Seth שֵׁת
Third son of Adam and Eve, ancestor of righteous line
Who is Seth in the Bible?
Seth was the third son of Adam and Eve, born after the death of Abel whom Cain had murdered (Genesis 4.25-26). Eve named him Seth, saying, "God has appointed me another offspring instead of Abel, for Cain killed him." Seth became the founder of the righteous line of humanity, contrasting with Cain's descendants, and lived 912 years, fathering Enosh at age 105 and having many other children (Genesis 5.3-8). His descendants, including the notable figures Enoch and Noah, are characterized as calling upon the name of the Lord, establishing a lineage of godly people that would eventually lead to the birth of Christ, as shown in Luke's genealogy (Luke 3.38). Seth's significance lies in representing God's grace and redemption after humanity's first murder, preserving a faithful line through which God's covenant promises would continue.
Biography
Seth, mentioned in Gen.4.25-26, 5:3-8, 1Ch.1.1, Num.24.17, and Luk.3.38, was the third son of Adam and Eve. He was born after the death of Abel, whom Cain had murdered. Eve named him Seth, saying, "God has appointed me another offspring instead of Abel, for Cain killed him." Seth became the ancestor of the righteous line of humanity, in contrast to Cain's descendants. When Seth was 105 years old, he became the father of Enosh, and he lived an additional 807 years, having other sons and daughters. In total, Seth lived 912 years. His descendants, including Enoch and Noah, are characterized as calling upon the name of the Lord. In Num.24.17, the oracle of Balaam refers to a star coming out of Israel (or 'Jacob') and a scepter rising out of Israel, which some interpret as a reference to the Messiah descending from Seth's lineage. Seth's inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus in Luk.3.38 further emphasizes his significance in the biblical narrative.
Family
Parents
Siblings
In Scripture
4 biblical books ; 2 with study contentGenesis 5 verses
- Genesis 4:25
"And Adam again had relations with his wife, and she gave birth to a son and named him Seth, saying, “God has granted me another seed in place of Abel, since Cain killed him.”"
Study Genesis → - Genesis 4:26
"And to Seth also a son was born, and he called him Enosh. At that time men began to call upon the name of the LORD."
Study Genesis → - Genesis 5:3
"When Adam was 130 years old, he had a son in his own likeness, after his own image; and he named him Seth."
Study Genesis → - Genesis 5:4
"And after he had become the father of Seth, Adam lived 800 years and had other sons and daughters."
Study Genesis → - Genesis 5:6
"When Seth was 105 years old, he became the father of Enosh."
Study Genesis →
1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 1:1
"Adam, Seth, Enosh,"
Numbers 1 verse
- Numbers 24:17
"I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth."
Luke 1 verse
- Luke 3:38
"the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God."
Study Luke →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | שֵׁת |
| Named | Hebrew | שֵׁת |
| Greek | Greek | Σήθ |