King James Version

What Does Genesis 5:28 Mean?

Genesis 5:28 in the King James Version says “And Lamech lived an hundred eighty and two years, and begat a son:” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Lamech lived an hundred eighty and two years, and begat a son:”

Genesis 5:28 · KJV

Context

26

And Methuselah lived after he begat Lamech seven hundred eighty and two years, and begat sons and daughters: Lamech: Heb. Lemech

27

And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died.

28

And Lamech lived an hundred eighty and two years, and begat a son:

29

And he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD hath cursed. Noah: Gr. Noe: that is Rest, or, Comfort

30

And Lamech lived after he begat Noah five hundred ninety and five years, and begat sons and daughters:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Lamech lived an hundred eighty and two years, and begat a son:... 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 this verse deepen our understanding of God's character and His relationship with creation?
  2. How does this passage challenge modern cultural assumptions about identity, purpose, or morality?
  3. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַֽיְחִי1 of 9

“lived”

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

לֶ֕מֶךְ2 of 9

“And Lamech”

H3929

lemek, the name of two antediluvian patriarchs

שְׁתַּ֧יִם3 of 9

“and two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

וּשְׁמֹנִ֛ים4 of 9

“eighty”

H8084

eighty, also eightieth

שָׁנָ֑ה5 of 9

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וּמְאַ֣ת6 of 9

“an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

שָׁנָ֑ה7 of 9

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וַיּ֖וֹלֶד8 of 9

“and begat”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

בֵּֽן׃9 of 9

“a son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

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 5:28 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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