The Genealogical Bridge

Genesis 5 serves as a genealogical bridge between the creation story and the narrative of Noah and the flood. It provides a lineage from Adam to Noah, showing God’s continued blessing and the fulfillment of His promise to humanity. This chapter highlights the patriarchs’ long lifespans, symbolizing a time when humanity was closer to its divine origins.

Genesis 5 – New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

Adam’s Descendants to Noah and His Sons

¹This is the list of the descendants of Adam. When God created humankind, he made them in the likeness of God. ² Male and female he created them, and he blessed them and named them “Humankind” when they were created.

³ When Adam had lived one hundred thirty years, he became the father of a son in his likeness, according to his image, and named him Seth. ⁴ The days of Adam after he became the father of Seth were eight hundred years; and he had other sons and daughters. ⁵ Thus all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred thirty years; and he died.

⁶ When Seth had lived one hundred five years, he became the father of Enosh. ⁷ Seth lived after the birth of Enosh eight hundred seven years, and had other sons and daughters. ⁸ Thus all the days of Seth were nine hundred twelve years; and he died.

⁹ When Enosh had lived ninety years, he became the father of Kenan. ¹⁰ Enosh lived after the birth of Kenan eight hundred fifteen years, and had other sons and daughters. ¹¹ Thus all the days of Enosh were nine hundred five years; and he died.

¹² When Kenan had lived seventy years, he became the father of Mahalalel. ¹³ Kenan lived after the birth of Mahalalel eight hundred and forty years, and had other sons and daughters. ¹⁴ Thus all the days of Kenan were nine hundred and ten years; and he died.

¹⁵ When Mahalalel had lived sixty-five years, he became the father of Jared. ¹⁶ Mahalalel lived after the birth of Jared eight hundred thirty years, and had other sons and daughters. ¹⁷ Thus all the days of Mahalalel were eight hundred ninety-five years; and he died.

¹⁸ When Jared had lived one hundred sixty-two years he became the father of Enoch. ¹⁹ Jared lived after the birth of Enoch eight hundred years, and had other sons and daughters. ²⁰ Thus all the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty-two years; and he died.

²¹ When Enoch had lived sixty-five years, he became the father of Methuselah. ²² Enoch walked with God after the birth of Methuselah three hundred years, and had other sons and daughters. ²³ Thus all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty-five years. ²⁴ Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him.

²⁵ When Methuselah had lived one hundred eighty-seven years, he became the father of Lamech. ²⁶ Methuselah lived after the birth of Lamech seven hundred eighty-two years, and had other sons and daughters. ²⁷ Thus all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty-nine years; and he died.

²⁸ When Lamech had lived one hundred eighty-two years, he became the father of a son; ²⁹ he named him Noah, saying, “Out of the ground that the Lord has cursed this one shall bring us relief from our work and from the toil of our hands.” ³⁰ Lamech lived after the birth of Noah five hundred ninety-five years, and had other sons and daughters. ³¹ Thus all the days of Lamech were seven hundred seventy-seven years; and he died.

³² After Noah was five hundred years old, Noah became the father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

Exegesis of Genesis 5

Verse 1-2: Created in the Likeness of God

“When God created humankind, he made them in the likeness of God. Male and female he created them, and he blessed them and named them ‘Humankind’ when they were created.”

These verses echo the creation account in Genesis 1:27, emphasizing that humans are made in God’s image. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) states, “Of all visible creatures, only man is ‘able to know and love his creator’” (CCC 356). This likeness to God is fundamental to understanding human dignity and the call to live in communion with God and others.

Verse 3-5: Adam to Seth

“When Adam had lived one hundred thirty years, he became the father of a son in his likeness, according to his image, and named him Seth.”

Adam’s fathering of Seth in his likeness reinforces the idea of passing down the divine image through generations. St. Augustine teaches that Seth’s birth signifies the continuation of God’s plan despite humanity’s fall (City of God, Book XV, Chapter 8). Adam’s long life symbolizes the abundance of life in God’s original plan.

Verse 6-20: The Generations of Seth

This section details the descendants of Seth, highlighting their extraordinary lifespans. Each patriarch’s age emphasizes the continuity and stability of God’s blessing over humanity. The Church Fathers often saw these long lifespans as symbolic of an era when humans were still close to the divine source of life, unmarred by sin’s full effects.

Verse 21-24: Enoch Walked with God

“Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him.”

Enoch’s life is uniquely marked by his close relationship with God. The phrase “walked with God” indicates a life of intimate fellowship and righteousness. According to the Letter to the Hebrews, “By faith Enoch was taken so that he did not experience death” (Hebrews 11:5). The Ignatian Bible notes that Enoch’s assumption into heaven prefigures the ultimate destiny of the righteous.

Verse 25-27: Methuselah, the Oldest Man

Methuselah lived 969 years, making him the longest-lived human in the Bible. His long life serves as a testament to God’s enduring patience and mercy towards humanity. The Church sees Methuselah’s age as a reminder of the vastness of God’s eternal perspective compared to our temporal existence.

Verse 28-32: Lamech and Noah

Lamech’s prophecy about Noah, “Out of the ground that the Lord has cursed this one shall bring us relief from our work and from the toil of our hands,” foreshadows Noah’s role in the salvation history. Noah is a type of Christ, who brings ultimate relief and redemption from the curse of sin. This prophecy ties the genealogical record to the upcoming narrative of the flood and God’s covenant with Noah.

Reflection: Walking with God Today

Genesis 5, with its record of patriarchs who lived in close communion with God, invites us to reflect on our own spiritual journey. While our lives may not span centuries, we are called to “walk with God” daily, fostering a relationship grounded in prayer, sacrament, and community.

The Catechism reminds us, “The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God” (CCC 27). Like Enoch, we are invited to live in a way that reflects our divine likeness, seeking God’s presence in every aspect of our lives. This call is particularly relevant in our fast-paced world, where carving out time for God can seem challenging but is ultimately fulfilling.

Embracing Our Divine Likeness

In practical terms, we can apply Genesis 5 to our lives by:

1. Prioritizing Prayer: Setting aside time each day to connect with God, acknowledging His presence in our lives.
2. Living Righteously: Striving to align our actions with God’s will, treating others with the dignity and love due to those made in His image.
3. Building Community: Engaging in church and community activities that foster spiritual growth and support.

By reflecting on the lives of these ancient patriarchs, we find inspiration to deepen our faith and walk more closely with God, knowing that our ultimate goal is to share in His eternal life.

Let Genesis 5 be a reminder that our lineage, though less ancient, is part of a greater story—a story of creation, fall, redemption, and the hope of eternal communion with God.

Engage with Us!

We’d love to hear your thoughts and reflections on Genesis 5. Here are a few questions to get the conversation started:

1. How do you understand the concept of being made in the likeness of God in your everyday life?
2. Enoch walked with God and was taken up to heaven. How can we strive to “walk with God” in our modern, busy lives?
3. Methuselah’s long life represents God’s patience. How do you experience God’s patience and mercy in your own journey?

Remember, in all things, do everything with love as Jesus did. Share your insights and let’s grow together in faith!

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