Genesis 5:11

KJV

And all the days of Enos were nine hundred and five years: and he died.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the days {H3117} of Enos {H583} were nine {H8672} hundred {H3967}{H8141} and five {H2568} years {H8141}: and he died {H4191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In all, Enosh lived 905 years; then he died.

Berean Standard Bible

So Enosh lived a total of 905 years, and then he died.

American Standard Version

and all the days of Enosh were nine hundred and five years: and he died.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 5:11 records the lifespan of Enos, detailing that he lived for nine hundred and five years before succumbing to death. This verse, though brief, encapsulates the profound paradox of early human existence: extraordinary longevity juxtaposed with the inescapable reality of mortality, a recurring refrain that underscores the pervasive impact of sin on all humanity.

### CONTEXT
This verse is an integral part of the patriarchal genealogy presented in Genesis chapter 5, often called the "Book of the Generations of Adam." This chapter meticulously traces the lineage from Adam to Noah, emphasizing the divine purpose in preserving a righteous line amidst a fallen world. Each entry follows a consistent pattern, noting the patriarch's age at the birth of his successor, the total years of his life, and the stark conclusion, "and he died," echoing the divine pronouncement of [mortality in the Garden of Eden](/genesis/3-19 "God's decree of death after the Fall"). Enos, the son of Seth and grandson of Adam, represents the third generation after the Fall, through whom the spiritual legacy of Seth, who was born in Adam's likeness ([Genesis 5:3](/genesis/5-3 "Adam's likeness in Seth")), continued.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 5:11 presents a concise yet profoundly significant statement about Enos, a figure whose very name (Hebrew: *'ĕnôš*) means "man," "human being," or more pointedly, "mortal" or "frail." This inherent meaning casts a poignant shadow over the verse's conclusion: "and he died." For nine centuries, Enos walked the earth, a testament to the remarkable lifespans of the pre-Flood era, which suggest a world with different atmospheric conditions or a human constitution not yet fully degraded by generations of sin. Yet, despite this extraordinary longevity, the ultimate fate of Enos, like all humanity since the Fall, was death. This stark reality serves as a powerful, repeated reminder that the curse pronounced in Eden was absolute, affecting even those who lived for nearly a millennium.

The repetitive formula "and he died" throughout Genesis 5 is not merely a historical record; it is a theological declaration. It highlights the universality of death as the consequence of sin, a truth later articulated by Paul, that [death reigned from Adam to Moses](/romans/5-14 "Paul's teaching on death reigning from Adam"). This relentless pattern underscores the brokenness of creation and the human condition, emphasizing that no amount of time on earth, no matter how vast, could ultimately avert the finality of physical demise.

Significantly, Enos's era is also marked by a crucial spiritual development: it was in his days that "[men began to call upon the name of the LORD](/genesis/4-26 "The beginning of public worship in Enos's time")" (Genesis 4:26). This detail, placed just before the formal genealogy of Genesis 5, suggests that Enos's life was lived during a period of renewed public devotion and worship among the faithful line of Seth. Thus, Enos, the "mortal man," lived in a time when humanity, recognizing its frailty and dependence, began to actively seek and worship the immortal God. His death, therefore, closes a chapter on a life lived long and, presumably, in the context of a developing spiritual community, yet still subject to the universal decree of mortality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **The Universality of Death:** The repeated phrase "and he died" throughout Genesis 5, including in this verse, underscores that death is the inescapable consequence of sin for all humanity, as declared in [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "The wages of sin is death").
* **Divine Patience and Providence:** The extended lifespans recorded in this chapter illustrate God's immense patience, allowing humanity ample time to multiply and for the knowledge of Him to spread before the eventual judgment of the Flood.
* **The Preservation of a Godly Line:** Despite the pervasive spread of sin in the world, Genesis 5 meticulously traces the faithful lineage from Adam through Seth and Enos, demonstrating God's sovereign commitment to preserving a remnant through whom His redemptive plan would unfold.
* **Human Frailty and Dependence:** The name "Enos" (mortal man) and the certainty of his death emphasize the inherent fragility of human life and our ultimate dependence on God, contrasting with His eternal and unchanging nature.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 5:11, though seemingly a mere historical record, challenges us to confront our own mortality with sober reflection. It calls us not to despair, but to live purposefully, recognizing the brevity of life and the eternal weight of our choices. Like Enos's generation, who began to call upon the Lord, we are reminded of the profound importance of fostering a spiritual legacy, actively pursuing God, and living in light of His sovereign plan, knowing our days are numbered.

### FAQ
**Why were the lifespans of people in Genesis 5 so long compared to today?**

Answer: The Bible does not explicitly state why pre-Flood lifespans were so long. Theological explanations often point to a different pre-Flood environment (e.g., a protective atmospheric canopy), a purer genetic pool before the cumulative effects of sin and disease, or God's design to allow rapid population growth and the spread of knowledge. Regardless, the text presents these as historical facts, emphasizing the unique conditions of early humanity.

**What is the significance of the phrase "and he died" being repeated for each patriarch?**

Answer: The repetitive phrase "and he died" serves as a stark and constant reminder of the consequences of Adam's sin in the Garden of Eden, as foretold in [Genesis 2:17](/genesis/2-17 "God's warning about the tree of knowledge"). It underscores the universality of death as the penalty for sin, affecting all humanity regardless of their longevity or piety, and establishing a pervasive theme of mortality throughout the early biblical narrative.

**Does Enos's name, meaning "mortal," have any deeper theological meaning in this verse?**

Answer: Yes, the meaning of Enos's name (Hebrew: *'ĕnôš*, "mortal" or "frail man") serves as a powerful literary and theological commentary on the verse's conclusion. It highlights the human condition—created by God but subject to the fragility and mortality that came with the Fall. His very identity encapsulates the truth that all humanity, regardless of their achievements or lifespan, is ultimately mortal and dependent on God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The relentless rhythm of "and he died" throughout Genesis 5, including in Enos's story, establishes humanity's universal need for deliverance from death's dominion. This desperate reality points forward to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to overcome death. While Enos, the "mortal man," died, Jesus is the "last Adam" ([1 Corinthians 15:45](/1_corinthians/15-45 "Christ as the last Adam")) who, though He died, did so to conquer death itself, rising victorious. His resurrection demonstrates that He is the only one who can truly break the cycle of mortality, offering [eternal life to all who believe in Him](/john/3-16 "God so loved the world that He gave His only Son"). Through Christ, the curse of death is ultimately reversed, and the hope of resurrection is secured, fulfilling the deepest longing expressed by the repeated lament of Genesis 5.

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.