of Hebrew origin (שֵׁת); Seth (i.e. Sheth), a patriarch:--Seth.
Transliteration:Sḗth
Pronunciation:sayth
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma Σήθ (Sḗth), transliterated as Sḗth, is a proper noun derived directly from the Hebrew name שֵׁת (Sheth), Strong's number `{{H8352}}`. The Hebrew root of שֵׁת (Sheth) is linked to the verb שִׁית (shith), meaning "to put," "to place," "to appoint," or "to substitute." This etymology is explicitly stated by Eve in [[Genesis 4:25]] when she names her son, declaring, "God has appointed another seed for me instead of Abel, because Cain killed him." Thus, the core meaning of Seth's name is "Appointed" or "Substituted." As a proper noun, its semantic range is restricted to the individual patriarch, but the significance of his name carries profound theological weight, indicating divine provision and continuity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Σήθ (Sḗth) occurs in the New Testament once in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded by Luke: "the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God" [[Luke 3:38]]. This single occurrence in the Greek New Testament directly links Seth to the lineage of the Messiah, emphasizing his crucial role in salvation history.
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew equivalent שֵׁת (Sheth) appears more frequently, primarily within genealogical contexts:
* **[[Genesis 4:25]]**: This is the foundational passage where Eve names him, explaining the meaning of his name as "appointed" by God as a replacement for Abel. This verse establishes Seth's significance immediately following the first murder.
* **[[Genesis 5:3]], [[Genesis 5:4]], [[Genesis 5:6]], [[Genesis 5:7]], [[Genesis 5:8]]**: Seth is central to the "generations of Adam" in Genesis 5, which meticulously traces the lineage from Adam through Seth to Noah. This genealogy is distinct from the line of Cain and is presented as the line through which humanity's future, and specifically God's redemptive plan, would continue. It details his age at the birth of Enosh, his subsequent lifespan, and his other children.
* **[[1 Chronicles 1:1]]**: Seth is listed in the opening genealogy of 1 Chronicles, which reiterates the foundational lineage from Adam, affirming his place in the historical record of God's people.
Contextually, Seth's birth marks a turning point after the tragedy of Abel's murder. He represents God's faithful provision and the continuation of the human race. The phrase in [[Genesis 4:26]], "Then men began to call on the name of the LORD," is directly associated with the era of Seth and his son Enosh, indicating a renewed or more public devotion to Yahweh among his descendants, distinguishing them from the ungodly line of Cain.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Hebrew original, שֵׁת (Sheth), `{{H8352}}`, from which Σήθ (Sḗth) is directly derived. This connection is vital for understanding the etymological significance of the name.
Conceptually, Seth is linked to several key biblical themes:
* **"Seed" (זרע, zera‘):** Eve's declaration of Seth as "another seed" ([[Genesis 4:25]]) connects him to the broader biblical concept of "seed" as offspring, particularly the promised "seed of the woman" in [[Genesis 3:15]] who would ultimately crush the serpent's head. Seth represents the continuation of this lineage.
* **Genealogy and Lineage:** Seth is a pivotal figure in the biblical genealogies, forming the unbroken link from Adam to Noah, and subsequently through Abraham to David and ultimately to Jesus Christ. This highlights the importance of covenantal continuity.
* **Replacement and Divine Provision:** His name, "Appointed" or "Substituted," underscores God's sovereign act of replacing Abel, demonstrating divine faithfulness and the preservation of humanity even amidst sin and death.
* **Calling on the Name of the LORD:** The association of Seth's era with the beginning of "calling on the name of the LORD" ([[Genesis 4:26]]) suggests a distinct group of worshippers who maintained a relationship with God, setting them apart from the ungodly. This forms the nascent distinction between the "sons of God" and the "daughters of men" seen later in [[Genesis 6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Σήθ (Sḗth) is profound, extending far beyond his individual existence:
* **Continuity of God's Redemptive Plan:** Seth's birth, divinely "appointed," ensures the continuation of the human race after the loss of Abel and, crucially, preserves the lineage through which the promised Messiah would come. He is a vital link in the unbroken chain of salvation history from Adam to Christ. God's faithfulness is evident in providing a new "seed" despite human sin and tragedy.
* **The Righteous Line:** The line of Seth is consistently portrayed as the "godly line," in contrast to the ungodly line of Cain. This distinction is foundational for understanding the trajectory of humanity in Genesis and the eventual necessity of the flood. Seth's descendants are those who "called on the name of the LORD," indicating a preservation of true worship and a spiritual heritage.
* **Messianic Ancestor:** His inclusion in the genealogies of both 1 Chronicles and Luke explicitly establishes him as a direct ancestor of Jesus Christ. This makes Seth not merely a historical figure, but a key component in the unfolding of God's ultimate plan of redemption through the Messiah. His presence in the Lukan genealogy ([[Luke 3:38]]) particularly emphasizes Jesus' connection to the entirety of humanity, tracing His lineage back to Adam, the "son of God," through Seth.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Hope:** In a world marred by sin and violence (Cain and Abel), Seth's birth signifies hope and God's unwavering sovereignty. God does not abandon His creation but actively intervenes to preserve the means of His redemptive purpose.
### Summary
Σήθ (Sḗth), from the Hebrew שֵׁת (Sheth), `{{H8352}}`, means "Appointed" or "Substituted." He is the third son of Adam and Eve, born as a divine replacement for Abel after his murder by Cain ([[Genesis 4:25]]). Seth is a pivotal figure in the biblical genealogies, particularly in Genesis 5, where he is presented as the progenitor of the "godly line" that would continue humanity and lead to Noah. His era is notably associated with a renewed practice of "calling on the name of the LORD" ([[Genesis 4:26]]), distinguishing his descendants as worshippers of Yahweh. Theologically, Seth's existence underscores God's faithfulness and sovereign provision in the face of sin and death, ensuring the continuity of the human race and, most significantly, preserving the lineage through which the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would ultimately come ([[Luke 3:38]]). He stands as a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan for humanity.
TRV