Genesis 5:28 kjv

And Lamech lived an hundred eighty and two years, and begat a son:

Genesis 5:28 nkjv

Lamech lived one hundred and eighty-two years, and had a son.

Genesis 5:28 niv

When Lamech had lived 182 years, he had a son.

Genesis 5:28 esv

When Lamech had lived 182 years, he fathered a son

Genesis 5:28 nlt

When Lamech was 182 years old, he became the father of a son.

Genesis 5 verses

Genesis 5 28 Meaning

Genesis 5:28 states, "Lamech lived one hundred eighty-two years, and became the father of a son." This verse is a concise part of the genealogy from Adam to Noah, found in Genesis chapter 5. It signifies the ongoing continuity of the human lineage after the Fall and prior to the Great Flood. It records the specific age of Lamech when his next descendant, who will be crucial for humanity's survival, was born, establishing a chronological progression in God's unfolding plan. The verse sets the stage for the introduction of Noah in the subsequent verse, a pivotal figure through whom God's redemptive plan would proceed.

Genesis 5 28 Context

Genesis chapter 5 details the "generations of Adam" through Seth's lineage, providing a chronological record from Creation towards the Great Flood. It serves as a bridge, linking the first human family to Noah and establishing the line from which humanity would be preserved and, eventually, from which the promised Savior would come. This genealogy focuses on the antediluvian period, a time characterized by exceptionally long lifespans, contrasting with later biblical records. Critically, the Lamech in this verse (a descendant of Seth) is distinct from the wicked Lamech of Cain's line in Genesis 4:19-24, emphasizing God's focus on the lineage through whom His covenantal promises would be maintained despite humanity's overall moral decline. This verse specifically marks a moment in this lineage, setting up the birth of the individual through whom God would fulfill His redemptive purposes.

Genesis 5 28 Word analysis

• Lamech (לֶמֶךְ - Lemekh):

  • This is the Lamech of the Sethite lineage, distinguished from the Lamech mentioned in Genesis 4 (from Cain's line), who was marked by polygamy and violent boasting (Gen 4:23-24). The absence of such descriptive wickedness in Genesis 5 implicitly marks this Lamech as part of the line of hope.
  • His father was Methuselah (Gen 5:25), and he lived at the end of the long antediluvian lifespans.

• lived (וַיְחִי - vaychi):

  • Means "and he lived." This verb consistently marks the span of life for each patriarch in the chapter. It highlights the passage of time and the continuation of God's divine life-sustaining power, even in a fallen world.
  • The long lifespans (hundreds of years) signify a different set of conditions or divine intention for that era, often interpreted as being closer to the initial perfection of creation or for the rapid increase of the human population.

• one hundred eighty-two years (שְׁמוֹנִים וּמָאתַיִם שָׁנָה - shmonim umatayim shanah):

  • This specific numerical detail emphasizes the historical and chronological precision within biblical genealogies, signifying that these were considered real, verifiable figures for the original audience.
  • The long years illustrate a stark contrast to the human lifespan after the Flood, particularly after God limited it in Genesis 6:3 and as stated in Psalm 90:10.

• and became the father of / and begat (וַיּוֹלֶד - vayyoled):

  • This verb is a consistent formula throughout Genesis 5, meaning "and he fathered" or "and he begat." It signifies procreation, continuity of the human race, and the unfolding of generations according to God's command to "be fruitful and multiply" (Gen 1:28, 9:1).
  • It reinforces God's sustaining grace and His determined purpose to bring forth His chosen line, despite the rampant wickedness and sin.

• a son (בֵּן - ben):

  • Refers to a male offspring. In this verse, the son is unnamed, serving as a setup for the very next verse (Gen 5:29) which identifies him as Noah, and explains the profound hope his birth brought to Lamech and his generation in a world deeply affected by the curse of sin.
  • The birth of a "son" ensures the perpetuation of the line that leads to the future redemption of humanity.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Lamech lived one hundred eighty-two years, and became the father of a son": This entire phrase encapsulates the core function of the antediluvian genealogies. It demonstrates the longevity and vitality of this particular lineage chosen by God to perpetuate humanity. It's a statement of ongoing life, continuation, and God's consistent work through human generations to bring about His purposes, culminating in the critical birth of Noah who will represent hope for a cursed earth. The structure reinforces the factual and sequential progression, maintaining the lineage directly tracing back to Adam and forward to the pivotal figure of Noah.

Genesis 5 28 Bonus section

The chronological detail provided in Gen 5:28 and other verses in the chapter served as crucial building blocks for understanding biblical timelines and early human history for the ancient Hebrews. These genealogical markers, including Lamech's age, underscored God's faithfulness in bringing about His redemptive plan generation by generation, culminating in Christ. This level of detail in an ancient text emphasizes its authoritative and historical nature. Furthermore, Lamech's lineage ultimately highlights that even amidst the deepening corruption before the flood, God faithfully preserves a righteous seed, showing His electing grace even before the time of Abraham.

Genesis 5 28 Commentary

Genesis 5:28 serves as a seemingly simple, yet highly significant, chronological marker within the foundational record of early humanity. It precisely notes the point at which Lamech, of the Sethite lineage, fathered the one who would become instrumental in preserving life through the global deluge: Noah. The consistent formula of "lived... and became the father of a son" throughout Genesis 5 is not merely a dry historical record, but a divine testimony to God's continuous sovereign oversight of history and His steadfast commitment to maintain the human line, ultimately for the advent of the Messiah. This verse particularly prepares the reader for the extraordinary role of Noah, whose birth provided Lamech with a hopeful outlook amidst the pervasive effects of the Fall on humanity and creation (Gen 5:29). The stark contrast between this Sethite Lamech and the wicked Cainite Lamech (Gen 4:19-24) underscores the distinct paths of the two lines, even as humanity, as a whole, descended into deep depravity, necessitating the flood.