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 provides a concise, formulaic record of Cainan's lifespan and eventual death within the antediluvian lineage stretching from Adam to Noah. This verse, characteristic of the chapter's genealogical register, powerfully underscores humanity's universal mortality as a direct consequence of the Fall, even amidst remarkably extended lifespans. Simultaneously, it subtly affirms the enduring continuity of God's redemptive historical line, serving as a profound reminder of life's inherent finitude and the pervasive dominion of death.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 5:14 is embedded within a meticulously structured genealogical record in [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Generations from Adam to Noah"), which traces the "generations of Adam" (cf. [Genesis 5:1](/genesis/5-1 "Genesis 5:1 - The Book of the Generations of Adam")) from Adam through Seth's line to Noah. Each entry, including Cainan's, adheres to a rigid, recurring formula: "X lived Y years and begot Z, and X lived after he begot Z W years, and begot sons and daughters, and all the days of X were Y+W years, and he died." Cainan, the son of Enos and grandson of Seth, represents the fourth generation in this specific lineage after Adam, preceding Mahalalel in the narrative sequence. This repetitive structure emphasizes the chapter's primary function: to bridge the vast chronological and theological gap between the Fall and the Flood, establishing the historical continuity of humanity and meticulously preserving the Messianic line through which God's redemptive purposes would unfold.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The antediluvian period, as depicted in Genesis 5, presents a unique historical and environmental context characterized by exceptionally long human lifespans, far exceeding those recorded after the Flood. While the precise reasons for this longevity are not explicitly stated, it suggests a different physiological reality or environmental conditions closer to creation's original vitality. In the ancient Near East, genealogies were not merely dry lists but served crucial socio-religious functions: establishing tribal identity, validating claims to land or leadership, and, most importantly in a biblical context, preserving the historical thread of God's covenant promises. The emphasis on "days" and "years" reflects an ancient understanding of time and the significance of a full, long life, even as the ultimate reality of death remained inescapable. The brevity of life post-Fall, contrasted with the original design for eternal life, would have been a stark theological reality for ancient audiences.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 5:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the chapter and the broader book of Genesis. Foremost among these is the **universality of death**, starkly highlighted by the recurring refrain "and he died," which underscores the pervasive impact of the [curse pronounced in Eden](/genesis/3-19 "Genesis 3:19 - God's Decree of Mortality"). Despite the remarkable longevity, death remains an inescapable reality for all humanity. This also emphasizes the **consequence of sin**, demonstrating how the Fall introduced mortality into God's good creation. Furthermore, the meticulous recording of generations, even amidst death, points to **God's steadfast preservation of a righteous lineage**. This divine faithfulness ensures the continuity of humanity and, crucially, the line through which the promised seed would eventually come, foreshadowing the ultimate deliverer from death, as seen in the broader narrative of [God's redemptive plan](/genesis/12-1-3 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Call of Abraham and God's Covenant Promise").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cainan (Hebrew, _Qêynân'_):** This proper noun refers to the specific individual whose life and death are recorded in this verse. Derived from a root meaning "fixed" or "settled," Cainan is identified as an antediluvian patriarch, the son of Enos and father of Mahalalel. His inclusion in this genealogy underscores his integral role in the divinely preserved lineage from Adam to Noah, emphasizing the historical continuity and the specific individuals through whom God's purposes were maintained.
* **days (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** From an unused root meaning "to be hot," this term primarily denotes a "day" as a unit of time, whether literal (sunrise to sunset) or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated term). In this context, "all the days" refers to the entire lifespan of Cainan, encompassing his 910 years. The use of "days" highlights the temporal, finite nature of human existence, even when extended to remarkable lengths, and points to life as a progression through distinct periods.
* **died (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** This primitive root means "to die" literally or figuratively, and causatively, "to kill." In Genesis 5:14, its literal sense signifies the cessation of life. The stark, unembellished declaration "and he died" serves as the recurring, somber refrain throughout Genesis 5, emphasizing the universal and inescapable reality of death as the ultimate consequence of sin, a fate from which no human, regardless of longevity or lineage, is exempt.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the days of Cainan were nine hundred and ten years:"** This clause precisely records the duration of Cainan's earthly life. It highlights the extraordinary longevity characteristic of the antediluvian patriarchs, a feature that distinguishes this period of human history. This remarkable lifespan, far exceeding post-Flood human existence, points to a time when humanity, though fallen, still retained a greater vitality or lived under different environmental conditions, perhaps closer to creation's original design. It underscores the concept of a "full life" within the ancient worldview, even as it sets the stage for the inevitable conclusion.
* **"and he died."** This concise, stark declaration serves as the inevitable and universal conclusion to Cainan's long life. It is the consistent, repeated refrain throughout Genesis 5, appearing ten times, functioning as a powerful theological anchor. This phrase underscores the pervasive and inescapable reality of death, directly linking it to the consequences of humanity's original sin. Regardless of their impressive longevity or their place in the divinely preserved lineage, each patriarch succumbed to the same fate, emphasizing the comprehensive impact of sin on all of creation and the finality of physical death.

#### Literary Devices
The brevity and formulaic nature of Genesis 5:14, like the other entries in the chapter, employ several potent literary devices. The most prominent is the **Formulaic Structure** itself, which, through its rigid repetition, emphasizes the genealogical purpose of the chapter and the cyclical nature of life, procreation, and death. This predictability highlights the divine order in preserving a lineage. Closely related is **Repetition**, particularly of the phrase "and he died." This relentless refrain creates a somber, almost mournful rhythm throughout the chapter, underscoring the universal dominion of death and its inescapable reality for all humanity. This repetition serves as a powerful theological statement about the pervasive impact of the Fall. Furthermore, there is an inherent **Antithesis** between the astonishingly long lifespans recorded and the abrupt, final declaration of death. This stark contrast emphasizes that even extraordinary longevity cannot ultimately overcome the curse of mortality. Finally, death itself, as depicted in this chapter, functions as **Symbolism**, representing the profound and inescapable consequence of humanity's rebellion against God, marking a fundamental separation from the life God originally intended.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 5:14, in its stark simplicity, powerfully communicates profound theological truths. It primarily emphasizes the universal dominion of death as the direct and inescapable consequence of sin, a reality that transcends even the remarkable longevity of the antediluvian patriarchs. This relentless refrain of "and he died" serves as a somber reminder of humanity's fallen state and the brokenness of creation, pointing to the deep need for a redemptive solution to mortality. Yet, within this pervasive reality of death, the meticulous preservation of a continuous lineage also highlights God's unwavering sovereignty and faithfulness in upholding His promises. Despite the pervasive curse, God actively works through human history, ensuring the survival of a specific line through which His ultimate plan of salvation would unfold, demonstrating His commitment to reversing the effects of the Fall.

* [Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin Entered the World Through One Man")
* [Psalm 90:10](/psalms/90-10 "Psalm 90:10 - The Brevity of Life")
* [Luke 3:37](/luke/3-37 "Luke 3:37 - Cainan in Jesus' Genealogy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 5:14, with its stark declaration of "and he died," compels us to confront the profound reality of our own mortality and the finite nature of earthly existence. It serves as a powerful memento mori, challenging us to live with intentionality, wisdom, and a proper sense of eternal perspective, recognizing that our days, however long, are ultimately numbered. This verse also serves as a sobering reminder 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 and offers hope beyond the grave. It encourages us to consider what truly endures beyond our temporal lives and to invest in that which has eternal significance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the consistent declaration of death in Genesis 5, even for those with long lives, challenge your perspective on the value and brevity of your own life?**
* **In what ways does this verse, despite its somber tone, subtly point to God's faithfulness in preserving a lineage for His redemptive purposes?**
* **How does the reality of death highlighted in this passage deepen your appreciation for the hope of eternal life offered through faith?**

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

Answer: The biblical text does not provide an explicit theological or scientific explanation for the exceptionally long lifespans recorded before the Flood. Various theories have been proposed, including the possibility of different environmental conditions (e.g., a protective atmospheric canopy), greater human genetic integrity closer to creation, or a more direct divine sustenance for humanity in its earlier stages. The Bible simply presents these extended lifespans as a historical fact characteristic of that specific antediluvian period, highlighting a significant difference in human vitality compared to post-Flood generations, as seen in [Genesis 6:3](/genesis/6-3 "Genesis 6:3 - God Limits Human Lifespan").

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

Answer: The repetition of "and he died" ten times throughout [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Generations of Adam") serves as a powerful, somber refrain. Its significance lies in emphasizing the universal reality and finality of death as the unavoidable consequence of sin, as articulated in [Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin and Death Through Adam"). It highlights that even with incredibly long lives, no one escaped mortality, underscoring the pervasive impact of the Fall on all of humanity and creation. This consistent declaration underscores the brokenness introduced by sin and the ultimate triumph of death over all earthly existence.

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

Answer: Genealogies in the Bible serve several crucial purposes beyond mere historical record. They establish historical continuity, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving His chosen line through generations, even amidst widespread sin and death. They validate the historical claims of key figures and covenants. Crucially, they meticulously trace the lineage that would ultimately lead to the Messiah, providing a historical and theological framework for God's unfolding redemptive plan, culminating in the birth of Jesus Christ, whose own genealogy is recorded in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 5:14, and indeed the entire chapter with its relentless refrain of "and he died," profoundly underscores humanity's desperate need for a deliverer from the dominion of death. The pervasive mortality, even amidst remarkably long lives, vividly illustrates the comprehensive brokenness introduced by sin in Eden, a brokenness that no human longevity or achievement could ever overcome. Jesus Christ stands as the ultimate fulfillment, not only as the culmination of this very lineage, with Cainan being an ancestor in His human genealogy as recorded in [Luke 3:37](/luke/3-37 "Luke 3:37 - Cainan in Jesus' Genealogy"), but, more importantly, as the one who definitively conquered death through His victorious resurrection ([Romans 6:9](/romans/6-9 "Romans 6:9 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). He is the "resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")), offering eternal life to all who believe in Him. In Christ, the finality of "and he died" is transformed into the glorious promise of "and he lives forevermore" ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Lives Forevermore")), thereby reversing the curse of death that began in Eden and is so starkly reiterated in these early genealogies.

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.