Genesis 5:3

Authorized King James Version

And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְחִ֣י
lived
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
#2
אָדָ֗ם
And Adam
adam the name of the first man, also of a place in palestine
#3
שְׁלֹשִׁ֤ים
and thirty
thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth
#4
וּמְאַת֙
an hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#5
שָׁנָ֔ה
years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#6
וַיּ֥וֹלֶד
and begat
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#7
בִּדְמוּת֖וֹ
a son in his own likeness
resemblance; concretely, model, shape; adverbially, like
#8
כְּצַלְמ֑וֹ
after his image
a phantom, i.e., (figuratively) illusion, resemblance; hence, a representative figure, especially an idol
#9
וַיִּקְרָ֥א
and called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
שְׁמ֖וֹ
his name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#12
שֵֽׁת׃
Seth
sheth, third son of adam

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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