King James Version

What Does Genesis 5:1 Mean?

“This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;”

Context

This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;

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

And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth:

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

**V. PATRIARCHAL GENEALOGY FROM ADAM TO NOAH.** (1) **This is the book of the generations of Adam.**—See on Genesis 2:4, and *Excursus *on the Books of Generations. **In the likeness of God.**—Man is now a fallen being, but these words are repeated to show that the Divine likeness was not therefore lost, nor the primæval blessing bestowed at his creation revoked. As man’s likeness to God does not mainly consist in moral innocence (see on Genesis 1:26), it was not affected by the entrance into the world of sin, except so far as sin corrupted the vessel in which this great gift was deposited. (Comp. 2Corinthians 4:7.)

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 5:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.