Genesis 5 and the Formation of the Primeval History: a Redaction Historical Case Study

This article discusses the composition of Gen 5, its possible literary growth and its relationship to Gen 2-4 within the larger composition of the Primeval History. Several possible explanations for the relationship between Gen 5 and Gen 2-4 are considered: documentary hypotheses, supplementary hypotheses and Blum's Priestly composition. Taking both synchronic and diachronic aspects into account, this study argues that Gen 5 should be seen as both an elaboration on and an addition to Gen 2-4. It is concluded that, from the perspective of Gen 5, Blum's hypothesis provides the best explanation for the formation of the Primeval History.