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Hebrew Text
וַיְחִי אָדָם שְׁלֹשִׁים וּמְאַת שָׁנָה וַיּוֹלֶד בִּדְמוּתוֹ כְּצַלְמוֹ וַיִּקְרָא אֶת־שְׁמוֹ שֵׁת׃
English Translation
And Adam lived a hundred and thirty years, and begot a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Shet:
Transliteration
Vayechi adam shloshim ume'at shanah vayoled bidmuto ketzalmo vayikra et-shemo Shet.
Hebrew Leining Text
וַיְחִ֣י אָדָ֗ם שְׁלֹשִׁ֤ים וּמְאַת֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בִּדְמוּת֖וֹ כְּצַלְמ֑וֹ וַיִּקְרָ֥א אֶת־שְׁמ֖וֹ שֵֽׁת׃
Parasha Commentary
📚 Talmud Citations
This verse is quoted in the Talmud.
📖 Eruvin 18b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the generations from Adam to Noah, particularly focusing on the nature of Adam's descendants and their resemblance to him.
📖 Sanhedrin 38b
The verse is cited in a broader discussion about the creation of Adam and his progeny, emphasizing the concept of being created in God's image and passing that likeness to future generations.
The Birth of Shet in Adam's Likeness
The verse states that Adam fathered Shet "in his own likeness, after his image" (בִּדְמוּתוֹ כְּצַלְמוֹ). Rashi explains that this means Shet was born in the complete form of Adam, unlike Kayin (Cain) and Hevel (Abel), who were born before Adam's sin and subsequent spiritual decline. After the sin, Adam's stature was diminished, and his descendants were born in this reduced state. However, Shet was born after Adam did teshuvah (repentance), restoring some of his original spiritual stature.
The Significance of Shet's Name
The name Shet (שֵׁת) is derived from the root meaning "to place" or "to establish." The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 23:5) explains that Adam prophetically named him Shet because from him would descend the future generations that would establish the world. Shet is considered the ancestor of Noach and, ultimately, Avraham Avinu, through whom the Jewish people would emerge.
The Concept of "Demut" and "Tzelem"
The terms דְּמוּת (demut, likeness) and צֶלֶם (tzelem, image) echo the language of Bereishit 1:26, where Hashem declares, "Let us make man in Our image, after Our likeness." Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:1) explains that "tzelem Elokim" refers to the intellectual and moral capacity unique to humanity. Shet inherited this divine image, distinguishing him as a righteous successor to Adam.
Chronology and Spiritual Renewal
The verse notes that Adam was 130 years old when Shet was born. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 38b) discusses that this period marks the time after Adam's repentance. The Sages teach that Adam separated from Chavah (Eve) for 130 years after the sin, during which he engaged in fasting and repentance. Shet's birth thus signifies a new beginning—a lineage of righteousness after Adam's spiritual renewal.