Genealogies and spiritualities in Genesis 4:17-22, 4:25-26, 5:1-32

Abstract

The three genealogies in Genesis 4:17-22, 4:25-26 en 5:1-32 show different intentions: the first wants (amongst other purposes) to give an aetiology of the trades; the second wants to stress the importance of a new beginning; the third wants to relate Adam to Noah. Each of these approaches to genealogy has a different intent; each wants to indicate a different aspect of God’s care. Each thus evidences an own (though not unrelated) configuration of faith experienced, that is, a different spirituality.