share torah logo

Genesis 5:4 - Adam's long legacy continues

Genesis 5:4 - בראשית 5:4

Hebrew Text

וַיִּהְיוּ יְמֵי־אָדָם אַחֲרֵי הוֹלִידוֹ אֶת־שֵׁת שְׁמֹנֶה מֵאֹת שָׁנָה וַיּוֹלֶד בָּנִים וּבָנוֹת׃

English Translation

and the days of Adam after he had begotten Shet were eight hundred years: and he begot sons and daughters:

Transliteration

Vayihyu yemei-adam acharei holidoto et-shet shmoneh me'ot shanah vayoled banim uvanot.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּֽהְי֣וּ יְמֵי־אָדָ֗ם אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת־שֵׁ֔ת שְׁמֹנֶ֥ה מֵאֹ֖ת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת׃
וַיִּֽהְי֣וּ יְמֵי־אָדָ֗ם אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת־שֵׁ֔ת שְׁמֹנֶ֥ה מֵאֹ֖ת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Longevity of Adam After Shet's Birth

The verse states that Adam lived 800 years after the birth of Shet (Seth) and had additional sons and daughters. Rashi (Bereshit 5:4) explains that the Torah emphasizes Adam's lifespan after Shet's birth to highlight that Shet was his primary spiritual successor, as opposed to Kayin (Cain) and Hevel (Abel). The Sforno adds that Shet was chosen to carry forward the divine image (צלם אלוקים) in humanity, making this period of Adam's life particularly significant.

Purpose of Listing Additional Children

The mention of "sons and daughters" underscores that Adam fulfilled the mitzvah of "peru urevu" (be fruitful and multiply). The Ramban (Bereshit 5:4) notes that while the Torah does not name all of Adam’s descendants, it affirms the fulfillment of this foundational commandment. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 24:6) suggests that Adam and Chava (Eve) had many children, but only those relevant to the lineage leading to Noach (Noah) and ultimately Avraham (Abraham) are named.

Spiritual Significance of Shet's Lineage

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 38b) teaches that Shet was born with a pure soul, designated as the "image and likeness" of Adam after the loss of Hevel. The Zohar (1:36b) elaborates that Shet’s descendants preserved the original divine wisdom given to Adam, which was later transmitted through the generations to the Avot (Patriarchs). This explains why the Torah focuses on Adam’s years after Shet’s birth—they represent the continuation of spiritual legacy.

Numerical Symbolism of 800 Years

The number 800 is interpreted by the Baal HaTurim (Bereshit 5:4) as alluding to the completion of Adam’s tikkun (spiritual rectification). The gematria of "שמונה מאות" (800) connects to themes of eternity and divine providence, suggesting that Adam’s later years were dedicated to elevating his soul and guiding his descendants in righteousness.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long did Adam live after having Shet (Seth)?
A: According to Genesis 5:4, Adam lived for 800 years after having Shet (Seth). This is part of the Torah's genealogy listing the long lifespans of early generations.
Q: Why does the Torah mention Adam having more children after Shet?
A: The Torah mentions that Adam had more sons and daughters after Shet to show the fulfillment of God's command to 'be fruitful and multiply' (Genesis 1:28). Rashi explains that these details emphasize how Adam and his descendants populated the earth.
Q: What is the significance of listing Adam's age and descendants in Genesis 5:4?
A: Listing Adam's age and descendants establishes the historical continuity from Adam to later generations. The Rambam teaches that these genealogies show the transmission of tradition and the divine plan unfolding through humanity.
Q: How does Genesis 5:4 connect to Jewish tradition?
A: This verse connects to Jewish tradition by showing the lineage that would eventually lead to Avraham and the Jewish people. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 38b) discusses Adam's role as the first man and ancestor of all humanity.
Q: Why did people live so long in Adam's time according to the Torah?
A: Traditional Jewish sources like Midrash Bereshit Rabbah (12:6) explain that early generations had longer lifespans because the world was closer to its original perfected state before sin. Their longevity allowed them to establish civilization and pass down divine knowledge.