Lamech names Noah, and Noah fathers Shem, Ham and Japheth (Genesis 5:28–32)

Says Lamech fathers a son and names him נֹחַ, Noah, saying, “May this one comfort us in the labor and toil of our hands caused by the ground that the Lord has cursed” (5:29, BSB). The Hebrew is זֶה יְנַחֲמֵנוּ, this one will comfort us, a Piel imperfect; the BSB renders it as a wish. The toil, the ground and the curse recall 3:17. Swete has διαναπαύσει ἡμᾶς, this one will give us rest. After Noah is 500 years old he becomes the father of Shem, Ham and Japheth (5:32). The years after and the total come at 9:28–29. Swete numbers 5:32 as the first sentence of 6:1, and adds τρεῖς υἱούς, three sons. See the Hebrew notes.

Implies The narrative draws a name-play: נֹחַ is heard in יְנַחֲמֵנוּ. The BSB footnote notes that the name sounds like rest or comfort.

Uncertain The horizon of the hope is open, and no lean is taken here. (1) Relief from toil in Noah's own day. (2) The time after the flood, when the Lord says he will not again curse the ground (8:21), though 8:21 uses another verb. (3) A hope reaching further. Whether the imperfect voices a wish or an expectation is also open. Whether all three sons were born when Noah was five hundred, or the first of them, is open.