With verse 3, and continuing through verse 5, the repetitive pattern of the generation report begins. After the translator has established the pattern for translating verses 3-5, that pattern should be followed for the remainder of chapter 5.

When Adam had lived a hundred and thirty years is a subordinate time clause stating Adam’s age at the time of Seth’s birth. In some languages this information must follow the main verb. Revised Standard Version translates this clause literally, but in English “When Adam was 130 years old” (Good News Translation) is more natural. We may also say, for example, “At the age of 130” or “Adam was 130 years old when….”

Became the father of translates the Hebrew verb meaning “to bear offspring, to have a child.” See 4.18 for comments.

In his own likeness: likeness translates the same word used in verse 1 meaning resemblance, similarity. It refers to being of the same pattern, shape, form. After his image translates the same word used in 1.26. See there for comments. The combination of the two terms likeness and image strengthens the degree of resemblance, and so Biblia Dios Habla Hoy has “who was like him in everything,” and Bible en français courant “who resembled him completely.”

And named him Seth is the conclusion of the birth part of the report. In 4.25 it is Adam’s wife who gave Seth his name.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .