The Genealogy of Genesis 5

All Hebrew names are words with a meaning and when we examine the meanings of the names of Adam and his descendants in Genesis chapter 5, we find something very interesting. Let's begin with the name Adam from Genesis 5:1.

This Hebrew name, pronounced adam (121) is a Hebrew word that means "man."

The name Seth (8352), pronounced "sheyt" in Hebrew, is related to the root word shiyt (7896) and means "to set or put in place." The name Seth means "established" or "appointed."

Next is the name Enosh (583), which is derived from the word enosh (582). This word also means "man," but more literally a "mortal."

Then we have Keynan (7018). This name is derived from the word qeyn (7064) meaning a "nest." Keynan means "dwelling."

Mahalala'eyl (4111) is a combination of two words. The word mahalal (4110) literally means "shine." The word el (410) means "God." So, Mahalale'eyl means "the shining of God" or "the light of God."

Then we have the name Enoch (2585), pronounced hhanokh in Hebrew. This name comes from the verb hhanakkh (2596) meaning "to dedicate." The name Enoch means "dedicated."

Next is the name Lamehh (3929), but the meaning of this name is difficult as this word, or any other related word is not used in the Hebrew Bible, making a definition difficult. It is usually accepted to mean "to bring down low," or "despair."

The last name in this genealogy is Noah (5146), pronounced no'ahh in Hebrew. The Hebrew verb nu'ahh (5118) means "to rest." From this verb comes the noun no'ahh (5118) meaning "rest" and this noun is the name no'ahh, which then means "rest."

When we look at the meanings of each of these names... we get...

Man appointed a mortal dwelling place, the light of God will come down dedicated, his death will bring the despairing rest.