Genesis 5:1 (KJV)

What does Genesis 5:1 mean?

Genesis 5:1 introduces a written record of Adam’s descendants, stating that when God created humanity, He made them to resemble Himself. The verse marks the beginning of a genealogy, emphasizing that humans were made in the likeness of God.

Genesis 5:1 is a heading for a section that lists the generations coming from Adam. The verse is presented as a formal record (“the book of the generations of Adam”), suggesting a written or organized account. It reminds the reader that, from the very start, God created mankind (“man”) in His own likeness, connecting this genealogy back to the creation story in Genesis 1.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 5:1

• “book” (סֵפֶר, sefer): This word points to a written document or record, highlighting that what follows is meant to be an official account, not just an oral tradition.
• “generations” (תּוֹלְדוֹת, toledot): This term refers to family histories or genealogies, marking a new section in Genesis focused on tracing family lines.
• “likeness” (דְּמוּת, demut): This word means resemblance or similarity. By using it, the verse stresses that humans were created to reflect something of God’s nature or character, not just physical form.

Why Genesis 5:1 matters

• Genesis 5:1 clarifies that the following verses are not random stories but a structured genealogy, helping the reader understand the organization of early Genesis.
• The verse connects the genealogy of Adam back to the creation narrative, showing continuity between God’s creation and the unfolding human story.
• By repeating that humans were made in God’s likeness, Genesis 5:1 emphasizes human dignity and value, which is a foundational idea for understanding the rest of the Bible’s view of people.