King James Version

What Does Genesis 5:2 Mean?

Genesis 5:2 in the King James Version says “Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created. — study this verse from Genesis chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Genesis 5:2 · KJV


Context

1

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

2

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

3

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

4

And the days of Adam after he had begotten Seth were eight hundred years: and he begat sons and daughters:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they ... This passage belongs to the primeval history section (Genesis 1-11) which establishes universal truths about God, humanity, sin, and divine purposes before focusing on Abraham and Israel. These chapters answer fundamental questions about human origins, the spread of wickedness, God's judgment, and the preservation of a righteous remnant.

Recurring patterns emerge: human sin escalating from individual disobedience to societal corruption, divine patience followed by judgment, gracious preservation of a remnant, and covenant promises ensuring redemptive purposes continue. The genealogies connect historical persons, demonstrate the fulfillment of divine promises (blessing and multiplication), and trace the line leading to Abraham and ultimately Christ.

Key theological themes in this section include: (1) sin's destructive progression affecting all humanity; (2) God's righteous judgment while preserving mercy; (3) human pride and autonomy opposing divine sovereignty; (4) cultural development as both blessing and potential idolatry; (5) God's sovereign plan advancing despite human rebellion. These narratives provide the necessary context for understanding God's calling of Abraham and the covenant promises through which all nations will be blessed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The primeval history (Genesis 1-11) parallels ancient Near Eastern traditions including Sumerian King Lists (pre-flood longevity), Akkadian flood traditions (Atrahasis, Gilgamesh), and Mesopotamian city foundation myths. However, Genesis demythologizes these traditions, presenting monotheistic history rather than polytheistic mythology. The genealogies connecting Adam to Noah to Abraham provide historical framework absent in pagan myths.

Archaeological evidence confirms ancient urbanization (chapter 4's cities), agricultural development, metallurgy, and musical instruments emerging in Mesopotamia's early history. The Babel account reflects Mesopotamian ziggurat construction (stepped pyramid temples), particularly in Babylon. Linguistic diversity requiring explanation was obvious to ancient peoples, making the Babel narrative culturally relevant.

For Israel in covenant with Yahweh, these chapters explained their relationship to surrounding nations. All peoples descended from Noah, but Israel descended from Shem through Abraham—chosen for blessing all nations. The flood demonstrated God's justice and mercy: judging wickedness while preserving the righteous. This pattern would recur throughout Israel's history, assuring them that God's covenant faithfulness endures despite judgment on the wicked.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
זָכָ֥ר1 of 11

Male

H2145

properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)

וּנְקֵבָ֖ה2 of 11

and female

H5347

female (from the sexual form)

הִבָּֽרְאָֽם׃3 of 11

created

H1254

(absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes)

וַיְבָ֣רֶךְ4 of 11

he them and blessed

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

אֹתָ֗ם5 of 11
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וַיִּקְרָ֤א6 of 11

them and called

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֶת7 of 11
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שְׁמָם֙8 of 11

their name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

אָדָ֔ם9 of 11

Adam

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

בְּי֖וֹם10 of 11

in the day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הִבָּֽרְאָֽם׃11 of 11

created

H1254

(absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes)


Study Guide

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 5:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 5:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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