Genesis 5:32

KJV

And Noah was five hundred years old: and Noah begat Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Noah {H5146} was five {H2568} hundred {H3967} years {H8141} old {H1121}: and Noah {H5146} begat {H3205} Shem {H8035}, Ham {H2526}, and Japheth {H3315}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Noach was 500 years old; and Noach fathered Shem, Ham and Yefet.

Berean Standard Bible

After Noah was 500 years old, he became the father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

American Standard Version

And Noah was five hundred years old: and Noah begat Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 5:32 marks a critical juncture in the biblical narrative, revealing Noah's age of five hundred years and the birth of his three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. This verse concludes the lengthy antediluvian genealogy of Genesis 5, serving as a divinely appointed chronological marker that signals the imminent global judgment of the Flood and highlights God's meticulous preparation for the preservation and re-establishment of humanity through this chosen family. It underscores the precise timing of God's redemptive plan amidst escalating human corruption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 5:32 serves as the culminating verse of [Genesis chapter 5](/genesis/5 "The Generations from Adam to Noah"), a meticulously structured genealogical record that traces the lineage from Adam, through Seth, down to Noah. This chapter is characterized by its repetitive formula ("lived X years and begat Y... and all the days of Z were A years, and he died"), emphasizing the mortality of humanity while simultaneously highlighting the continuity of the promised seed. The introduction of Noah's sons at the chapter's close shifts the narrative's focus from the long, dying line of Adam to the family through whom God's redemptive purposes would be carried forward. It immediately precedes the stark description of pervasive human wickedness in [Genesis 6:1-8](/genesis/6-1-8 "The Corruption of Humankind and God's Grief"), setting the stage for the divine judgment of the Flood.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The antediluvian period, as depicted in Genesis 5, portrays an era of extraordinary longevity, where human lifespans extended for centuries. This longevity allowed for significant population growth and, unfortunately, the widespread proliferation of sin, as described in [Genesis 6:5](/genesis/6-5 "God saw that the wickedness of man was great"). Genealogies in the ancient Near East were not merely dry lists of names but served crucial functions: establishing lineage, validating claims to land or authority, and preserving historical memory. In the biblical context, this genealogy underscores God's faithfulness in preserving a righteous line, even as the world descended into chaos. The mention of Noah's age at the birth of his sons, specifically 500 years, is a precise chronological detail that situates this family's emergence within the broader timeline leading up to the Flood, which would commence when Noah was 600 years old, as noted in [Genesis 7:6](/genesis/7-6 "Noah's age at the Flood").
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Timing**, demonstrating God's meticulous orchestration of human history, even down to the timing of births, to fulfill His redemptive purposes. The introduction of Noah's family underscores the theme of the **Preservation of a Remnant**, where God, amidst widespread corruption, faithfully preserves a righteous line through whom His covenant promises will continue. Furthermore, the birth of these sons foreshadows **New Beginnings and Re-creation**, signaling that a new phase of human history is about to commence after the impending judgment, echoing the initial creation mandate found in [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "God's command to be fruitful and multiply"). Finally, the emphasis on "begat" and the specific naming of the sons reinforces the **Importance of Lineage** in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, a theme that will culminate in the lineage of the Messiah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Noah (Hebrew, _Nôach'_):** Derived from the Hebrew root meaning "rest" or "comfort." This name is profoundly significant, especially in light of [Genesis 5:29](/genesis/5-29 "Lamech's prophecy about Noah"), where Lamech prophesies that Noah "shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD hath cursed." Noah's name foreshadows his role as the one who brings a form of "rest" or relief to humanity through the preservation of life and the establishment of a new covenant after the Flood.
* **begat (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** A primitive root meaning "to bear young; causatively, to beget." This term is a foundational verb throughout Genesis 5, emphasizing the continuity of generations. Here, it signifies more than mere biological procreation; it denotes the establishment of a lineage, a direct and unbroken chain of descendants. In the context of Noah, it highlights the divine purpose in establishing the family through whom all future humanity would descend, ensuring the continuation of the human race and the redemptive line.
* **years old (Hebrew, _shâneh'_ and _bên'_):** "Shâneh" refers to a "year" as a revolution of time, while "bên" means "son" but is also used idiomatically to denote age (e.g., "son of X years"). The precise mention of Noah being "five hundred years old" is a crucial chronological marker. It indicates that the birth of his sons occurred well in advance of the Flood (which commenced when Noah was 600), signifying God's deliberate and patient preparation for the impending judgment. This timing ensures that the family unit essential for humanity's preservation was mature and ready for the monumental task ahead.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Noah was five hundred years old:"** This clause provides a precise chronological anchor, establishing Noah's age at a significant milestone. It highlights the vast lifespans of the antediluvian patriarchs and serves as a divine timestamp. This age is not arbitrary but points to God's deliberate timing in the unfolding of His plan, indicating that the period leading up to the Flood was characterized by divine patience and preparation.
* **"and Noah begat Shem, Ham, and Japheth."** This clause introduces the three pivotal figures through whom all post-Flood humanity would descend. The act of "begetting" here emphasizes the establishment of a complete and divinely ordained family unit. These sons are not merely individuals but represent the entirety of future nations, setting the stage for the repopulation of the earth and the subsequent "Table of Nations" in [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "The Table of Nations"). Their introduction signifies the completion of the chosen family through whom God's redemptive purposes would be carried forward.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Genesis 5:32, and indeed throughout [Genesis chapter 5](/genesis/5 "The Generations from Adam to Noah"), is **Genealogy**. This structured list of generations serves as a crucial framework for the biblical narrative, tracing the lineage from Adam to Noah and emphasizing the continuity of the human race despite the pervasive sin and mortality. The verse also functions as a **Chronological Marker**, with the specific mention of Noah's age providing a precise timestamp that anchors the narrative within a divine timeline, indicating God's purposeful progression of history. Furthermore, the introduction of Noah's sons acts as **Anticipation** and **Foreshadowing**, subtly preparing the reader for the impending Flood narrative by identifying the specific family through whom humanity will be preserved and a new beginning initiated.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 5:32, while brief, is rich with theological significance. It underscores God's meticulous and sovereign control over history, demonstrating His patience and providential care even in the face of escalating human wickedness. The birth of Noah's sons at this specific juncture reveals God's deliberate preparation for the preservation of humanity, ensuring that a righteous remnant would survive the impending judgment. This act of divine foresight highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan, which moves forward through chosen individuals and families, even when the broader world is in rebellion. It is a testament to God's faithfulness to His creation and His unwavering commitment to His purposes, foreshadowing the new covenant and the re-establishment of a relationship with humanity after the cleansing judgment.

* [Genesis 6:7-8](/genesis/6-7-8 "God's Grief and Noah's Favor"): Demonstrates God's sorrow over humanity's wickedness but also His grace in finding favor with Noah, leading to the preservation of his family.
* [Isaiah 1:9](/isaiah/1-9 "A Small Remnant Left by the Lord"): Illustrates the consistent biblical theme of God preserving a remnant, a principle seen in Noah's family, through whom His promises and purposes are carried forward.
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"): Emphasizes the crucial biblical theme of lineage, showing how God works through specific family lines to bring about His ultimate redemptive plan, culminating in Christ.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly simple verse offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that even in times of widespread moral decay and global uncertainty, God remains sovereign, actively working behind the scenes to fulfill His purposes. Noah's life, marked by the birth of his sons at a divinely appointed time, teaches us the importance of patient obedience and faithfulness to God's call, even when the future is unclear. We are called to trust in God's perfect timing, recognizing that He often prepares for significant redemptive acts long before they manifest. Like Noah, we are to be stewards of the spiritual heritage entrusted to us, raising families and nurturing communities that reflect God's design, knowing that our faithfulness, however small, can play a part in His grand narrative of salvation and renewal. This verse offers hope for new beginnings, reminding us that even after periods of great trial or judgment, God is always at work to bring about restoration and a fresh start.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precise timing of Noah's sons' birth at age 500 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's sovereignty and patience in history?**
* **In what ways can your family or community embody the principle of being a "remnant" that God uses for His purposes in a world that often seems to be spiraling into corruption?**
* **What "new beginnings" or acts of "re-creation" might God be preparing for in your life or in the world around you, even if they are not yet fully visible?**

### FAQ
**Why is Noah's age (500 years) specifically mentioned here?**

Answer: The mention of Noah's age is a crucial chronological marker within the biblical narrative. It precisely anchors the birth of his sons within the timeline leading up to the Flood. This detail highlights God's deliberate preparation and timing, as the Flood would commence when Noah was 600 years old, as stated in [Genesis 7:6](/genesis/7-6 "Noah's age at the Flood"). By introducing his sons at 500, the text emphasizes that the family unit essential for humanity's preservation was established and mature, ready to participate in the building of the ark and ensure the continuation of life after the impending global judgment.

**Why are only three sons named, and what is their significance?**

Answer: Only Shem, Ham, and Japheth are named because they are the three progenitors of all post-Flood humanity. They represent the three major branches from which all nations and peoples would descend, as meticulously detailed in the [Table of Nations in Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "The Table of Nations"). Their specific roles and destinies, including the prophetic blessings and curses pronounced by Noah, are further elaborated in [Genesis chapter 9](/genesis/9 "Noah's Covenant and Prophecies"), solidifying their foundational significance for the entire human race.

**How does this verse relate to the impending Flood?**

Answer: This verse is a vital precursor to the Flood narrative. It sets the stage by introducing the specific family through whom God would preserve a remnant of humanity from the global catastrophe. The birth of Noah's sons signifies that the chosen family unit was complete and mature enough to assist Noah in the monumental task of building the ark and, crucially, to ensure the repopulation of the earth after the Flood. It underscores God's providential care and His meticulous planning for the future of His creation, even in the face of widespread wickedness described in [Genesis 6:5-8](/genesis/6-5-8 "God's grief and decision for the Flood").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 5:32, by introducing the lineage through which humanity would be preserved, indirectly but profoundly points to Christ. Noah, as the "new Adam" through whom humanity is re-established after a cataclysmic judgment, serves as a powerful type of Christ, who is the ultimate "last Adam" ([1 Corinthians 15:45](/1_corinthians/15-45 "Christ as the Last Adam")). Just as Noah's family was divinely chosen to survive a world-ending judgment and bring forth a new beginning, so Christ, through His death and resurrection, inaugurates a new creation, offering salvation and new life to all who are in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "New Creation in Christ")). The preservation of Shem's line is particularly significant, as it is through Shem that Abraham and ultimately the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would descend, as meticulously traced in [Luke 3:36](/luke/3-36 "Shem's Lineage to Christ"). Thus, this verse quietly affirms God's unwavering commitment to the redemptive line that would ultimately bring forth the promised "seed of the woman" ([Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "The Protoevangelium")), who fulfills the need for a perfect deliverer and establishes a new and better covenant for all humanity ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")).

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 6:10

And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

Genesis 10:21

¶ Unto Shem also, the father of all the children of Eber, the brother of Japheth the elder, even to him were [children] born.

Genesis 9:22

And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without.

Genesis 9:27

God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant.

Genesis 10:32

These [are] the families of the sons of Noah, after their generations, in their nations: and by these were the nations divided in the earth after the flood.

1 Chronicles 1:4

Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

1 Chronicles 1:28

¶ The sons of Abraham; Isaac, and Ishmael.