Genesis 4:26

KJV

And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And to Seth {H8352}, to him {H1931} also there was born {H3205} a son {H1121}; and he called {H7121} his name {H8034} Enos {H583}: then began men {H2490} to call {H7121} upon the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

To Shet too was born a son, whom he called Enosh. That is when people began to call on the name of Adonai.

Berean Standard Bible

And to Seth also a son was born, and he called him Enosh. At that time men began to call upon the name of the LORD.

American Standard Version

And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enosh. Then began men to call upon the name of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 4:26 records the birth of Seth’s son, Enos, marking a profound spiritual turning point in early human history. It states that "then began men to call upon the name of the LORD," signifying a renewed, more public, and intentional devotion to God. This pivotal moment highlights humanity's innate need for divine connection and the enduring presence of faith, even as the world increasingly diverged into godly and ungodly lines, setting a trajectory for a faithful remnant amidst escalating sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the tragic narratives of Cain's murder of Abel and his subsequent exile, which also detail the burgeoning, yet often violent, culture of Cain's descendants. While Cain's lineage is characterized by worldly advancements, violence, and a departure from God, culminating in Lamech's boastful declaration of vengeance in [Genesis 4:23-24](/genesis/4-23-24 "Lamech's boast of vengeance"), Genesis 4:26 pivots dramatically. It shifts the narrative focus to Seth's line, introduced in [Genesis 4:25](/genesis/4-25 "Eve's hope in Seth's birth") as a divinely appointed "another seed" to replace Abel. The verse thus serves as a crucial counterpoint, introducing a spiritual counter-movement to the prevailing godlessness and establishing the lineage through which the promise of redemption would eventually flow.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early chapters of Genesis describe a nascent human civilization in the immediate aftermath of the Fall. Life was characterized by agricultural and pastoral pursuits, and the development of early crafts and city-building, as seen in Cain's line. However, the spiritual climate was rapidly deteriorating, marked by violence, polygamy, and a general disregard for divine authority. In this context, the act of "calling upon the name of the LORD" represents a significant cultural and religious development. It suggests a more formalized, public, and perhaps communal expression of worship, distinguishing a group that actively sought to engage with the divine in a world increasingly hostile to God's ways. This was not merely private piety but a public declaration of allegiance to Yahweh amidst a growing paganism.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 4:26 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the early chapters of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **humanity's fallen nature and need for redemption**, as the increasing wickedness of the world necessitates a renewed seeking of God. Secondly, it clearly delineates the **"two seeds" theme**, distinguishing the line of faith (Seth's descendants) from the line of worldly ambition and sin (Cain's descendants), a distinction that becomes even more pronounced in [Genesis 6](/genesis/6 "Genesis 6 - The Sons of God and Daughters of Men"). Thirdly, it highlights **God's enduring faithfulness to preserve a remnant** of believers, even as sin proliferates across the earth. Finally, the phrase "calling upon the name of the LORD" introduces the **theme of worship and invocation of God's personal covenant name (YHWH)**, which becomes a foundational expression of relationship with God throughout the Old Testament, as seen in the worship practices of figures like [Abraham](/genesis/12-8 "Abraham calls on the name of the LORD at Bethel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **born (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** (H3205) This primitive root means "to bear young" or "to beget." In the context of Genesis 4:26, it signifies the natural process of procreation, specifically the birth of Seth's son, Enos. However, in the broader narrative, it carries theological weight, emphasizing the continuation of the human lineage and, specifically, the "seed" through whom God's redemptive plan would unfold, contrasting with the terminated line of Abel.
* **began (Hebrew, _châlal'_):** (H2490) While this root often means "to profane" or "to wound," its denominative sense here is "to begin (as if by an 'opening wedge')." This dual meaning is significant. It implies a new, distinct phase or initiation of an activity. In this verse, it marks the commencement of a new, widespread, and possibly formalized practice of calling upon the LORD, suggesting a deliberate and conscious turning towards God that had not been as prevalent or public before this time.
* **call (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** (H7121) This root means "to call out to," "to address by name," or "to proclaim." When combined with "upon the name of the LORD" (Hebrew, _b'shem YHWH_), it forms a powerful idiom signifying public invocation, worship, prayer, and an appeal to God's personal, covenantal presence and authority. It is an act of acknowledging God's sovereignty and seeking His intervention and relationship, moving beyond mere acknowledgment to active, communal engagement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And to Seth, to him also there was born a son;":** This clause establishes the continuation of the lineage of Seth, the "appointed" seed given by God to Eve after Abel's death. It highlights the divine provision for the continuation of humanity and, more importantly, the preservation of a righteous line. The repetition of "to him also" emphasizes that Seth, like Adam, was a progenitor, ensuring the unfolding of God's plan through his descendants.
* **"and he called his name Enos:":** Seth named his son Enos. The Hebrew name _ʼĔnôš_ (H583) is related to the general term for "man" or "mortal man" (H606, _ʼĕnôsh_). This naming may reflect a growing awareness among humanity of its own frailty, mortality, and dependence in the post-Fall world. This realization of human weakness could have been a catalyst for turning to a higher power, setting the stage for the verse's concluding statement.
* **"then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.":** This is the pivotal statement of the verse. The phrase "call upon the name of the LORD" (Hebrew, _qara' b'shem YHWH_) signifies a public, deliberate, and collective act of worship and invocation of God's personal covenant name, Yahweh (H3068). It suggests a spiritual revival or a formalization of worship among Seth's descendants, distinguishing them from the increasingly godless lineage of Cain. This marks the beginning of a distinct community that actively sought and acknowledged God, establishing a pattern of faith that would continue through biblical history.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 4:26 employs several significant literary devices. **Contrast** is paramount, as the verse immediately follows the narrative of Cain's violent and godless lineage, offering a stark counterpoint in the spiritual trajectory of Seth's descendants. This juxtaposition highlights the emerging distinction between the "seed of the woman" and the "seed of the serpent," a foundational theme in Genesis. The naming of Enos carries **Symbolism**, as his name, meaning "mortal man," subtly underscores humanity's frailty and dependence, which may have prompted a deeper yearning for divine connection. The phrase "then began men to call upon the name of the LORD" functions as a **Turning Point** in the narrative, signaling a new era of public worship and spiritual awakening. It also acts as **Foreshadowing**, anticipating the ongoing biblical motif of calling upon God's name for salvation and relationship, a practice that recurs throughout the Old Testament and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 4:26 is a profound theological statement, revealing humanity's foundational need for worship and dependence upon God, even in a world increasingly marred by sin. It marks the formal inception of public, collective worship of Yahweh, distinguishing a faithful remnant from the broader, fallen human population. This act of "calling upon the name of the LORD" signifies a conscious turning toward God, acknowledging His sovereignty and seeking His presence and intervention in human affairs. It underscores God's unwavering commitment to preserve a people for Himself, even amidst the proliferation of wickedness, setting the stage for the unfolding of His redemptive plan through a chosen lineage.

* [Genesis 12:8](/genesis/12-8 "Abraham calls on the name of the LORD at Bethel")
* [Psalm 105:1](/psalm/105-1 "Psalm 105:1 - Call upon His name")
* [Joel 2:32](/joel/2-32 "Joel 2:32 - Call on the name of the LORD for salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 4:26 profoundly challenges us to consider the centrality of worship in human existence. In a world often consumed by worldly pursuits, self-reliance, and distractions, this ancient verse reminds us of humanity’s fundamental need to acknowledge and depend on God. It calls us to prioritize both personal and corporate devotion, recognizing that true life and hope are found not in human achievements or material possessions, but in actively seeking and invoking the name of the LORD. Just as a faithful remnant in the earliest days of humanity distinguished themselves by turning to God amidst growing darkness, so too are believers today called to live distinctly, embodying a lifestyle of worship, prayer, and dependence on God, offering a counter-cultural witness to a world in desperate need of divine connection. This verse serves as a timeless invitation to cultivate a deep, intentional relationship with our Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for me to "call upon the name of the LORD" in my daily life?**
* **How does my personal and corporate worship reflect a genuine dependence on God, rather than self-reliance?**
* **In what ways does my life stand in contrast to the prevailing "worldly pursuits" of our age, reflecting a commitment to God?**
* **What role does acknowledging human frailty and mortality play in drawing me closer to God?**

### FAQ
**What does "call upon the name of the LORD" truly signify?**

Answer: This phrase, *qara' b'shem YHWH* (Hebrew, _qârâʼ b'shêm Yᵉhôvâh'_), means more than simply uttering God's name. It implies a public, formal, and reverent invocation of God's personal covenant name (Yahweh), signifying collective worship, prayer, and an acknowledgment of His sovereignty and presence. It suggests a deeper, more intentional relationship with the divine, often involving formal acts of worship, such as prayer, praise, and sacrifice, as seen later with figures like [Abraham](/genesis/12-8 "Abraham calls on the name of the LORD at Bethel").

**Does this imply that no one worshipped God before Enos was born?**

Answer: Not necessarily. Adam and Eve certainly had communion with God in the Garden, and Abel offered an acceptable sacrifice to God in [Genesis 4:4](/genesis/4-4 "Abel's acceptable sacrifice"). The phrase "then began" likely indicates a new phase or emphasis: perhaps a more widespread, public, or formalized practice of calling upon God's name, or a renewed spiritual commitment in response to the growing wickedness of the age. It marks the commencement of a distinct, communal expression of faith.

**What is the significance of Enos’s name, meaning "man" or "mortal"?**

Answer: The name _ʼĔnôš_ (Enos) is related to the Hebrew word for "man" or "mortal man," often carrying connotations of human frailty or mortality. It is often suggested that in Enos's time, humanity became acutely aware of its own vulnerability, the brevity of life, and the consequences of the Fall in the post-Edenic world. This profound realization of human weakness and dependence may have prompted a deeper, more urgent turning to God as the only true source of life, strength, and hope.

**How does this verse relate to the lineage of Cain described earlier in Genesis 4?**

Answer: Genesis 4:26 serves as a stark contrast to the preceding narrative of Cain's descendants. While Cain's line focused on building cities, developing culture, and was marked by increasing violence and godlessness (as seen in [Genesis 4:17-24](/genesis/4-17-24 "Cain's lineage and Lamech's boast")), Seth's line, initiated by the birth of Enos, represents a spiritual counter-movement. It emphasizes a return to God and the cultivation of a relationship with Him, setting the stage for the distinction between the "sons of God" and "daughters of men" in [Genesis 6](/genesis/6 "Genesis chapter 6"), and ultimately preserving the lineage through which God's redemptive plan would unfold.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 4:26, with its emphasis on humanity "calling upon the name of the LORD," powerfully foreshadows the ultimate means of salvation found in Jesus Christ. The very act of invoking God's name for deliverance and relationship finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament command that "everyone who [calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved](/romans/10-13 "Romans 10:13 - Calling on the Lord for salvation")" (Romans 10:13). Jesus, as the true and perfect "**seed**" promised in [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "The Protoevangelium in Genesis 3:15"), is the one through whom humanity can truly draw near to God. He is the mediator of a new and better covenant, making genuine access to the Father possible through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection (Hebrews 9:15). Thus, the ancient practice initiated in Enos's time points forward to Christ, who is the sole means by which humanity can truly and effectively "call upon the name of the LORD" for eternal life and reconciliation.

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.

Cross-References

Psalms 116:17

I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.

1 Kings 18:24

And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken.

Joel 2:32

And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.

Zephaniah 3:9

For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent.

Genesis 12:8

And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, [having] Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD.

Jeremiah 33:16

In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this [is the name] wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness.

Luke 3:38

Which was [the son] of Enos, which was [the son] of Seth, which was [the son] of Adam, which was [the son] of God.