Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.

GENESIS 5:2KJV
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Genesis 5:2 (KJV)

What does Genesis 5:2 mean?

Genesis 5:2 says that God created human beings as both male and female, gave them a blessing, and called them by the name "Adam" at the time of their creation. This verse highlights that both men and women together were given a shared identity and blessing from the very beginning.

Genesis 5:2 is part of a genealogy section where the writer is recounting the creation of humanity. The verse looks back to the creation story, summarizing that God made humans in two sexes and treated them as one united group, calling them "Adam," which can mean "human" or "mankind" in Hebrew. The verse emphasizes the unity and dignity given to both male and female at creation.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 5:2

  • "Male" (זָכָר, zakhar) and "female" (נְקֵבָה, neqevah): These words make clear that both sexes were created intentionally and equally by God, echoing the language from Genesis 1:27.
  • "Adam" (אָדָם, adam): In this verse, "Adam" is used as a name for both male and female together, not just the first man. In Hebrew, "adam" often means "human" or "mankind," so the verse is emphasizing their shared human identity.
  • "Blessed" (בָּרַךְ, barakh): This word shows that God gave a positive, empowering declaration over both male and female, not just one or the other.

Why Genesis 5:2 matters

  • Genesis 5:2 clarifies that both men and women were included in God's original blessing and identity for humanity, not just the first man.
  • The verse connects the genealogy in Genesis 5 back to the creation story, reminding readers that all people share the same origin and dignity.
  • By using the name "Adam" for both male and female, the verse highlights the unity of humanity and sets the stage for understanding the rest of the genealogical record.

Where else these words appear

“female” Hebrew H5347 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
  • Leviticus 4:28 Or if his sin, which he hath sinned, come to his knowledge: then he shall bring his offering, a kid of the goats, a female without blemish, for his sin which he hath sinned.
  • Leviticus 27:5 And if it be from five years old even unto twenty years old, then thy estimation shall be of the male twenty shekels, and for the female ten shekels.

“created” Hebrew H1254 · used in 46 verses

  • Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
  • Psalms 89:47 Remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men in vain?
  • Isaiah 45:12 I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.

“Male” Hebrew H2145 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
  • Leviticus 12:7 Who shall offer it before the LORD, and make an atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood. This is the law for her that hath born a male or a female.
  • Deuteronomy 4:16 Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,