Table of Contents
Who was Noah's father?
Noah's father according to God's Word in Genesis 5:25-29, is a man called Lamech.
Do We Have Quick Facts About Noah's father, Lamech and his Grandfather, Methuselah? Do We have Facts about Lamech's Descendants?
- He is the 8th generation descendant of the first man, Adam.
- Lamech, Noah's father, is the son of Methuselah, the longest living man in the bible who died at age 969 according to the Book of Genesis.
- Methuselah was Noah's grandfather.
- Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Shem was Noah's son who uncovered his father's nakedness. Noah's youngest son is Ham. This would mean that Shem's, Ham's and Japeth's great grandfather to be Methuselah. There is no mention of a daughter for Noah in the Holy Bible.
| Scholar / Source | Focus / Perspective | Key Insights on Lamech |
|---|---|---|
| Brevard S. Childs (1974) – The Book of Genesis: A Critical, Theological Commentary | Canonical-theological | Lamech is presented as a righteous descendant of Seth; his naming of Noah (“rest” or “comfort”) anticipates the salvation motif in Noah. |
| Gordon J. Wenham (1987) – Genesis 1–15 (Word Biblical Commentary) | Literary / theological | Lamech’s speech in Gen. 5:29 reflects narrative foreshadowing: the world’s suffering will be alleviated through Noah; genealogy emphasizes divine providence. |
| Nahum M. Sarna (1989) – Genesis: The Traditional Hebrew Text | Jewish exegetical | Lamech’s role is largely symbolic; genealogy from Adam to Noah establishes the line of the righteous (Sethite) in contrast to Cain’s line. |
| John Calvin (16th c.) – Commentary on Genesis | Reformed theological | Lamech named Noah in recognition of God’s promised relief; the genealogy emphasizes divine covenant continuity. |
| Matthew Henry (1710) – Commentary on the Whole Bible | Devotional / pastoral | Lamech’s prophecy points to God’s merciful plan; Noah’s mission as savior of humanity is anticipated. |
| Rashi (1040–1105) – Commentary on Genesis | Jewish Midrashic / exegetical | Lamech foresaw that Noah would bring relief from the toil and curse of the ground; the naming is prophetic and moral. |
| Franz Delitzsch (19th c.) – Commentary on Genesis | Lutheran / exegetical | Lamech’s naming of Noah reflects hope and divine comfort; his short biography frames Noah’s birth and significance. |
| Hermann Gunkel (1901) – Genesis | Historical-critical / form-critical | Lamech functions as a literary link in the Sethite genealogy; his brief note emphasizes continuity and foreshadowing of God’s saving work through Noah. |
What's The Bible Reference of Lamech, Noah's Dad, and his descendants in Genesis 5:25-29 in The Old Testament?
25 And Methuselah lived an hundred eighty and seven years, and begat Lamech.
26 And Methuselah lived after he begat Lamech seven hundred eighty and two years, and begat sons and daughters:
27 And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died.
28 And Lamech lived an hundred eighty and two years, and begat a son:
29 And he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the Lord hath cursed.
Biblical History: Who is Noah's Father from The Holy Bible?
- Lamech
- As Lamech's son, Noah was considered a man of faith and a righteous man in Scripture. Noah built the ark to survive the great flood as commanded by the Lord. His wife, offspring, and their wives also survived the flood with the animals in the ark.
References:
Patristic / Classical Sources
John Calvin (1509–1564). Commentaries on Genesis, 1554.
—Discusses Lamech’s naming of Noah and its theological significance as divine comfort.Matthew Henry (1662–1714). Commentary on the Whole Bible, Genesis 5:29.
—Emphasizes the prophetic and moral meaning of Lamech’s words regarding Noah.Rashi (1040–1105). Commentary on Genesis, s.v. Genesis 5:29.
—Midrashic interpretation: Lamech foresaw Noah’s role in bringing relief to human toil.Franz Delitzsch (1813–1890). Commentary on Genesis, 1853–1859.
—Examines Lamech’s brief biography and the naming of Noah as a symbol of divine comfort.Hermann Gunkel (1862–1932). Genesis, 1901 (Form-Critical Commentary).
—Treats Lamech as a literary link in the Sethite genealogy, emphasizing foreshadowing and narrative function.Augustine (354–430). City of God, Book XV.
—Discusses the Sethite genealogy and moral significance of Lamech’s prophecy.
Modern Scholarly Commentaries
Brevard S. Childs (1974). The Book of Genesis: A Critical, Theological Commentary.
—Lamech’s naming of Noah anticipates salvation motifs and covenantal continuity.Gordon J. Wenham (1987). Genesis 1–15 (Word Biblical Commentary).
—Focuses on the literary and theological significance of Lamech in the genealogical narrative.Nahum M. Sarna (1989). Genesis: The Traditional Hebrew Text with the New JPS Translation Commentary.
—Jewish exegetical perspective on Lamech’s role and the meaning of Noah’s name.John Skinner (1910). A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on Genesis (International Critical Commentary).
—Analyses genealogical structure, narrative foreshadowing, and Lamech’s prophetic function.Alexander Maclaren (1826–1910). Expositions of Holy Scripture, Genesis 5:29.
—Pastoral reflection on Lamech’s words as a prefiguration of divine relief through Noah.
