How does Genesis 5:3 illustrate the transmission of sin through generations? The Verse in Focus Genesis 5:3 (Berean Standard Bible): “When Adam was 130 years old, he fathered a son in his own likeness, according to his image, and he named him Seth.” Key Phrase: “In His Own Likeness, According to His Image” • Earlier, Genesis 1:26–27 speaks of Adam bearing the image of God. • After the fall (Genesis 3), Adam now begets a son “in his own likeness,” not expressly “in God’s.” • The wording signals that Adam’s fallen, sin-marred nature is now the pattern passed to his offspring. How the Verse Illustrates the Transmission of Sin • Broken Image: Adam’s original God-given image remains, yet it is distorted by sin; Seth inherits that damaged image. • Hereditary Reality: The text treats this transmission as factual, not symbolic—sin’s impact moves from parent to child just as physical traits do. • Universal Pattern: The genealogy that follows (“and he died…”) underscores that every descendant shares the same mortal consequence of sin introduced by Adam (Romans 5:12). • Contrast with Creation: The repetition of “image” draws a deliberate line back to Genesis 1, showing how far humanity has fallen from the Creator’s perfect design. Supporting Passages That Clarify the Pattern • Psalm 51:5 — David confesses he was “brought forth in iniquity,” reflecting inherited sinfulness. • Romans 5:12–19 — Sin entered through one man, and death through sin, spreading to all. • 1 Corinthians 15:22 — “In Adam all die,” tying every generation to Adam’s legacy. Implications for Daily Life • Humble Realism: Each person enters the world with a bent toward sin; we cannot self-repair apart from divine grace. • Parental Awareness: Parents not only pass on genes but also a fallen nature, underscoring the need for intentional spiritual nurture. • Hope in Christ: While Genesis 5 highlights inherited sin, the gospel reveals the Second Adam (Romans 5:17) who offers a new, righteous lineage. |
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