Adam
First man, namer of creatures, father of humanity.
Adam is the first man created by God, formed from the ground and given dominion over the animals, whom he named (Genesis 2:19).
Quick Facts
- Created by god
- Genesis 2:19
- Named the animals
- Genesis 2:19-20
- Married to eve
- Genesis 2:23, 3:20
- Died
- Genesis 5:5
Lore & Background
Adam is introduced as the being formed by God from the ground, to whom all animals are brought for naming (Genesis 2:19). After naming every living creature, no suitable companion is found for him, leading God to create woman from Adam's rib (Genesis 2:20-21). Adam declares her 'bone of my bones' and names her Woman (Genesis 2:23). Adam and his wife disobey God by eating from the forbidden tree, and when God calls, Adam hides (Genesis 3:8-9). God curses the ground because of Adam's disobedience (Genesis 3:17). Adam later names his wife Eve, 'mother of all living' (Genesis 3:20), and God clothes them with skins (Genesis 3:21). The 'book of the generations of Adam' notes that God created humanity in His likeness (Genesis 5:1-2).
Reader's Guide
The passages portray Adam as both a privileged and fallible figure. He is given authority over creation, naming every beast and bird (Genesis 2:19-20), yet he is incomplete without a partner (Genesis 2:20). His naming of Eve and the animals reflects a role of stewardship and relationship. Adam's disobedience leads to a curse on the ground and a life of sorrow (Genesis 3:17), but God still provides for him and his wife (Genesis 3:21). His lineage is traced through Seth, and his death marks the end of his long life (Genesis 5:5). The text presents Adam as the origin of humanity, made in God's likeness, yet subject to mortality and moral failure.
Elsewhere in Figures of Scripture
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