Genesis 5:3
When Adam was 130 years old, he had a son in his own likeness, after his own image; and he named him Seth.
When Adam was 130 years old
The phrase highlights the longevity of early biblical figures, which is a common theme in Genesis. The age of 130 years signifies a period of maturity and wisdom. In the Hebrew context, the long lifespans of the patriarchs are often seen as a testament to the purity and closeness to the original creation. This longevity also underscores the direct connection to God’s creation, as Adam was the first man formed by God Himself.

he had a son
This phrase marks the continuation of the human lineage. In Hebrew, the word for "son" is "ben," which not only refers to a male child but also signifies a builder of the family name. The birth of a son in biblical times was seen as a blessing and a means to carry on the family legacy and covenant promises.

in his own likeness, after his own image
The repetition of "likeness" and "image" echoes Genesis 1:26-27, where God creates man in His own image. Here, it emphasizes the transmission of human nature and characteristics from Adam to Seth. The Hebrew words "demut" (likeness) and "tselem" (image) suggest a resemblance not only in physical form but also in spiritual and moral attributes. This phrase underscores the theological concept of the imago Dei, the image of God, being passed down through generations, albeit now marred by sin.

and he named him Seth
Naming in the Bible often carries significant meaning and authority. The name "Seth" in Hebrew is "Shet," which means "appointed" or "granted." This reflects Eve’s declaration in Genesis 4:25, where she acknowledges God’s provision of another offspring in place of Abel. The act of naming by Adam signifies his role as the head of the family and his recognition of God’s sovereignty in providing a continuation of the lineage through Seth. Seth’s birth represents hope and the continuation of God’s promise despite the fall and the tragedy of Abel’s death.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Adam
The first man created by God, living in the Garden of Eden before the Fall. He is a central figure in the genealogy of humanity.

2. Seth
The third son of Adam and Eve, born after Cain and Abel. Seth is significant as the ancestor through whom the godly line continues.

3. Likeness and Image
These terms refer to the resemblance and characteristics passed from Adam to Seth, echoing the language used in Genesis 1:26-27 about humanity being made in God's image.
Teaching Points
The Continuation of God's Plan
Despite the Fall and the sin of Cain, God’s plan for humanity continues through Seth. This teaches us about God's sovereignty and faithfulness in maintaining His purposes.

The Importance of Godly Heritage
Seth's birth signifies the continuation of a godly line. It reminds us of the importance of raising children in the knowledge and fear of the Lord.

Humanity's Reflection of God
Just as Seth was in the likeness of Adam, we are made in the image of God. This calls us to reflect God's character in our lives.

Legacy and Influence
Adam's legacy continued through Seth. We are encouraged to consider the legacy we are leaving for future generations.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of being made in God's image influence your understanding of your identity and purpose?

2. In what ways can you ensure that you are passing on a godly heritage to the next generation?

3. How does the birth of Seth demonstrate God's faithfulness in the midst of human failure?

4. What are some practical ways you can reflect God's image in your daily life?

5. How does understanding the genealogy from Adam to Christ deepen your appreciation for God's redemptive plan throughout history?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 1:26-27
This passage describes God creating humanity in His own image, establishing a foundational concept of human identity and dignity.

Genesis 4:25
This verse introduces Seth as a replacement for Abel, whom Cain killed, highlighting the continuation of a godly lineage.

Luke 3:38
In the genealogy of Jesus, Seth is listed, showing the connection from Adam to Christ, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.
Human DepravityT. Raffles, D. D.Genesis 5:3
Distinguished MenJ. S. Exell, M. A.Genesis 5:1-32
God's Way of Writing HistoryH. Bonar, D. D.Genesis 5:1-32
LessonsG. Hughes, B. D.Genesis 5:1-32
Lessons from the Longevity of the AntediluviansChristian AgeGenesis 5:1-32
Long Life and Death of the PatriarchsBishop Babington.Genesis 5:1-32
NobodyismJ. Parker, D. D.Genesis 5:1-32
Ten Biographies in One ChapterH. Bonar, D. D.Genesis 5:1-32
The Apostate and the Godly SeedsR. S. Candlish, D. D.Genesis 5:1-32
The Divine Image in Man HiddenGenesis 5:1-32
The GenealogyA. Fuller.Genesis 5:1-32
The Original Vitality of MenC. Geikie, D. D.Genesis 5:1-32
ThoughtsHomilistGenesis 5:1-32
People
Adam, Cainan, Enoch, Enos, Enosh, Ham, Japheth, Jared, Kenan, Lamech, Mahalaleel, Methuselah, Noah, Seth, Shem
Places
Tigris-Euphrates Region
Topics
130, Begat, Begetteth, Begot, Calleth, Hundred, Image, Likeness, Named, Seth, Thirty
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 5:3

     1194   glory, divine and human

Genesis 5:1-3

     6213   participation, in sin

Genesis 5:1-5

     5081   Adam, life of

Genesis 5:3-4

     2233   Son of Man

Genesis 5:3-32

     1655   hundreds and thousands
     4016   life, human

Library
With, Before, After
'Enoch walked with God,'--GENESIS v. 22. 'Walk before Me.'--GENESIS xvii. 1. 'Ye shall walk after the Lord your God.'--DEUTERONOMY xiii. 4. You will have anticipated, I suppose, my purpose in doing what I very seldom do--cutting little snippets out of different verses and putting them together. You see that these three fragments, in their resemblances and in their differences, are equally significant and instructive. They concur in regarding life as a walk--a metaphor which expresses continuity,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

After the Scripture.
"In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God created He him."--Gen. v. 1. In the preceding pages we have shown that the translation, "in Our image," actually means, "after Our image." To make anything in an image is no language; it is unthinkable, logically untrue. We now proceed to show how it should be translated, and give our reason for it. We begin with citing some passages from the Old Testament in which occurs the preposition "B" which, in Gen. i. 27, stands before image, where
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Neo-Kohlbruggians.
"And Adam lived a hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, and after his image; and called his name Seth."--Gen. v. 3. Many are the efforts made to alter the meaning of the word, "Let Us make man in Our image and after Our likeness," (Gen. i. 26) by a different translation; especially by making it to read "in" instead of "after" our likeness. This new reading is Dr. Böhl's main support. With this translation his system stands or falls. According to him, man is not the bearer
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Walking with God. Gen 5:24
Walking with GOD. Gen 5:24 O! for a closer walk with God, A calm and heav'nly frame; A light to shine upon the road That leads me to the Lamb! Where is the blessedness I knew When first I saw the LORD? Where is the soul-refreshing view Of JESUS, and his word? What peaceful hours I once enjoyed! How sweet their memory still! But they have left an aching void, The world can never fill. Return, O holy Dove, return, Sweet messenger of rest; I hate the sins that made thee mourn, And drove thee from
John Newton—Olney Hymns

The Epistle of Saint Jude.
V. 1, 2. Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ, but a brother of James, to those that are called to be holy in God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, mercy unto you and peace and love be multiplied. This Epistle is ascribed to the holy Apostle, St. Jude, brother of the two Apostles, James the Less and Simon, by the sister of the mother of Christ, who is called Mary (wife) of James or Cleopas, as we read in Mark vi. But this Epistle cannot be looked upon as being that of one who was truly an Apostle,
Martin Luther—The Epistles of St. Peter and St. Jude Preached and Explained

Consolations against the Fear of Death.
If in the time of thy sickness thou findest thyself fearful to die, meditate-- 1. That it argueth a dastardly mind to fear that which is not; for in the church of Christ there is no death (Isa. xxv. 7, 8), and whosoever liveth and believeth in Christ, shall never die (John xi. 26). Let them fear death who live without Christ. Christians die not; but when they please God, they are like Enoch translated unto God (Gen. v. 24;) their pains are but Elijah's fiery chariot to carry them up to heaven (2
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

"But it is Good for Me to Draw Near to God: I have Put My Trust in the Lord God, that I May Declare all Thy
Psal. lxxiii. 28.--"But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works." After man's first transgression, he was shut out from the tree of life, and cast out of the garden, by which was signified his seclusion and sequestration from the presence of God, and communion with him: and this was in a manner the extermination of all mankind in one, when Adam was driven out of paradise. Now, this had been an eternal separation for any thing that
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
[Sidenote: Influences in the exile that produced written ceremonial laws] The Babylonian exile gave a great opportunity and incentive to the further development of written law. While the temple stood, the ceremonial rites and customs received constant illustration, and were transmitted directly from father to son in the priestly families. Hence, there was little need of writing them down. But when most of the priests were carried captive to Babylonia, as in 597 B.C., and ten years later the temple
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

The Promise to the Patriarchs.
A great epoch is, in Genesis, ushered in with the history of the time of the Patriarchs. Luther says: "This is the third period in which Holy Scripture begins the history of the Church with a new family." In a befitting manner, the representation is opened in Gen. xii. 1-3 by an account of the first revelation of God, given to Abraham at Haran, in which the way is opened up for all that follows, and in which the dispensations of God are brought before us in a rapid survey. Abraham is to forsake
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
ONLY those who have made study of it can have any idea how large, and sometimes bewildering, is the literature on the subject of Jewish Proselytes and their Baptism. Our present remarks will be confined to the Baptism of Proselytes. 1. Generally, as regards proselytes (Gerim) we have to distinguish between the Ger ha-Shaar (proselyte of the gate) and Ger Toshabh (sojourner,' settled among Israel), and again the Ger hatstsedeq (proselyte of righteousness) and Ger habberith (proselyte of the covenant).
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Genesis 5:3 NIV
Genesis 5:3 NLT
Genesis 5:3 ESV
Genesis 5:3 NASB
Genesis 5:3 KJV

Genesis 5:3 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Genesis 5:2
Top of Page
Top of Page