This verse, Genesis 5:28, is a simple statement of fact within the genealogical record of the descendants of Adam. It means exactly what it says:
Lamech: Refers to a specific man named Lamech, who is part of the lineage traced back to Adam through Seth.
lived one hundred eighty-two years: Indicates that Lamech was 182 years old when the events described in the following clause occurred. In the context of Genesis 5, these long lifespans are characteristic of the pre-flood patriarchs.
then became the father of a son: Means that Lamech fathered (had a son) after living for 182 years. This son will be named in the next verse as Noah.
In context, this verse is important because:
It establishes Lamech's age when Noah was born. This is part of the chronological framework that the author of Genesis is constructing.
It leads directly to the birth of Noah. Noah is a pivotal figure in the Bible, as he is the one through whom humanity is saved from the flood. Therefore, recording the birth of Noah here is a significant step in the biblical narrative.
It contributes to the overall pattern of genealogies in Genesis 5. This chapter is known for its repetitive structure: a man is born, he lives a certain number of years, has children (including a specific son), and then lives more years before dying. This pattern emphasizes the continuity of the line of descendants, but also highlights the eventual mortality of all people.
So, while on the surface the verse is simple, it plays a crucial role in the genealogy and sets the stage for the introduction of Noah and the subsequent flood narrative.
This verse, Genesis 5:28, is a simple statement of fact within the genealogical record of the descendants of Adam. It means exactly what it says:
Lamech: Refers to a specific man named Lamech, who is part of the lineage traced back to Adam through Seth.
lived one hundred eighty-two years: Indicates that Lamech was 182 years old when the events described in the following clause occurred. In the context of Genesis 5, these long lifespans are characteristic of the pre-flood patriarchs.
then became the father of a son: Means that Lamech fathered (had a son) after living for 182 years. This son will be named in the next verse as Noah.
In context, this verse is important because:
It establishes Lamech's age when Noah was born. This is part of the chronological framework that the author of Genesis is constructing.
It leads directly to the birth of Noah. Noah is a pivotal figure in the Bible, as he is the one through whom humanity is saved from the flood. Therefore, recording the birth of Noah here is a significant step in the biblical narrative.
It contributes to the overall pattern of genealogies in Genesis 5. This chapter is known for its repetitive structure: a man is born, he lives a certain number of years, has children (including a specific son), and then lives more years before dying. This pattern emphasizes the continuity of the line of descendants, but also highlights the eventual mortality of all people.
So, while on the surface the verse is simple, it plays a crucial role in the genealogy and sets the stage for the introduction of Noah and the subsequent flood narrative.