“And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth.”
This verse is part of the genealogy recorded in Genesis 5, which traces the descendants of Adam through Seth down to Noah. Let’s explore the significance of Genesis 5:3 and its broader context.
The passage indicates Adam’s age and the birth of his son: Adam lived for 130 years before he had a son named Seth. This is the third recorded son of Adam and Eve, following Cain and Abel. Seth would become an important figure in the biblical narrative as he played a significant role in continuing the godly line of descendants after Abel’s death.
The phrase “in his own likeness, after his image” suggests the continuation of the human race. Adam and Eve were created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27): While this phrase doesn’t imply a detailed physical resemblance, it signifies the transmission of the human nature, characteristics, and the divine image from one generation to the next.
The naming of Seth: Adam chose to name his son Seth. In the Bible, names often carried significant meanings or expressed the circumstances surrounding a person’s birth. The name Seth means “appointed” or “substituted,” indicating that he was seen as a replacement for Abel, who was murdered by his brother Cain. Seth’s birth was a source of hope and continuity for the godly line.
The importance of genealogies: The genealogical records in the Bible serve multiple purposes. They provide a historical account of the lineage of key figures and enable the tracing of important family lines. They also emphasize the passing down of blessings, promises, and responsibilities from one generation to the next.
Genesis 5 continues with the genealogies of Adam’s descendants, tracing the long lifespans of the early generations, until it culminates with the account of Noah, who would later play a pivotal role in the story of the Flood.
Overall, Genesis 5:3 highlights the continuation of humanity through Adam’s son, Seth. It signifies the transmission of the divine image from one generation to the next and underscores the importance of genealogies in biblical history.
