The Meaning of the Chronogenealogies of Genesis 5 and 11 Gerhard F Hasel Outline Introduction Data Relating to the Line of Descent Internal Literary Data the Formula of Descent ArchaeologicalHistorical Data ID: 762579
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The Meaning of the Chronogenealogies ofGenesis 5 and 11 Gerhard F. Hasel
Outline Introduction Data Relating to the Line of Descent Internal Literary Data: the Formula of Descent Archaeological-Historical Data Biblical-Genealogical Data Interpretations of Chronological Information in Genesis 5 and 11 Non-historical Interpretations Great Year System Secret System Systems of Figures Discontinuous System Historical Interpretations Successive Method of Reckoning Overlapping Method of Reckoning Conclusion
The genealogies in Genesis 5 and 11 are unique within and outside of Scripture. They are called chronogenealogies because of the mixture of both chronological and genealogical data.
It is no longer in vogue to view the chronological information in the Bible as “mere window dressing.” In recent decades the accuracy of the chronological information in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament, has been verified repeatedly.
Introduction Data Relating to the Line of Descent Internal Literary Data: the Formula of Descent Archaeological-Historical Data Biblical-Genealogical Data Interpretations of Chronological Information in Genesis 5 and 11 Non-historical Interpretations Great Year System Secret System Systems of Figures Discontinuous System Historical Interpretations Successive Method of Reckoning Overlapping Method of Reckoning Conclusion
The Formula of Descent When PN1 had lived x years , he fathered PN2. And PN1 lived after he fathered PN2 y years , and he fathered other sons and daughters. And all the days of PN1 were z years . This interlocking nature of the information provided is forceful internal evidence that the material in Genesis 5 and 11 presents a continuous line of descent.
Introduction Data Relating to the Line of Descent Internal Literary Data: the Formula of Descent Archaeological-Historical Data Biblical-Genealogical Data Interpretations of Chronological Information in Genesis 5 and 11 Non-historical Interpretations Great Year System Secret System Systems of Figures Discontinuous System Historical Interpretations Successive Method of Reckoning Overlapping Method of Reckoning Conclusion
Divergent Figures (AM—from creation) Hebrew MT LXX (Alex.) LXX (Vat.) Sam. Pent. Josephus Adam to Noah 1656 2262 2242 1307 2256 Shem to Abraham 292 1072 1172 942 983 Adam to Abraham 1948 3334 3414 2249 3239
In order to determine a BC date for the flood, we must know the date of Abraham’s birth. 1 Kings 6:1 says that Solomon’s temple was begun 480 years after the Exodus. 970BC (temple begun) + 480 1450 BC (Exodus)
BC/AD 2,000 BC 3 ,000 BC 1 ,000 BC 4 ,000 BC 970 BC Temple Begun 1 Kings 6:1 says Solomon’s temple was begun 480 years after the Exodus. 970 + 480 = 1450 BC
BC/AD 2,000 BC 3 ,000 BC 1 ,000 BC 4 ,000 BC 970 BC Temple Begun 1 Kings 6:1 says Solomon’s temple was begun 480 years after the Exodus. 970 + 480 = 1450 BC 1450 BC Exodus
Exodus 12:40 Hebrew (MT) The sons of Israel lived in Egypt 430 years. Greek (LXX) The sojournings of the sons of Israel in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan was 430 years 215 in Egypt 215 in Canaan
BC/AD 2,000 BC 3 ,000 BC 1 ,000 BC 4 ,000 BC 970 BC Temple Begun 1450 BC Exodus 1450 BC + 430 years in Egypt 1880 BC Descent to Egypt 1880 BC To Egypt
BC/AD 2,000 BC 3 ,000 BC 1 ,000 BC 4 ,000 BC 970 BC Temple Begun 1450 BC Exodus 1450 BC + 215 years in Egypt 1665 BC Descent to Egypt 1665 BC To Egypt
BC/AD 2,000 BC 3 ,000 BC 1 ,000 BC 4 ,000 BC 970 BC Temple Begun 1450 BC Exodus 1880 BC To Egypt 1880 BC (Israelites entered Egypt) 130 (Jacob’s age when he entered Egypt) 60 (Isaac’s age when Jacob was born) + 100 (Abram’s age when Isaac was born) 2170 BC (Abraham’s birth) 2170 BC Abram Born
BC/AD 2,000 BC 3 ,000 BC 1 ,000 BC 4 ,000 BC 970 BC Temple Begun 1450 BC Exodus 1880 BC To Egypt 1880 BC (Israelites entered Egypt) 130 (Jacob’s age when he entered Egypt) 60 (Isaac’s age when Jacob was born) + 100 (Abram’s age when Isaac was born) 2170 BC (Abraham’s birth) 2170 BC Abram Born
BC/AD 2,000 BC 3 ,000 BC 1 ,000 BC 4 ,000 BC 970 BC Temple Begun 1450 BC Exodus 1880 BC To Egypt 1880 BC (Israelites entered Egypt) 130 (Jacob’s age when he entered Egypt) 60 (Isaac’s age when Jacob was born) + 100 (Abram’s age when Isaac was born) 2170 BC (Abraham’s birth) 2170 BC Abram Born
BC/AD 2,000 BC 3 ,000 BC 1 ,000 BC 4 ,000 BC 970 BC Temple Begun 1450 BC Exodus 1880 BC To Egypt 1880 BC (Israelites entered Egypt) 130 (Jacob’s age when he entered Egypt) 60 (Isaac’s age when Jacob was born) + 100 (Abram’s age when Isaac was born) 2170 BC (Abraham’s birth) 2170 BC Abram Born
BC/AD 2,000 BC 3 ,000 BC 1 ,000 BC 4 ,000 BC 970 BC Temple Begun 1450 BC Exodus 1880 BC To Egypt 1880 BC (Israelites entered Egypt) 130 (Jacob’s age when he entered Egypt) 60 (Isaac’s age when Jacob was born) + 100 (Abram’s age when Isaac was born) 2170 BC (Abraham’s birth) 2170 BC Abram Born
BC/AD 2,000 BC 3 ,000 BC 1 ,000 BC 4 ,000 BC 970 BC Temple Begun 1450 BC Exodus 1665 BC To Egypt 1665 BC (Israelites entered Egypt) 130 (Jacob’s age when he entered Egypt) 60 (Isaac’s age when Jacob was born) + 100 (Abram’s age when Isaac was born) 1955 BC (Abraham’s birth) 1955 Abram’s birth
BC/AD 2,000 BC 3 ,000 BC 1 ,000 BC 4 ,000 BC 970 BC Temple Begun 1450 BC Exodus 1665 BC To Egypt 1665 BC (Israelites entered Egypt) 130 (Jacob’s age when he entered Egypt) 60 (Isaac’s age when Jacob was born) + 100 (Abram’s age when Isaac was born) 1955 BC (Abraham’s birth) 1955 Abram’s birth
Date of the Flood (BC) Hebrew MT LXX (Alex.) LXX (Vat.) Sam. Pent. Flood 2462 3242 3342 3112 Creation of Adam 4118 5504 584 4419
Date of the Flood (BC) Heb. MT +60 LXX (Alex.) +60 LXX (Vat.) +60 Sam. Pent. +60 Flood 2462 2522 3242 3302 3342 3402 3112 3172 Creation of Adam 4118 4178 5504 5564 584 5644 4419 4479 If Abraham was born when Terah was 130 years old, as may be indicated in Genesis 11:32; 12:4; Acts 7:4 (because Abraham was 75 years old when he left Haran after Terah had died at the age of 205), then 60 years needs to be added to the BC years of the flood.
Without doubt, the figure and dates obtained from the Septuagint texts are the most attractive from the viewpoint of currently known historical data from Egypt and Mesopotamia. The historical data from Egypt and Mesopotamia are relative. No absoluteness must be assigned to them. Caution is in order so that biblical materials are not prematurely judged inaccurate or invalid on grounds which scholars are careful enough to regard as relative.
A truly scientific approach to early world chronologies will not accord to “relative chronology” an absolute status which may serve as a sound basis for decisions concerning personal faith and confidence in the fidelity of the Bible.
Introduction Data Relating to the Line of Descent Internal Literary Data: the Formula of Descent Archaeological-Historical Data Biblical-Genealogical Data Interpretations of Chronological Information in Genesis 5 and 11 Non-historical Interpretations Great Year System Secret System Systems of Figures Discontinuous System Historical Interpretations Successive Method of Reckoning Overlapping Method of Reckoning Conclusion
Sumerian King List Closest parallel to Genesis 5 and 11 Several scholars have claimed that Genesis 5 and 11 are dependent on the Sumerian King List and thus cannot be regarded as a reliable index of time.
Results of Investigation Genesis 5 and 11 Semitic names Years of life Line of descent 10 antediluvians 9 postdiluvians Emphasizes descent Sumerian King List Non-Semitic names Years of reign Succession of kings 7-10 antediluvians 39 postdiluvians Emphasizes kingship in only one city at a time
Results of Investigation Genesis 5 and 11 7. Chronogenealogies 8. Structures not identical 9. Focuses on chronological information Sumerian King List 7. City dynasties/rulers 8. Structures not identical 9. Contains only occasional chronological information
Conclusion The Sumerian King List is not a source directly or indirectly for Genesis 5 and 11. Genesis 5 and 11:10-26 are without a parallel in the ancient world. It is most precarious and methodologically unsound to interpret the biblical chronogenealogies on the basis of ancient Near Eastern materials. The proper function and meaning can be determined in their own contextual settings in Genesis 1-11 and the Bible as a whole.
Introduction Data Relating to the Line of Descent Internal Literary Data: the Formula of Descent Archaeological-Historical Data Biblical-Genealogical Data Interpretations of Chronological Information in Genesis 5 and 11 Non-historical Interpretations Great Year System Secret System Systems of Figures Discontinuous System Historical Interpretations Successive Method of Reckoning Overlapping Method of Reckoning Conclusion
Discontinuous Genealogies Genealogy of Jesus Matthew 1:1-17 Joram begat Uzziah OT Genealogies 2 Kings 8:25; 11:2;14:1, 21 Joram Ahaziah Joash Amazziah Uzziah
It has been suggested that since other biblical genealogies contain discontinuities, the chronogenealogies in Genesis 5 and 11 do as well.
It is suggested that the structure of Genesis 5 and 11 with 10 antediluvian and 10 post diluvian patriarchs is an intentional arrangement Similar to Matthew 1:1-17 which has three sets of 14 ancestors
10 and 10? Genesis 5 Antediluvian Adam Seth Enosh Kenan Mahalalel Jared Enoch Methuselah Lamech Noah (had 3 sons) Genesis 11 Post- diluvian Shem Arpachshad Shelah Eber Peleg Reu Serug Nahor Terah (had 3 sons)
10 and 10? Genesis 5 Antediluvian Adam Seth Enosh Kenan Mahalalel Jared Enoch Methuselah Lamech Noah (had 3 sons) Shem Genesis 11 Post- diluvian Shem Arpachshad Shelah Eber Peleg Reu Serug Nahor Terah (had 3 sons) Abram
The figures 10/9 and 11/10 respectively can hardly qualify as an intentional arrangement or a symmetry. The alleged symmetry of 10 generations before the flood and 10 generations after the flood is non-existent in the Hebrew text.
The “second” Cainan (Kenan ) The addition of a second Cainan , makes 10 generations in the Greek translation. That this is a secondary alteration in the LXX is almost certain: Not in 1 Ch 1:18, 24 of the LXX Kenan already occurs in the former genealogy The figures assigned to him simply duplicate Shelah who follows him Possibly an attempt to schematize
Comparison Genesis 5 and 11 No 10-10 pattern Formula: when PN1 had lived x years, he fathered PNx . And PN1 lived y more years…. All the days of PN1 were z years. Chronogenealogies Matthew 1:1-17 14-14-14 pattern PN1 begat PN2 No chronological information
The arguments against the apparent continuous line of descent in these chapters are far from compelling. The fact that some biblical genealogies have a discontinuous line of descent and in turn lack any interlocking chronological information of spans of life can hardly function as a key to determine that Genesis 5 and 11 are also discontinuous.
When there is tension between secular historical time calculations and the computation of the chronological information in Genesis 5 and 11, the issue boils down to which source of data has validity and force over the other. Here the question of the authority of the biblical materials when in conflict with historical reconstruction and/or scientific interpretations appears in full force.
Scholarly tradition argues that wherever and whenever the conclusions of historians, scientists, sociologists, etc., are in disagreement with the Bible, the Bible will have to be reinterpreted to be brought into harmony with these conclusions Another scholarly position maintains that where the Bible impinges on subjects such as history, geography, ethnology, botany, astronomy, etc., it is trustworthy. For these scholars, subordinating the Bible to modern scientific interpretations is highly problematic and reverses the structure of authority.
Introduction Data Relating to the Line of Descent Internal Literary Data: the Formula of Descent Archaeological-Historical Data Biblical-Genealogical Data Interpretations of Chronological Information in Genesis 5 and 11 Non-historical Interpretations Great Year System Secret System Systems of Figures Discontinuous System Historical Interpretations Successive Method of Reckoning Overlapping Method of Reckoning Conclusion
Non-historical interpretations The figures have meaning but lack historical-chronological significance. The “Great Year” System The “Secret System” Systems of Figures The Discontinuous System The “Great Year” of 4,000 years begins with Adam and ends with the rededication of the temple by the Maccabees in 164 B.C. (Very problematic because of computational inaccuracies)
Non-historical interpretations The figures have meaning but lack historical-chronological significance. The “Great Year” System The “Secret System” Systems of Figures The Discontinuous System Allegedly, Hebrew scribes deliberately hid all chronological information from the OT in a “Secret System.” (Lack of evidence, and the Bible demonstrates itself to be historical time and again.)
Non-historical interpretations The figures have meaning but lack historical-chronological significance. The “Great Year” System The “Secret System” Systems of Figures The Discontinuous System Instead of dismissing the figures, some scholars have suggested that the figures have meaning, the key of which has to be recovered. (Few scholars have found this convincing.)
Non-historical interpretations The figures have meaning but lack historical-chronological significance. The “Great Year” System The “Secret System” Systems of Figures The Discontinuous System The Discontinuous System claims that the list is incomplete and only contains excerpts from a longer list. (This is built on historical and scientific premises not present in Scripture.)
Introduction Data Relating to the Line of Descent Internal Literary Data: the Formula of Descent Archaeological-Historical Data Biblical-Genealogical Data Interpretations of Chronological Information in Genesis 5 and 11 Non-historical Interpretations Great Year System Secret System Systems of Figures Discontinuous System Historical Interpretations Successive Method of Reckoning Overlapping Method of Reckoning Conclusion
Historical Interpretations Successive Method of Reckoning : follows a suggestion that ancient Near Eastern peoples “dated long period of lifetimes, not generations.” While Adam begat an ancestor of Seth when he was 130, Seth actually arose as Scripture’s next prominent figure only after Adam’s full life of 930 years. A major difficulty of this method comes from the Hebrew language. The word for “fathered” is used in the sense of a direct physical offspring.
Historical Interpretations Overlapping Method of Reckoning: Calculates time by adding up the number of years each patriarch lived before the birth of his first son. No gaps, no missing generations Archbishop James Ussher used this method to calculate the birth of Jesus in 4 BC and the date of creation at 4004 BC. Many Christians still believe that reckoning by the overlapping method is the one most consistent with the biblical text.
Dates calculated using this method conflict head-on with standard interpretations of time needed for prehistoric and historical reconstructions. In Dr. Hasel’s opinion, the basic issue is whether modern reconstructions of ancient history and prehistory are an authoritative norm for the interpretation or reinterpretation of the Bible. If so, the Bible has to yield when there is conflict.
If not…other disciplines yield Ultimate authority for knowledge and faith is provided in the superior revelation of God in the Bible, and whenever biblical information impinges on matters of history, age of the earth, origins, etc., the data observed must be interpreted and reconstructed in view of this superior divine revelation which is supremely embodied in the Bible.
Introduction Data Relating to the Line of Descent Internal Literary Data: the Formula of Descent Archaeological-Historical Data Biblical-Genealogical Data Interpretations of Chronological Information in Genesis 5 and 11 Non-historical Interpretations Great Year System Secret System Systems of Figures Discontinuous System Historical Interpretations Successive Method of Reckoning Overlapping Method of Reckoning Conclusion
Conclusions Time functions in a most profound way in the Bible. The genealogies in Genesis 5 and 11 contribute to the progression of time in Scripture. Theologically, the succession from father to son, together with the spans of time, indicates God’s blessing and grace in view of sin and death. These chronogenealogies provide the time framework and human chain that link God’s people with Adam at the climax of the six-day creation event on this planet.
“The Meaning of the Chronogenealogies ofGenesis 5 and 11” Origins 7/2 (1980) 53-70 Gerhard F. Hasel
Summary and Narration: Carol Raney Design: Jessica Drahozal Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/stockerre/4802890982/