Question 1

What does Genesis 5:28 mean?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Genesis 5:28

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Why Genesis 5:28 matters

Accepted Answer

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.

Genesis 5:28 (KJV)