Genesis 5:5

KJV

And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the days {H3117} that Adam {H121} lived {H2425} were nine {H8672} hundred {H3967}{H8141} and thirty {H7970} years {H8141}: and he died {H4191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In all, Adam lived 930 years, and then he died.

Berean Standard Bible

So Adam lived a total of 930 years, and then he died.

American Standard Version

And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 5:5 meticulously records the conclusion of Adam’s earthly sojourn, specifying his death at the advanced age of 930 years. This concise yet profound statement serves as a foundational testament to the immediate and enduring consequences of humanity's fall, marking the definitive entry of mortality into the human experience and powerfully underscoring the unwavering truthfulness of God’s word concerning the penalty for disobedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 5:5 serves as the culminating statement in the biographical summary of Adam within the "book of the generations of Adam" ([Genesis 5:1](/genesis/5-1 "Genesis 5:1 - The Book of the Generations of Adam")). This chapter initiates a crucial genealogical record, meticulously tracing the lineage from Adam through Seth to Noah. Each patriarch's entry follows a consistent formula: age at fathering a son, years lived after that birth, and then the definitive pronouncement, "and he died." Adam's account, therefore, sets the structural and thematic pattern for the subsequent descriptions of death that punctuate the lives of the antediluvian patriarchs, emphasizing the pervasive reality of mortality. The chapter functions as a bridge between the initial creation and fall narratives and the unfolding story of humanity leading up to the Flood.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Genealogies were vital in ancient Near Eastern societies, serving not merely as records of lineage but also as affirmations of identity, claims to land, and expressions of divine blessing or judgment. The extraordinary lifespans recorded in Genesis 5, including Adam's 930 years, are unique within ancient literature and stand in stark contrast to later biblical and historical accounts. While the precise mechanisms behind such longevity are debated, these figures likely convey a sense of humanity's original vitality and proximity to God's pristine creation, prior to the full degenerative effects of the Fall. The consistent recording of death, however, would have resonated with ancient audiences as the ultimate, inescapable consequence of a fallen world, a stark reminder of the fragile nature of human existence in the face of divine decree.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **mortality as a consequence of sin**, directly fulfilling God's warning in Eden that "in the day that you eat from it, you will surely die" ([Genesis 2:17](/genesis/2-17 "Genesis 2:17 - God's Warning to Adam")). It underscores the **gravity and universality of sin's impact**, demonstrating that death is not a natural part of God's original design but an introduced penalty. Furthermore, the longevity, even in death, hints at the **resilience and initial vitality of God's creation**, even after the Fall. The repetitive nature of the death pronouncement throughout [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Generations from Adam to Noah") also highlights the **inescapable reality of God's judgment** and the shared fate of all humanity under the curse.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Adam (Hebrew, _ʼÂdâm'_):** This term (H121) refers to the name of the first man, as well as humanity in general. In this verse, it specifically denotes the individual Adam, the progenitor of all humankind, whose life and death bear immense theological weight for the entire human race. His personal demise is thus a foundational event for understanding human mortality.
* **lived (Hebrew, _châyay'_):** Derived from H2425, this primitive root signifies "to live" or "to revive." In the context of Genesis 5:5, it describes Adam's physical existence and vitality over an extended period, emphasizing the extraordinary duration of his life before the inevitable cessation. The verb highlights the active state of being alive, making the subsequent "died" all the more impactful.
* **days (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** This word (H3117) refers to a day, either literal (sunrise to sunset) or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated term). In this verse, "all the days" refers to the entire span of Adam's life, emphasizing the totality of his existence measured in years. It underscores the finite nature of even a very long life.
* **died (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** From the primitive root H4191, this word means "to die" (literally or figuratively) or "to kill." Its blunt usage here signifies the physical cessation of life, the ultimate and irreversible consequence of sin. It marks the fulfillment of God's warning in Eden and establishes death as the universal fate for all humanity following the Fall.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the days that Adam lived":** This initial clause sets the stage by focusing on the entirety of Adam's existence. The phrase "all the days" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the record, encompassing his full lifespan from birth until death. It highlights the remarkable longevity of the first man, a testament to the original vitality of humanity before the full degenerative effects of the Fall took hold.
* **"were nine hundred and thirty years":** This specific numerical detail provides the exact duration of Adam's life. The mention of 930 years underscores the extraordinary longevity of the antediluvian patriarchs, contrasting sharply with later human lifespans. This extended period allowed for the early propagation of humanity, but it also served to delay, though not avert, the ultimate consequence of sin.
* **"and he died":** This terse, climactic phrase is the theological linchpin of the verse. It is the stark, undeniable fulfillment of God's warning in Eden ("you will surely die" [Genesis 2:17](/genesis/2-17 "Genesis 2:17 - God's Warning to Adam")). Despite his immense age, Adam could not escape the universal consequence of sin. This phrase marks the entry of physical death into human history, establishing mortality as an inescapable reality for all his descendants.

#### Literary Devices
The brevity and starkness of Genesis 5:5, particularly its concluding phrase, employ several powerful literary devices. **Repetition** is a key feature throughout [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Generations from Adam to Noah"), where the refrain "and he died" punctuates the life story of each patriarch. This relentless repetition creates a somber, rhythmic emphasis on the universality and inevitability of mortality, reinforcing the pervasive consequence of the Fall. The verse also utilizes **Juxtaposition** by placing Adam's extraordinary longevity (930 years) directly before the blunt declaration of his death. This contrast highlights that even immense vitality cannot ultimately escape the judgment pronounced by God. Furthermore, the phrase "and he died" functions as a form of **Fulfillment**, directly echoing God's warning in [Genesis 2:17](/genesis/2-17 "Genesis 2:17 - God's Warning to Adam"), demonstrating the absolute truthfulness and certainty of divine decree. The entire verse, through its concise nature, serves as a powerful **Symbolism** of humanity's fallen state and its shared destiny under the curse of sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Adam's death in Genesis 5:5 is a foundational theological statement, confirming that mortality is the universal and inescapable consequence of sin for all humanity. It underscores the profound and lasting impact of humanity's rebellion against God, demonstrating that death was not part of God's original perfect design but became the direct penalty for disobedience. This verse also powerfully affirms God's absolute truthfulness and faithfulness; His warning, delivered centuries earlier, was ultimately fulfilled, demonstrating the reliability of His word whether in judgment or in promise. The degenerative effects of the Fall, though not immediately obvious in Adam's longevity, are set in motion here, leading to the progressively shorter lifespans recorded in subsequent generations and ultimately pointing to the need for a divine intervention.

* [Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin and Death Through Adam"): "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned—"
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin"): "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
* [Hebrews 9:27](/hebrews/9-27 "Appointed to Die Once"): "Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Adam's death serves as a sobering and inescapable mirror, reflecting the ultimate reality of our own mortality. It compels us to confront the brevity of earthly life and the profound, enduring consequences of humanity's rebellion against God. This verse challenges us to move beyond a superficial understanding of life and death, prompting deep introspection about our spiritual state and the ultimate hope we possess beyond this fallen existence. It reminds us that no matter how long we live, physical death remains a certainty for all. Therefore, our focus must shift from accumulating earthly years to securing eternal life through reconciliation with our Creator. This ancient record beckons us to consider what truly endures and where our ultimate hope lies, pointing us toward the One who has conquered death and offers life everlasting.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Adam's death, despite his longevity, underscore the seriousness of sin in your own understanding?**
* **In what ways does the certainty of death, as highlighted in this verse, influence your priorities and how you live your life today?**
* **How does reflecting on Adam's mortality deepen your appreciation for the hope of eternal life offered through faith?**

### FAQ
**Why did Adam live so long, yet the Bible says he would die "in the day" he ate from the tree?**

Answer: The phrase "in the day" (Hebrew: *beyom*) can refer to an indeterminate period, a specific point in time, or a process that begins immediately. While Adam did not physically die on the very day of his transgression, he experienced spiritual death immediately, marked by a profound separation from God and the commencement of physical decay. This process culminated in his physical death 930 years later. This demonstrates God's immediate judgment on sin while also showcasing His mercy in delaying the ultimate physical consequence, allowing Adam and Eve to begin the human race. The spiritual death was instantaneous, the physical death was a delayed but certain consequence, as seen in [Genesis 2:17](/genesis/2-17 "Genesis 2:17 - God's Warning to Adam").

**Does Adam's long life suggest different environmental conditions or human biology in the past?**

Answer: The extraordinary lifespans of the antediluvian patriarchs, including Adam, are a subject of theological and scientific discussion. Many interpretations suggest that these extended ages could be attributed to a combination of factors. These might include potentially different atmospheric or environmental conditions before the Flood (e.g., a pre-Flood canopy that filtered harmful radiation), and a more robust human genetic constitution closer to God's original perfect design. Before the full degenerative effects of sin and the curse took hold over millennia, humanity may have possessed a greater inherent vitality, allowing for such prolonged existence. The Bible does not explicitly detail the mechanisms, but the record stands as a testament to a different era of human history.

**Why is the phrase "and he died" repeated so many times in Genesis 5?**

Answer: The repetitive refrain "and he died" creates a powerful literary and theological rhythm throughout [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Generations from Adam to Noah"). Its purpose is multifaceted: it serves to emphasize the universal and inescapable reality of mortality for every descendant of Adam, reinforcing the pervasive consequence of the Fall introduced in this very verse. This repetition underscores the grim truth that despite varying lifespans, death is the common denominator for all humanity. It highlights the severity of sin's impact and the relentless march of time towards a shared, terminal fate, thereby setting the stage for the desperate need for a deliverer from death.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Adam's death in Genesis 5:5 profoundly highlights humanity's desperate need for a deliverer from the dominion of sin and its ultimate consequence. As the first Adam brought sin and death into the world, his demise foreshadows the necessity of a "second Adam" who would reverse this curse. Jesus Christ, the perfect Son of God, is this second Adam. Unlike the first Adam, who succumbed to death as a consequence of his disobedience, Jesus voluntarily entered death on the cross, not as a penalty for His own sin, but as a substitutionary sacrifice to bear the sins of humanity. His glorious resurrection from the grave decisively [conquered death and offers eternal life](/1_corinthians/15-21-22 "1 Corinthians 15:21-22 - Christ's Victory Over Death") to all who believe. Through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, Christ provides the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise of redemption, offering a path for believers to [receive abundant life and reign with Him](/romans/5-17 "Romans 5:17 - Reigning in Life Through Christ") in righteousness, thereby overcoming the very curse that Adam's death so starkly represented.

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 5:11

And all the days of Enos were nine hundred and five years: and he died.

Genesis 5:8

And all the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years: and he died.

2 Samuel 14:14

For we must needs die, and [are] as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect [any] person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him.

Genesis 3:19

In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou [art], and unto dust shalt thou return.

1 Corinthians 15:21

For since by man [came] death, by man [came] also the resurrection of the dead.

1 Corinthians 15:22

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

Ezekiel 18:4

Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.