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Genesis 5:28 - Lemekh names Noah: new hope?

Genesis 5:28 - בראשית 5:28

Hebrew Text

וַיְחִי־לֶמֶךְ שְׁתַּיִם וּשְׁמֹנִים שָׁנָה וּמְאַת שָׁנָה וַיּוֹלֶד בֵּן׃

English Translation

And Lemekh lived a hundred and eighty two years, and begot a son:

Transliteration

Vayechi-Lemech shtayim ushmonim shanah ume'at shanah vayoled ben.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַֽיְחִי־לֶ֕מֶךְ שְׁתַּ֧יִם וּשְׁמֹנִ֛ים שָׁנָ֖ה וּמְאַ֣ת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד בֵּֽן׃
וַֽיְחִי־לֶ֕מֶךְ שְׁתַּ֧יִם וּשְׁמֹנִ֛ים שָׁנָ֖ה וּמְאַ֣ת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד בֵּֽן׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bereishit 5:25) appears in the genealogy of Adam's descendants, specifically detailing the lineage from Adam to Noach. Lemekh is the son of Metushelach (Methuselah) and the father of Noach, making him part of the direct line leading to the righteous Noach.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi notes that the name "Lemekh" (לֶמֶךְ) shares a root with the word "malach" (מָלַךְ), meaning "to rule" or "to reign." He suggests that Lemekh was given this name because his son Noach would bring comfort (from the root "nacham") to humanity after the hardships of the generation of the Flood. Rashi also emphasizes that Lemekh lived a significantly long life (182 years before fathering Noach), which was common among the pre-Flood generations.

Midrashic Insights

  • Lemekh's Righteousness: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 23:4) contrasts Lemekh with another Lemekh from the line of Kayin (Cain), highlighting that this Lemekh was righteous and part of the lineage leading to Noach.
  • Significance of Age: The Midrash also discusses why the Torah details the ages of these ancestors, teaching that their long lives were a sign of divine patience, giving humanity time to repent before the Flood.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides) does not comment directly on this verse, but in his discussions of the pre-Flood generations (e.g., in Moreh Nevuchim), he notes that their extended lifespans allowed for the development of civilization and knowledge. Lemekh, as part of this lineage, contributed to the transmission of wisdom.

Chizkuni's Explanation

Chizkuni points out that Lemekh fathered Noach at the age of 182, which was relatively young compared to others in his line (e.g., Metushelach, who fathered Lemekh at 187). This may hint at Lemekh's eagerness to bring forth the next generation, which would include the righteous Noach.

Symbolism of the Name Noach

The verse leads directly into the naming of Noach (Bereishit 5:29), which is tied to the concept of "comfort" (נָחַם). Lemekh's role as Noach's father is thus framed as part of Hashem's plan to bring relief to a suffering world.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Lemekh in the Torah?
A: Lemekh was a descendant of Adam and the father of Noach (Noah). He is mentioned in the genealogy in Genesis Chapter 5. According to Rashi, Lemekh was a righteous man who lived during a time when the world was becoming increasingly corrupt.
Q: Why is Lemekh's age at the birth of his son mentioned in Genesis 5:28?
A: The Torah lists the ages of the early generations to show their longevity before the Flood. According to the Rambam, these detailed genealogies teach us about the history of humanity and the gradual shortening of lifespans as the world became more physically and spiritually distant from the time of Creation.
Q: What is significant about Lemekh having a son at age 182?
A: The Midrash notes that Lemekh's son Noach was born after Lemekh had lived longer than previous generations had before fathering children. This hints that Noach's birth was Divinely timed to occur when the world most needed a righteous leader to rebuild humanity after the coming Flood.
Q: How does Lemekh's story relate to us today?
A: The Talmud teaches that Lemekh's life reminds us that even in generations of moral decline, individuals can maintain righteousness. Just as Lemekh raised the righteous Noach despite the corruption around him, we too can positively influence our families and communities regardless of societal trends.
Q: Why does the Torah give such detailed genealogies?
A: Rashi explains that these genealogies establish the authentic transmission of tradition from Adam through the generations. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 38a) also teaches they demonstrate God's patience in giving humanity many chances to improve before bringing major judgments like the Flood.