societal continuity but also for the fulfillment of God's command to "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:28) and the preservation of the promised "seed" (Genesis 3:15). The recording of precise ages and generations was crucial for establishing tribal identity, inheritance rights, and, most significantly, the unbroken chain leading to the promised Redeemer.
Key Themes
Genesis 5, as a whole, underscores several profound themes. Firstly, it highlights the Longevity of Early Humanity, painting a picture of a world where lifespans far exceeded those of later eras, perhaps indicating a different physiological and environmental reality before the Flood. Secondly, the chapter emphasizes God's Faithfulness in Preserving the Human Lineage, particularly the line through which the promised deliverer would come, despite the pervasive effects of the Fall. Each "begat" signifies the continuity of God's redemptive plan. Thirdly, the chapter subtly introduces the theme of Humanity's Toil Under the Curse and the Hope for Rest, most poignantly articulated in Lamech's prophecy concerning Noah in Genesis 5:29. This longing for relief from the curse of the ground, first pronounced in Genesis 3:17-19, sets the stage for Noah's role and foreshadows the ultimate rest found in Christ. Finally, the meticulous recording of generations serves as a Preparation for Divine Judgment, building the historical framework that leads directly into the narrative of the great flood in Genesis 6, demonstrating God's patient long-suffering before judgment.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From a primitive root meaning "to live," literally or figuratively. It can also mean to "revive," "preserve alive," or "quicken." In Genesis 5:30, it denotes the continuation of Lamech's physical existence for an extended period after Noah's birth, emphasizing the remarkable longevity characteristic of the antediluvian patriarchs.
A primitive root meaning "to bear young," or causatively, "to beget." It encompasses the act of bringing forth children, emphasizing the direct and continuous lineage. Its repeated use throughout Genesis 5 highlights the fulfillment of God's command to "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:28) and the divine preservation of the human family tree.
These terms, derived from the root meaning "to build" (referring to building the family name), denote male and female offspring. Their inclusion signifies the ongoing expansion of Lamech's family beyond Noah, reinforcing the theme of continued human procreation and the perpetuation of generations, which is vital for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan and the eventual arrival of the promised "seed."
Verse Breakdown
"And Lamech lived after he begat Noah five hundred ninety and five years"
This clause specifies the duration of Lamech's life after Noah's birth, adding 595 years to his age at Noah's birth (182 years, from Genesis 5:28). This precise detail, typical of the Genesis genealogies, underscores the remarkable longevity of the antediluvian patriarchs and the vast stretches of time over which God's plan unfolded. It highlights the continuity of human history and the patient endurance of God's purposes.
"and begat sons and daughters"
This phrase, a recurring refrain in Genesis 5, signifies the ongoing fulfillment of God's original command to humanity to "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:28). It indicates that Lamech's procreative activity continued beyond the birth of his most prominent son, Noah, ensuring the expansion of the human population and the perpetuation of the family line. The inclusion of both "sons and daughters" emphasizes the complete and natural continuation of human generations, vital for the preservation of the lineage leading to the Messiah.
Literary Devices
The entire chapter, and this verse within it, serves as a meticulous Genealogy or Chronicle, systematically recording the lineage from Adam to Noah. This device establishes historical continuity, emphasizes the passage of time, and underscores the divine intention behind the preservation of a specific human line. The precise numerical details of lifespans and ages at procreation lend an air of historical accuracy and verifiability to the narrative. Furthermore, the repetitive phrase "and begat sons and daughters" functions as a Refrain or Repetition, reinforcing the theme of ongoing procreation and the perpetuation of humanity despite the Fall. This repetition creates a rhythmic structure that highlights the continuity of life and God's faithfulness in sustaining the human race, serving as a backdrop to the unfolding of His redemptive plan. The inclusion of specific numbers also serves as Symbolism for divine order and precision in the unfolding of history.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Genesis 5:30, while seemingly a simple historical record, is rich with theological significance. It affirms God's Divine Sovereignty over human history, meticulously orchestrating the unfolding of generations to fulfill His ultimate purposes. The continuity of Lamech's life and procreation, even after Noah's birth, underscores the Preservation of the Messianic Line, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness in maintaining the lineage through which the promised "seed" would ultimately come. Furthermore, the extraordinary longevity of the antediluvian patriarchs, including Lamech, speaks to God's immense Patience and Longsuffering with a world increasingly steeped in sin, providing ample opportunity for repentance before the impending judgment. This verse, therefore, is not merely a demographic detail but a testament to God's active involvement in the unfolding drama of redemption, ensuring the continuity of humanity for His redemptive plan.
Reflection and Application
Genesis 5:30, though a brief biographical note, invites profound reflection on God's enduring faithfulness and the vast sweep of His redemptive plan. It challenges us to look beyond the immediate and recognize that God's purposes unfold patiently across generations, often through the seemingly ordinary details of family life and human lineage. This verse subtly encourages us to trust in God's long-term vision, even when His work seems slow or imperceptible in our own lifetimes. It reminds us that we are part of a much larger story, a continuous narrative of God's interaction with humanity, culminating in Christ. Our lives, like Lamech's, contribute to this grand tapestry, and we are called to live faithfully within the generation God has placed us, knowing that He is sovereign over all time and all people.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are these genealogies so detailed in Genesis?
The detailed genealogies in Genesis, including the one in Genesis 5, serve multiple crucial purposes. They establish the historical accuracy and continuity of the biblical narrative, demonstrating that God's redemptive plan is rooted in real events and real people. They also underscore God's faithfulness in preserving the human race and, more specifically, the particular lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come, as seen in the progression from Adam to Noah and beyond. Furthermore, they highlight the extraordinary longevity of early humanity, contrasting the pre-Flood world with later eras and emphasizing the vast span of time over which God patiently worked out His purposes.
What is the significance of Lamech living so long after Noah's birth?
Lamech's prolonged life after Noah's birth, like the remarkable longevity of other patriarchs recorded in Genesis 5, emphasizes the unique physiological and environmental conditions of the pre-Flood world. The extended lifespans allowed for direct transmission of knowledge and traditions across many generations, preserving the memory of God's earliest dealings with humanity. Theologically, it highlights the immense patience and long-suffering of God before the impending judgment of the flood, providing ample time for repentance. It also reinforces the continuity of human history and the slow, deliberate unfolding of God's redemptive plan over vast periods.
Does "begat sons and daughters" imply anything specific beyond procreation?
While primarily indicating natural procreation, this recurring phrase, particularly within the Genesis genealogies, carries significant theological weight beyond mere demographic detail. It emphasizes the ongoing fulfillment of God's original command to humanity to "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:28), ensuring the perpetuation of the human race despite the Fall. More profoundly, it signifies the divine preservation of the specific lineage through which God's redemptive plan, culminating in the promised "seed" (Genesis 3:15), would unfold. Thus, it underscores the importance of family and lineage as instruments in God's overarching design for salvation.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Genesis 5:30, situated within the meticulously recorded genealogy from Adam to Noah, serves as a vital thread in the Christ-centered narrative of Scripture. The continuity of Lamech's life and the ongoing procreation of "sons and daughters" directly contribute to the preservation of the very lineage through which the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would ultimately come. This unbroken chain of generations, from Adam through Noah and beyond, culminates in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded in the New Testament, affirming His historical rootedness and divine appointment. Furthermore, Lamech's prophetic hope for Noah in the preceding verse (Genesis 5:29), that he would bring "rest" from the toil and curse upon the ground, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus. Christ is the true Noah, the one who delivers humanity from the curse of sin and the wearying toil it brings (Galatians 3:13). Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Jesus offers genuine spiritual rest to all who believe, fulfilling the deepest longings of humanity for relief from the burden of sin and a return to peace with God (Matthew 11:28-30; Hebrews 4:9-10). Thus, this ancient genealogical detail quietly points forward to the coming of the one who would bring ultimate rest and redemption to a groaning creation.