King James Version

What Does Genesis 5:29 Mean?

Genesis 5:29 in the King James Version says “And he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of th...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Genesis 5:29 · KJV

Comfort

Context

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:

31

And all the days of Lamech were seven hundred seventy and seven years: and he died.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our ... 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. What theological truths about Genealogy emerge from this passage?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיִּקְרָ֧א1 of 15

“And he called”

H7121

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

אֶת2 of 15
H853

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

שְׁמ֛וֹ3 of 15

“his name”

H8034

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

נֹ֖חַ4 of 15

“Noah”

H5146

noach, the patriarch of the flood

לֵאמֹ֑ר5 of 15

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

זֶ֠֞ה6 of 15
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

יְנַֽחֲמֵ֤נוּ7 of 15

“This same shall comfort”

H5162

properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

מִֽמַּעֲשֵׂ֙נוּ֙8 of 15

“us concerning our work”

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

וּמֵֽעִצְּב֣וֹן9 of 15

“and toil”

H6093

worrisomeness, i.e., labor or pain

יָדֵ֔ינוּ10 of 15

“of our hands”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

מִן11 of 15

“because”

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָ֣אֲדָמָ֔ה12 of 15

“of the ground”

H127

soil (from its general redness)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר13 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אֵֽרְרָ֖הּ14 of 15

“hath cursed”

H779

to execrate

יְהוָֽה׃15 of 15

“which the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 5:29 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 5:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 11:7Matthew 24:372 Peter 2:5Ezekiel 14:20Genesis 9:24Isaiah 54:9

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