Genesis 5: the book of the generations of Adam (overview)

Says Genesis 5 opens, “This is the book of the generations of Adam” (5:1, BSB). God created humankind in His likeness, male and female, blessed them, and called them אָדָם (5:1–2). The line runs Adam, Seth, Enosh, Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared, Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech and Noah. Each entry gives an age at fathering, remaining years, other sons and daughters, a total, and, except for Enoch, “and then he died.” Enoch walked with God, “and then he was no more, because God had taken him away” (5:24, BSB). Lamech names Noah with a word of comfort from the cursed ground (5:29). After Noah is 500 years old he becomes the father of Shem, Ham and Japheth (5:32). Swete has no 5:32: the English 5:32 is the first sentence of Swete 6:1. See the note on ages and chronology.

Implies The named figures are real persons, as the New Testament treats them. That is set out in the note on persons and history, consistent with the notes on Genesis 2.

Uncertain The relation of the Hebrew, Samaritan and Greek ages, the long lifespans, possible gaps, the manner of Enoch's taking beyond 5:24 and Hebrews 11:5, the horizon of 5:29, and the name parallels with Cain's line, are treated in the Hebrew, Greek and historical notes. No lean is taken on those questions.