Genesis 5:14

KJV

And all the days of Cainan were nine hundred and ten years: and he died.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the days {H3117} of Cainan {H7018} were nine {H8672} hundred {H3967}{H8141} and ten {H6235} years {H8141}: and he died {H4191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In all, Kenan lived 910 years; then he died.

Berean Standard Bible

So Kenan lived a total of 910 years, and then he died.

American Standard Version

and all the days of Kenan were nine hundred and ten years: and he died.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 5:14 concisely records the lifespan and death of Cainan, a patriarch in the antediluvian lineage from Adam to Noah. This verse, part of a recurring genealogical formula, highlights humanity's profound mortality as a consequence of the Fall, even amidst remarkably long lives, while simultaneously affirming the continuity of God's redemptive historical line. It serves as a somber reminder of life's finitude and the universal dominion of death.

### CONTEXT
This verse is situated within Genesis chapter 5, a pivotal genealogical record that meticulously traces the lineage from Adam through Seth to Noah. Each entry in this chapter follows a consistent pattern, detailing the patriarch's age at the birth of his son, the remaining years of his life, and the stark conclusion, "and he died." Cainan, the son of Enos and grandson of Seth, represents the fourth generation after Adam in this specific line, preceding Mahalalel in the chapter's unfolding narrative [the generations leading to Noah](/genesis/6-9 "Explore the lineage from Adam to Noah in Genesis 6:9"). The chapter's primary function is to bridge the gap between creation and the Flood, establishing the historical continuity of humanity and preserving the Messianic line.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 5:14, like its surrounding verses, presents a formulaic yet profoundly significant statement: "And all the days of Cainan were nine hundred and ten years: and he died." The precision in recording Cainan's lifespan of 910 years highlights the exceptional longevity characteristic of the antediluvian period. This remarkable duration, far exceeding post-Flood lifespans, often prompts theological reflection on the original vitality of humanity before the full effects of the curse and the global cataclysm of the Flood. It points to a time when creation, though fallen, still retained echoes of its pristine state, allowing for extended human existence.

However, the consistent repetition of the phrase "and he died" throughout Genesis 5, appearing ten times, serves as the chapter's relentless refrain and theological anchor. This stark, unembellished declaration underscores the universal and inescapable reality of death, a direct [consequence of sin introduced in Eden](/genesis/3-19 "Read about God's decree of mortality after the Fall in Genesis 3:19"). Regardless of their impressive longevity or their place in the divinely preserved lineage, each patriarch succumbed to the same fate. This pervasive mortality echoes God's earlier pronouncements regarding the [cursing of the ground](/genesis/3-17 "The curse on the ground in Genesis 3:17") and the return to dust, demonstrating the comprehensive impact of sin on all of creation.

The narrative choice to focus on these brief, almost laconic summaries of life and death, rather than detailed biographies, emphasizes the chapter's overarching purpose: to trace a specific lineage. Despite the pervasive presence of death, the continuous chain of generations speaks to God's steadfastness in preserving a seed, a line through which His redemptive purposes would unfold. The very existence of these genealogies, culminating in Noah and later in the [Abrahamic covenant](/genesis/12-3 "Explore the Abrahamic covenant in Genesis 12:3"), testifies to God's unwavering commitment to His plan, even as humanity grappled with the devastating effects of sin and the brevity of life [as lamented in the Psalms](/psalms/90-10 "Psalm 90:10 on the brevity and frailty of human life").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **The Universality of Death:** The repetitive "and he died" underscores that death is the inescapable consequence of sin for all humanity, regardless of age or status.
* **God's Sovereignty in History:** Despite death's dominion, God meticulously preserves a lineage, demonstrating His active involvement in human history to fulfill His redemptive plan.
* **The Contrast Between Earthly and Eternal Life:** The finite nature of even exceptionally long lifespans points to the need for a solution to death, hinting at a reality beyond temporal existence.
* **The Impact of the Fall:** The chapter vividly illustrates the profound and pervasive effects of humanity's original sin on creation and human mortality.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 5:14, with its stark declaration of death, compels us to confront our own mortality and the finite nature of earthly existence. It challenges us to live with purpose and wisdom, recognizing that our days, however long, are ultimately numbered. This verse also reminds us of the devastating impact of sin, which brought death into the world, and points us toward the profound need for a remedy that transcends our physical limitations.

### FAQ
**Why were people able to live so long before the Flood?**

Answer: The Bible does not explicitly state the reasons for the exceptionally long lifespans before the Flood. Theories include different environmental conditions (e.g., a protective atmospheric canopy), greater human genetic integrity closer to creation, or a more direct divine sustenance. The text simply presents it as a historical fact of that period.

**What is the significance of the repeated phrase "and he died"?**

Answer: The repetition serves as a powerful, somber refrain emphasizing the universal reality and finality of death as a consequence of sin, as articulated in [Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Read about sin and death in Romans 5:12"). It highlights that even with incredibly long lives, no one escaped mortality, underscoring the pervasive impact of the Fall.

**Why does the Bible include such detailed genealogies?**

Answer: Genealogies serve several crucial purposes: they establish historical continuity, demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His chosen line, and ultimately trace the lineage that would lead to the Messiah. They provide a historical framework for God's unfolding redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 5:14, and indeed the entire chapter, profoundly highlights humanity's desperate need for a deliverer from death. The persistent "and he died" underscores the dominion of sin and its ultimate consequence, pointing to a brokenness that no human longevity could overcome. Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment, not only as the culmination of this very lineage ([Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-17 "Explore the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:1-17")) but, more importantly, as the one who definitively conquered death through His resurrection ([Romans 6:9](/romans/6-9 "Read about Christ's victory over death in Romans 6:9")). He is the "resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "Jesus' declaration in John 11:25")), offering eternal life to all who believe, thereby reversing the curse of death that began in Eden and is so starkly reiterated in these early genealogies. In Christ, the final "and he died" is transformed into "and he lives forevermore" ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Read about Christ's eternal life in Revelation 1:18")).

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.