Σήθ

Seth

Definition

Σήθ (Seth) is the Greek form of the Hebrew name שֵׁת (Sheth), meaning 'appointed' or 'compensation'. In the Bible, Seth is the third son of Adam and Eve, born after the death of Abel (Genesis 4:25). His primary significance is as the appointed replacement in the godly line of promise, continuing the lineage from Adam through which the Messiah would ultimately come. This is explicitly referenced in the New Testament in Luke 3:38, where Seth is included in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, directly linking him to Adam, the 'son of God'.

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, Σήθ is used only once, in Luke 3:38. It appears within the genealogy of Jesus, specifically in the segment tracing His ancestry back to Adam. The usage is purely referential, identifying Seth as a historical patriarch in the direct lineage from Adam to Jesus. No other contextual or thematic patterns exist in NT usage.

Etymology

The Greek Σήθ (Sēth) is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew name שֵׁת (Sheth). The Hebrew root is associated with the verb שִׁית (shith), meaning 'to place, appoint, or set'. This etymological meaning of 'appointed one' directly informs the narrative in Genesis 4:25, where Eve names him, saying, 'God has appointed for me another offspring instead of Abel.'

Semantic Range

Seth is theologically significant as the chosen vessel for the continuation of the promised 'seed' from Genesis 3:15. His placement in Luke's genealogy (Luke 3:38) underscores the theme of Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of this lineage, the true 'Son of God' who succeeds where Adam failed. Understanding the meaning of his name ('appointed') enriches the reading of Genesis by highlighting God's sovereign provision to preserve the messianic line after Cain's sin.

In the ancient Near Eastern and Second Temple Jewish context, genealogies were crucial for establishing identity, inheritance, and covenant continuity. Naming a child with a meaning like 'appointed' was a declarative act, often reflecting divine intervention or destiny. Seth's role as a new beginning for the godly line would have been immediately understood by Luke's original audience as a foundational link in sacred history.

No direct synonyms exist for this proper name. Theologically, he is part of the lineage connected to: Ἀδάμ (Adam, G76) — the first man and father; Ἀβελ (Abel, G6) — his deceased brother; Ἐνώς (Enos, G1800) — his son, continuing the lineage.

Word Details

Scripture References