Genesis 5:28 (KJV)

What does Genesis 5:28 mean?

Genesis 5:28 records that Lamech lived 182 years before he had a son. This verse is part of a genealogy, simply noting Lamech’s age at the time his son was born.

Genesis 5:28 is found in a section where the book lists the generations from Adam onward. The verse gives a specific detail about Lamech, who is a descendant of Adam through Seth. This information sets up the introduction of Lamech’s son, who will be named in the following verse and becomes a significant figure in the biblical story.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 5:28

• לֶמֶךְ (Lamech, "Leh-mekh") is the Hebrew name for Lamech, a descendant of Adam. The genealogy highlights him as a key link in the line leading to Noah.
• יָלַד (yalad, "begat") means to father or bring forth a child. The use of this word emphasizes the continuation of the family line, which is a major theme in Genesis 5.
• שָׁנָה (shanah, "years") is the Hebrew word for "years," showing the specific ages given for each patriarch, which is a distinctive feature of this genealogy.

Why Genesis 5:28 matters

• Genesis 5:28 helps the reader track the timeline from Adam to Noah, showing the long lifespans and the continuity of the family line.
• The verse sets up the birth of Lamech’s son, who will be named Noah, an important figure in the next part of Genesis.
• By giving exact ages, the genealogy underlines the careful record-keeping and the importance of each generation in the unfolding story.