Genesis 5:1

Authorized King James Version

This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;

Word-by-Word Analysis

זֶ֣ה

H2088

This

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

סֵ֔פֶר

H5612

is the book

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

תּוֹלְדֹ֖ת

H8435

of the generations

(plural only) descent, i.e., family; (figuratively) history

אָדָ֑ם

H121

of Adam

adam the name of the first man, also of a place in palestine

בְּי֗וֹם

H3117

In the day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

בְּרֹ֤א

H1254

created

(absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes)

אֱלֹהִ֖ים

H430

of God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אָדָ֔ם

H120

man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

בִּדְמ֥וּת

H1823

in the likeness

resemblance; concretely, model, shape; adverbially, like

#10

אֱלֹהִ֖ים

H430

of God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#11

עָשָׂ֥ה

H6213

made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#12

אֹתֽוֹ׃

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The divine name or title here functions within foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 5 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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