Genesis 5:10

KJV

And Enos lived after he begat Cainan eight hundred and fifteen years, and begat sons and daughters:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Enos {H583} lived {H2421} after {H310} he begat {H3205} Cainan {H7018} eight {H8083} hundred {H3967}{H8141} and fifteen {H6240}{H2568} years {H8141}, and begat {H3205} sons {H1121} and daughters {H1323}:

Complete Jewish Bible

After Kenan was born, Enosh lived another 815 years and had sons and daughters.

Berean Standard Bible

And after he had become the father of Kenan, Enosh lived 815 years and had other sons and daughters.

American Standard Version

and Enosh lived after he begat Kenan eight hundred and fifteen years, and begat sons and daughters:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 5:10 continues the meticulously recorded genealogy of Adam's descendants through Seth, focusing on Enos, the grandson of Adam. This verse precisely details Enos's lifespan after the birth of his son Cainan, affirming the remarkable longevity characteristic of the pre-Flood generations and the ongoing fulfillment of God's foundational mandate for humanity to multiply and fill the earth. It subtly underscores the divine preservation of a specific lineage, through which God's redemptive plan would progressively unfold, even as the world began to experience the pervasive effects of sin and the inevitability of mortality.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of [Genesis chapter 5](/genesis/5 "The Generations of Adam"), a genealogical record often referred to as the "book of the generations of Adam" [Genesis 5:1](/genesis/5-1 "The Book of the Generations of Adam"). The chapter follows a consistent formula for each patriarch: "X lived Y years, and begat Z; and X lived after he begat Z A years, and begat sons and daughters; and all the days of X were B years: and he died." [Genesis 5:10](/genesis/5-10 "Enos's Life and Progeny") specifically provides the middle portion of this formula for Enos, detailing his life *after* Cainan's birth and before the summation of his total lifespan and death in [Genesis 5:11](/genesis/5-11 "Enos's Total Lifespan"). This structured repetition emphasizes the continuity of life, the passing of generations, and the pervasive reality of death, serving as a crucial chronological and theological bridge from the earliest human history to the subsequent narratives leading up to the Flood.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The world of Genesis 5 is a pre-Flood world, characterized by extraordinary human longevity that far surpasses anything known post-Flood. While the exact environmental or physiological reasons are debated, this extended lifespan would have allowed for rapid population growth, the accumulation and transmission of knowledge across many generations, and the development of early human societies. Culturally, the emphasis on lineage and "begetting sons and daughters" reflects the ancient Near Eastern premium placed on progeny as a sign of blessing, continuity, and the fulfillment of a divine mandate. The genealogical record itself served as a vital means of preserving history, establishing identity, and tracing the fulfillment of divine promises, particularly the promised "seed" from [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "The Proto-Evangelium").

* **Key Themes:** [Genesis chapter 5](/genesis/5 "The Generations of Adam") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **persistence of God's creation mandate** to "be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth" [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "The Creation Mandate"), even after the Fall. Secondly, the recurring phrase "and he died" underscores the **universal reality of mortality** as a consequence of sin [Genesis 3:19](/genesis/3-19 "God's Decree of Mortality"), despite the remarkable lifespans. Thirdly, the chapter meticulously traces the **preservation of a godly lineage** through Seth, distinct from the line of Cain, which is characterized by violence and a turning away from God [Genesis 4:16-24](/genesis/4-16-24 "The Line of Cain"). This specific line, including Enos, is crucial for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Finally, it was during Enos's time that "men began to call upon the name of the LORD" [Genesis 4:26](/genesis/4-26 "Men Begin to Call on the LORD"), indicating an early spiritual awakening and the establishment of communal worship among God's people, setting apart a faithful remnant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **lived (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** This primitive root means "to live," whether literally or figuratively, and causatively "to revive." In [Genesis 5:10](/genesis/5-10 "Enos's Life and Progeny"), it literally denotes Enos's physical existence and longevity. The repetition of this term throughout [Genesis chapter 5](/genesis/5 "The Generations of Adam") underscores the remarkable duration of life in the pre-Flood era, yet it is always juxtaposed with the ultimate reality of death, highlighting that even extended life is finite and subject to the consequences of the Fall.
* **begat (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** This primitive root signifies "to bear young" or, causatively, "to beget." It is a foundational term in the genealogies of Genesis, emphasizing the continuity of generations and the fulfillment of God's command to multiply. In the context of the Sethite line, "begat" is not merely a biological act but a theological one, ensuring the preservation of the lineage through which God's promises, including the messianic one, would be transmitted.
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên'_), daughters (Hebrew, _bath'_):** The term _bên_ (son) is derived from the root meaning "to build," suggesting a son's role in building the family name and perpetuating the lineage. _Bath_ (daughter) is the feminine form. The phrase "begat sons and daughters" signifies the full spectrum of procreation, indicating a flourishing family and the successful fulfillment of the creation mandate to be fruitful and multiply. This general statement, rather than naming every child, serves to confirm the ongoing expansion of humanity and the continuity of the family unit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Enos lived after he begat Cainan eight hundred and fifteen years":** This clause provides a specific temporal marker in Enos's life. It emphasizes his continued existence for a substantial period *after* the birth of his named heir, Cainan. The immense number of years (815) highlights the extraordinary longevity of early humanity, a distinct characteristic of the pre-Flood world. This extended lifespan allowed for significant population growth and the transmission of oral traditions and knowledge across many generations.
* **"and begat sons and daughters":** This concluding phrase, formulaic throughout [Genesis chapter 5](/genesis/5 "The Generations of Adam"), indicates that Enos continued to have more children—both male and female—beyond his named heir, Cainan. This detail affirms the ongoing fulfillment of God's creation mandate to "be fruitful and multiply" [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "The Creation Mandate"). It signifies the expansion of Enos's family line and, by extension, the growth of the human population, ensuring the continuity of the human race and the preservation of the lineage from which the promised "seed" would eventually come.

#### Literary Devices
[Genesis 5:10](/genesis/5-10 "Enos's Life and Progeny") employs several literary devices characteristic of the chapter. The most prominent is **Genealogy**, which serves as the primary structural framework, meticulously tracing the lineage from Adam. This is not merely a historical record but a theological device, establishing the continuity of humanity and, more importantly, the specific line through which God's redemptive plan will unfold. **Repetition** is also key, with the formulaic "X lived... and begat Z... and begat sons and daughters" appearing consistently. This **Formulaic Language** creates a rhythmic, almost liturgical, cadence that emphasizes the cyclical nature of life, procreation, and death. The extraordinary numbers associated with lifespans can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole** (though often interpreted as literal in this context), drawing attention to the unique conditions of the pre-Flood world and perhaps underscoring a divine blessing or a different physiological reality. Finally, the stark contrast between the immense longevity and the recurring phrase "and he died" creates a subtle **Juxtaposition**, highlighting the ultimate reality of mortality as a consequence of the Fall, even amidst extended life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Genesis 5:10](/genesis/5-10 "Enos's Life and Progeny") is far more than a simple historical record; it is a theological statement embedded within the grand narrative of God's redemptive work. It affirms God's faithfulness to His initial creation mandate for humanity to multiply, even after the devastating impact of the Fall. The continuation of the human race through the birth of "sons and daughters" ensures the preservation of the lineage through which the promised deliverer would eventually come. Furthermore, Enos's place in the Sethite line, distinct from the line of Cain, underscores God's sovereign hand in preserving a righteous remnant, a community that began to "call upon the name of the LORD" [Genesis 4:26](/genesis/4-26 "Men Begin to Call on the LORD"). This verse, therefore, points to the enduring power of life and God's providential care in sustaining humanity and His covenant promises across generations, even in a world increasingly marked by sin and death.

* [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "The Creation Mandate"): God's command to "be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth" finds continued fulfillment in Enos's progeny, demonstrating the persistence of divine design.
* [Genesis 4:26](/genesis/4-26 "Men Begin to Call on the LORD"): Enos's era is marked by the beginning of public worship and calling upon the name of the Lord, highlighting a spiritual revival within his generation.
* [Luke 3:38](/luk/3-38 "The Genealogy of Jesus to Adam"): Enos is explicitly named in the genealogy of Jesus, affirming his crucial role in the lineage leading to the Messiah.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 5:10](/genesis/5-10 "Enos's Life and Progeny") invites us to consider the profound sweep of God's faithfulness across generations. It reminds us that even in the seemingly mundane details of lineage and lifespan, God is diligently working to preserve His people and advance His eternal purposes. For us today, this verse challenges us to recognize our own place within this grand narrative of redemption. We are called to steward the life and faith passed down to us, to raise our "sons and daughters" in the knowledge of the Lord, and to contribute to the ongoing story of God's people. Our lives, like Enos's, are not isolated events but vital links in a chain of faith that stretches from creation to Christ's return. It encourages us to live with an awareness of our spiritual heritage and our responsibility to pass on a legacy of devotion to God to future generations, even amidst a world that often seems to reject divine authority or embrace fleeting pursuits.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the longevity of Enos and his contemporaries challenge or affirm your understanding of God's design for human life before the Flood?**
* **In what ways does the phrase "begat sons and daughters" reflect God's enduring faithfulness to His creation mandate, even after the Fall?**
* **Considering Enos's time was when "men began to call upon the name of the LORD," how does this verse inspire you to cultivate a legacy of faith and worship in your own family and community?**
* **How does understanding your place in God's historical and redemptive narrative influence your daily choices and long-term aspirations?**

### FAQ
**Why are the lifespans in Genesis 5 so long?**

Answer: The extraordinary longevity recorded in [Genesis chapter 5](/genesis/5 "The Generations of Adam"), including Enos's 905 years, is generally understood as a historical reality of the pre-Flood world. While the Bible does not explicitly state the reasons, various theories have been proposed. These include different environmental conditions (e.g., a pre-Flood canopy that filtered harmful radiation), greater genetic purity in the early human population, or God's specific design for rapid population growth and the accumulation and transmission of knowledge in early humanity. This longevity also allowed for fewer generations to bridge the gap between Adam and the Flood, facilitating the direct transmission of oral history.

**What is the significance of the name "Enos"?**

Answer: The Hebrew name *'Enosh* (אֱנוֹשׁ) means "man" or "mankind," often carrying a connotation of frailty, weakness, or mortality. This is significant because it provides a striking contrast with the immense lifespans recorded for Enos and his contemporaries. Despite living for centuries, Enos, like all humanity, remained *'enosh*—a fragile, dependent creature, ultimately subject to death as a consequence of the Fall [Genesis 3:19](/genesis/3-19 "God's Decree of Mortality"). This subtle linguistic detail reminds humanity of their created, dependent nature and ultimate mortality, even amidst their long existence.

**How does this verse connect to the "calling upon the name of the LORD" in Genesis 4:26?**

Answer: [Genesis 4:26](/genesis/4-26 "Men Begin to Call on the LORD") states that it was "then began men to call upon the name of the LORD" during Enos's time. This suggests that Enos's generation marked a significant spiritual turning point. While the line of Cain was characterized by increasing godlessness and violence [Genesis 4:16-24](/genesis/4-16-24 "The Line of Cain"), the line of Seth, to which Enos belonged, began to openly worship and seek God. This indicates the establishment of communal worship and a distinct group of people who publicly identified with and devoted themselves to Yahweh, setting them apart from the broader, increasingly corrupt society and preserving a spiritual heritage.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Genesis 5:10](/genesis/5-10 "Enos's Life and Progeny") does not directly mention Christ, its profound significance lies in its indispensable place within the unfolding genealogy that meticulously leads to Him. Enos is a vital link in the "seed" promised in Eden [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "The Proto-Evangelium"), a lineage miraculously preserved by God through generations marked by sin and death. This meticulous genealogical record, tracing from Adam through Seth and Enos, culminates in the birth of Jesus Christ, who is explicitly identified as the [Son of David, the Son of Abraham](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew's Genealogy of Christ") and whose lineage is traced back to Adam through Seth and Enos in [Luke's Gospel](/luk/3-23-38 "Luke's Genealogy of Jesus"). Enos's life, and the generations that followed him, ensured the continuity of the human family from which the Savior would eventually arise, demonstrating God's faithful preservation of His redemptive plan through all of history. The very existence of humanity, preserved through these early generations, speaks to God's patient and sovereign work to bring forth the one who would ultimately [redeem those who were under the law](/galatians/4-4-5 "Galatians 4:4-5 - Christ Our Redeemer") and [take away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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.