Topical Bible: Adam: The First Man

◄ Adam: The First Man ►

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Introduction

Adam is a central figure in the Judeo-Christian tradition, recognized as the first human created by God. His account is foundational to the biblical narrative, providing insights into the nature of humanity, sin, and redemption. The account of Adam is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, with references throughout the Old and New Testaments.

Creation of Adam

According to Genesis, Adam was created by God on the sixth day of creation. The Bible states, "Then the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being" (Genesis 2:7). This act of creation signifies the unique relationship between God and humanity, as Adam was made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).

The Garden of Eden

Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden, a paradise designed by God. He was tasked with tending and keeping the garden (Genesis 2:15). God provided Adam with everything he needed, including the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Adam was given the freedom to eat from any tree except the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, with the warning, "for in the day that you eat of it, you will surely die" (Genesis 2:17).

Creation of Eve

Recognizing that it was not good for Adam to be alone, God created Eve as a companion for him. The Bible describes this event: "So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep, and while he slept, He took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the area with flesh. And from the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man, He made a woman and brought her to him" (Genesis 2:21-22). Adam's response to Eve's creation was one of recognition and joy, declaring her "bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh" (Genesis 2:23).

The Fall

The narrative of Adam takes a pivotal turn with the account of the Fall. Tempted by the serpent, Eve ate the forbidden fruit and gave some to Adam, who also ate. This act of disobedience led to the entrance of sin into the world. As a result, Adam and Eve's eyes were opened, and they realized their nakedness (Genesis 3:6-7). God's response was to pronounce curses upon the serpent, Eve, and Adam, altering the course of human history. Adam's punishment included toil and labor, as God said, "By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground, because out of it were you taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return" (Genesis 3:19).

Legacy and Significance

Adam's legacy is profound, as he is considered the progenitor of the human race. His life and actions set the stage for the unfolding narrative of redemption through Jesus Christ, often referred to as the "second Adam" (1 Corinthians 15:45). The Apostle Paul contrasts Adam and Christ, stating, "For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive" (1 Corinthians 15:22). This theological connection underscores the significance of Adam's role in the broader biblical account.

References in Scripture

Adam is mentioned in various genealogies and theological discussions throughout the Bible. In the New Testament, he is referenced in the context of sin and salvation (Romans 5:12-21) and is included in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Luke 3:38). These references highlight Adam's enduring importance in understanding the human condition and God's plan for redemption.

Nave's Topical Index

Romans 5:14-21
Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Timothy 2:14
And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek

76. Adam -- Adam, the first man
... Adam, the first man. Part of Speech: Proper Noun, Indeclinable Transliteration:
Adam Phonetic Spelling: (ad-am') Short Definition: Adam Definition: Adam, the ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/76.htm - 6k

2096. Heua -- Eve, the first woman
... of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: Heua Phonetic Spelling: (yoo'-ah) Short
Definition: Eve Definition: Eve, the first woman; wife of first man Adam. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2096.htm - 6k

Strong's Hebrew

121. Adam -- the first man, also a city in the Jordan Valley
... Adam. The same as 'adam; Adam the name of the first man, also of a place in Palestine --
Adam. see HEBREW 'adam. 120, 121. Adam. 122 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/121.htm - 6k

Library

Arguments in Opposition to Tatian, Showing that it was Consonant ...
... 2. But this is Adam, if the truth should be told, the first formed man, of whom
the Scripture says that the Lord spake, "Let Us make man after Our own image ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxiii arguments in opposition to.htm

From Adam to Moses.
... PART FIRST."FROM ADAM TO MOSES. ... Tell the story of the creation of the world; of the
first man and the first woman; the Garden of [=E]??d[)e]n, and how [)A]d ...
/.../hurlbut/hurlbuts bible lessons/part first from adam to moses.htm

Generation Something Akin to the First Formation of Eve from the ...
... and Nature of Adam; God the Creator of Men in Ordinary Generation. And this perhaps
is what was shadowed forth by the sleep and trance of the first man, which ...
/.../chapter ii generation something akin to.htm

In Adam's First Sin, Many Kinds of Sin were Involved.
... Chapter 45."In Adam's First Sin, Many Kinds of Sin Were Involved. However, even
in that one sin, which "by one man entered into the world, and so passed upon ...
/.../augustine/the enchiridion/chapter 45 in adams first sin.htm

Of the First Covenant Made with Man
... made man thus and furnished him after this manner, he gave him a law, and then he
made a covenant with him. There was a law first imprinted into Adam, and then ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xxi of the first.htm

The Image of God in Man.
... proof. St. Paul declares there that the first man Adam was of the earth
earthy; ie, not only after the fall, but by creation. Then ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/ix the image of god.htm

Of the Fall of Adam
... the existence of this fact - - that it was decreed by God that Adam should perish ...
it by his decree." 8. "God not only foresaw the fall of the first man, but by ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/of the fall of adam.htm

The Doctrine of Man
... into the world is as free from sin as Adam was. The only effect the first sin had
upon the race was that of a bad example. According to this theory man is well ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of man.htm

State in which Man was Created. The Faculties of the Soul --The ...
... to be complete until it appears more clearly what the faculties are in which man
excels, and ... It cannot be doubted that when Adam lost his first estate he ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 15 state in which.htm

On the First Sin of the First Man
... the effects of the Holy Spirit dwelling in man, ought not to ... sin, however, is not
peculiar to our first parents, but ... For in Adam "all have sinned." (Romans 5:12 ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 7 on the first.htm