Genesis 11:15

KJV

And Salah lived after he begat Eber four hundred and three years, and begat sons and daughters.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Salah {H7974} lived {H2421} after {H310} he begat {H3205} Eber {H5677} four {H702} hundred {H3967}{H8141} and three {H7969} years {H8141}, and begat {H3205} sons {H1121} and daughters {H1323}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After ‘Ever was born, Shelach lived another 403 years and had sons and daughters.

Berean Standard Bible

And after he had become the father of Eber, Shelah lived 403 years and had other sons and daughters.

American Standard Version

and Shelah lived after he begat Eber four hundred and three years, and begat sons and daughters.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 11:15 is a precise genealogical entry documenting Salah's life after the birth of his son, Eber, stating that he lived an additional 403 years and continued to have more children. This verse is an essential link in the meticulously preserved post-Flood lineage, tracing the ancestral line from Noah's son Shem to Abraham, thereby underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness in maintaining a chosen seed through whom His redemptive plan for humanity would ultimately unfold.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 11:15 is situated within a crucial genealogical segment (Genesis 11:10-26) that meticulously traces the lineage from Shem, one of Noah's sons, to Terah, the father of Abram (who would later become Abraham). This section immediately follows the narrative of [the Tower of Babel](/genesis/11-1 "Genesis 11:1-9 - The Tower of Babel"), which explains the dispersion of humanity and the origin of diverse languages. The genealogies serve as a bridge, transitioning from the broad, global narratives of creation and the Flood to the specific, covenantal history that begins with Abraham. Each entry, including Salah's, follows a consistent pattern: the patriarch's age at the birth of his named son, followed by the duration of his remaining life, and the general statement that he "begat sons and daughters," reinforcing the theme of continued procreation and the preservation of the human line. Salah is specifically identified as the son of Arphaxad and the father of Eber, a pivotal figure from whom the "Hebrews" are traditionally believed to derive their name.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The genealogies in Genesis, including this verse, reflect the ancient Near Eastern cultural practice of meticulously recording lineages, which served not only as historical documents but also as affirmations of identity, inheritance, and divine blessing. In a pre-literate or early-literate society, oral traditions and written records of ancestry were vital for establishing tribal connections and validating claims. The numerical data regarding lifespans, while challenging for modern readers to fully grasp, would have been understood by ancient audiences as a testament to the patriarchs' longevity and God's blessing, even as they show a clear decline from the antediluvian ages. The cultural emphasis on progeny ("sons and daughters") was paramount, as it ensured the continuation of the family name, the inheritance of land, and the fulfillment of the divine mandate to "be fruitful and multiply" ([Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Creation Mandate")). This verse, therefore, functions within a cultural framework where lineage was foundational to social and religious identity.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 11:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Preservation**, demonstrating God's faithfulness in maintaining a chosen lineage through the chaos and dispersion following the Flood and Babel. Despite humanity's rebellion, God meticulously preserves the line through which His redemptive plan will unfold. Secondly, it highlights **Genealogical Continuity**, providing an unbroken historical chain that connects the earliest human history to the patriarchal age, establishing the historical roots of God's people. This continuity is essential for understanding the unfolding of God's covenant promises. Thirdly, the verse, within the context of declining lifespans (compare Salah's 433 years to Methuselah's 969 years in [Genesis 5:27](/genesis/5-27 "Genesis 5:27 - Methuselah's Lifespan")), subtly reinforces the pervasive theme of the **Consequences of the Fall** and the ongoing impact of sin on human vitality and the created order. Finally, by naming Eber, the verse implicitly points to the **Anticipation of a Chosen People**, as Eber is the traditional progenitor of the "Hebrews," setting the stage for the call of Abraham and the formation of Israel as God's covenant nation, as detailed in [Genesis 12](/genesis/12 "Genesis 12 - The Call of Abraham").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **lived (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to live," this word signifies the continuation of physical existence and vitality. In the context of genealogies, it emphasizes the duration of a patriarch's life, highlighting the preservation of the human line and the unfolding of God's plan through successive generations. It speaks to the sustained life granted by God, even as lifespans began to decrease after the Flood.
* **begat (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** A fundamental term in genealogical records, this primitive root means "to bear young" or "to beget." It denotes the act of procreation, central to the divine command to "be fruitful and multiply." In this verse, it confirms Salah's role in the continuation of the family line, specifically through Eber, and generally through other unnamed children, ensuring the repopulation of the earth and the perpetuation of the chosen lineage.
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to build," this term refers to male offspring. In ancient cultures, sons were crucial for carrying on the family name, inheriting property, and ensuring the continuity of the lineage. Their mention here, alongside daughters, emphasizes the complete and robust propagation of Salah's family.
* **daughters (Hebrew, _bath'_):** The feminine form related to _bên_, this word refers to female offspring. The inclusion of "sons and daughters" in the genealogical formula signifies the comprehensive proliferation of the family, fulfilling the divine mandate for humanity to spread across the earth and populate it, ensuring the future of the human race.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Salah lived after he begat Eber four hundred and three years":** This clause provides precise chronological data, indicating the significant period of Salah's life that transpired subsequent to the birth of his son, Eber. This meticulous record-keeping underscores the historical and factual nature of the Genesis genealogies. The specific mention of "four hundred and three years" highlights the declining, yet still remarkably long, lifespans in the post-Flood era, a stark contrast to the near-millennial ages of the antediluvian patriarchs, but still far exceeding modern human longevity. This detail contributes to the overall narrative of humanity's gradual decline in vitality after the Fall.
* **"and begat sons and daughters":** This concluding phrase signifies that Salah continued to have additional offspring beyond Eber during the remainder of his long life. This detail is crucial for demonstrating the ongoing fulfillment of God's original command to "be fruitful and multiply" ([Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Creation Mandate")). It emphasizes the repopulation of the earth and the continuous propagation of the human race, ensuring the broad base from which God's chosen people would ultimately emerge through the specific line leading to Abraham.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Genesis 11:15, and indeed throughout the genealogies of Genesis 5 and 11, is **Formulaic Repetition**. The consistent structure ("X lived Y years and begat Z; and X lived after he begat Z W years, and begat sons and daughters") provides a rhythmic and predictable pattern that reinforces the historical continuity and the divine order of procreation. This repetition lends an air of authority and reliability to the record, emphasizing the meticulous nature of the biblical account. Additionally, the genealogies employ **Numerical Precision**, providing specific ages and durations. While seemingly dry, this precision serves to ground the narrative in a tangible, historical framework, underscoring the factual intent of the author. The very act of naming specific individuals and their familial relationships also constitutes **Onomastic Significance**, as each name (like Eber, from whom "Hebrew" is derived) carries implicit meaning that contributes to the broader narrative of identity and divine purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 11:15, though a simple line in a long genealogy, is profoundly significant for its theological implications. It serves as a vital link in God's divinely preserved lineage, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness in maintaining a chosen seed through whom His redemptive promises would ultimately be fulfilled. This meticulous record-keeping highlights God's active sovereignty over human history, orchestrating the seemingly mundane details of births and lifespans to prepare the way for His grand covenant with Abraham and the eventual coming of the Messiah. The consistent pattern of "begat sons and daughters" also underscores the ongoing fulfillment of the creation mandate to "be fruitful and multiply," ensuring the repopulation of the earth even amidst the consequences of sin and judgment.

* [Genesis 5:1-32](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Genealogies from Adam to Noah"): This entire chapter establishes the pattern of genealogical record-keeping from Adam to Noah, demonstrating God's preservation of humanity through the antediluvian period and setting the stage for the post-Flood genealogies.
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus"): This New Testament passage provides Jesus's genealogy, tracing His lineage all the way back to Adam, demonstrating how seemingly minor figures like Salah are indispensable links in the grand redemptive narrative leading to Christ.
* [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed of Abraham"): Paul emphasizes that God's promise was made to "Abraham and to his seed," referring to Christ. The meticulous genealogies, including Salah's, illustrate the historical preservation of this specific "seed" through whom the promise would be realized.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Genesis 11:15 might appear as a mere historical record, its inclusion in the inspired Word of God conveys profound truths about divine purpose and faithfulness. This verse reminds us that God's grand plans unfold over vast stretches of time, often through seemingly ordinary lives and generations. The meticulous detail of these genealogies underscores God's unwavering commitment to His promises, meticulously preserving a specific lineage that would eventually bring forth the Savior of the world. For believers today, this passage offers assurance that God is sovereignly at work in all of history, even in the seemingly insignificant details of our lives and the lives of those who came before us. It encourages us to trust in His long-term faithfulness, knowing that He orchestrates all things for His ultimate, glorious purposes, and that every life, no matter how briefly mentioned, plays a part in His overarching narrative of redemption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of the genealogies in Genesis, including Salah's entry, strengthen your faith in the historical reliability of the Bible?**
* **What does the consistent theme of "begat sons and daughters" reveal about God's ongoing plan for humanity and His command to be fruitful?**
* **Considering the long lifespans mentioned, how does this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of the passage of time in God's redemptive plan?**

### FAQ

**Why are the genealogies in Genesis so detailed about lifespans and offspring?**

Answer: The detailed recording of lifespans and the mention of "sons and daughters" in genealogies like [Genesis 11:15](/genesis/11-15 "Genesis 11:15 KJV") serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it establishes the historical continuity of humanity from creation through the Flood and towards Abraham, demonstrating the reliability and factual intent of the biblical narrative. Secondly, it highlights God's faithfulness in preserving a specific lineage, ensuring the fulfillment of His promises, particularly the promise of a "seed" through whom all nations would be blessed. Thirdly, the mention of multiple offspring underscores the divine command to "be fruitful and multiply" ([Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Creation Mandate")), showing the repopulation of the earth and the ongoing propagation of the human race as part of God's design.

**Does the declining lifespan in this genealogy (Salah's 433 years) indicate a change in God's design for humanity?**

Answer: The declining lifespans observed in the post-Flood genealogies, from the near-millennial ages of antediluvian patriarchs ([Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Antediluvian Genealogies")) to Salah's 433 years and subsequent shorter lifespans, are generally understood as a consequence of the increased effects of sin and the curse on creation, perhaps exacerbated by environmental changes after the Flood. It reflects a progressive weakening of human vitality and a gradual return towards the natural limits of life, underscoring the pervasive impact of the Fall on all aspects of existence. It is not necessarily a change in God's *original* design for perfect humanity, but rather a manifestation of the severe and ongoing consequences of humanity's sin and rebellion against Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Though [Genesis 11:15](/genesis/11-15 "Genesis 11:15 KJV") is a simple genealogical entry, its profound Christ-centered fulfillment lies in its indispensable role as a vital link in the meticulously preserved lineage of the Messiah. Salah's life, and the birth of Eber, are not isolated historical facts but crucial steps in the divinely orchestrated chain that leads directly from Adam and Noah to Abraham, then through the tribe of Judah and the house of David, and ultimately to Jesus Christ, the promised Seed ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Promise to Abraham's Seed")). This verse, therefore, is far more than mere historical data; it is a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness across millennia, sovereignly orchestrating human history and preserving a specific family line to bring forth the promised Savior who would redeem humanity from sin and death ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Every name, every lifespan, including Salah's, points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive purposes in the person and work of Jesus, the true "son" who builds God's eternal family ([Hebrews 3:6](/hebrews/3-6 "Hebrews 3:6 - Christ as Son over God's House")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.