TRV
Translation
World English Bible Messianic
Jared lived one hundred sixty-two years, then became the father of Enoch.
Young's Literal Translation
And Jared liveth an hundred and sixty and two years, and begetteth Enoch.
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 124 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Genesis 5 verses 6–20
6 ¶ And Seth lived an hundred and five years, and begat Enos:
7 And Seth lived after he begat Enos eight hundred and seven years, and begat sons and daughters:
8 And all the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years: and he died.
9 And Enos lived ninety years, and begat Cainan:
10 And Enos lived after he begat Cainan eight hundred and fifteen years, and begat sons and daughters:
11 And all the days of Enos were nine hundred and five years: and he died.
12 And Cainan lived seventy years, and begat Mahalaleel:
13 And Cainan lived after he begat Mahalaleel eight hundred and forty years, and begat sons and daughters:
14 And all the days of Cainan were nine hundred and ten years: and he died.
15 And Mahalaleel lived sixty and five years, and begat Jared:
16 And Mahalaleel lived after he begat Jared eight hundred and thirty years, and begat sons and daughters:
17 And all the days of Mahalaleel were eight hundred ninety and five years: and he died.
18 And Jared lived an hundred sixty and two years, and he begat Enoch:
19 And Jared lived after he begat Enoch eight hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:
20 And all the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty and two years: and he died.
We have here all that the Holy Ghost thought fit to leave upon record concerning five of the patriarchs before the flood, Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, and Jared. There is nothing observable concerning any of these particularly, though we have reason to think they were men of eminence, both for prudence and piety, in their day: but in general,
I. Observe how largely and expressly their generations are recorded. This matter, one would think, might have been delivered in fewer words; but it is certain that there is not one idle word in God's books, whatever there is in men's. It is thus plainly set down, 1. To make it easy and intelligible to the meanest capacity. When we are informed how old they were when they begat such a son, and how many years they lived afterwards, a very little skill in arithmetic will enable a man to tell how long they lived in all; yet the Holy Ghost sets down the sum total, for the sake of those that have not even so much skill as this. 2. To show the pleasure God takes in the names of his people. We found Cain's generation numbered in haste (Gen 4:18), but this account of the holy seed is enlarged upon, and given in words at length, and not in figures; we are told how long those lived that lived in God's fear, and when those died that died in his favour; but as for others it is no matter. The memory of the just is blessed, but the name of the wicked shall rot.
II. Their life is reckoned by days (Gen 5:8): All the days of Seth, and so of the rest, which intimates the shortness of the life of man when it is at the longest, and the quick revolution of our times on earth. If they reckoned by days, surely we must reckon by hours, or rather make that our frequent prayer (Psa 90:12), Teach us to number our days.
III. Concerning each of them, except Enoch, it is said, and he died. It is implied in the numbering of the years of their life that their life, when those years were numbered and finished, came to an end; and yet it is still repeated, and he died, to show that death passed upon all men without exception, and that it is good for us particularly to observe and improve the deaths of others for our own edification. Such a one was a strong healthful man, but he died; such a one was a great and rich man, but he died; such a one was a wise politic man, but he died; such a one was a very good man, perhaps a very useful man, but he died, etc.
IV. That which is especially observable is that they all lived very long; not one of them died till he had seen the revolution of almost eight hundred years, and some of them lived much longer, a great while for an immortal soul to be imprisoned in a house of clay. The present life surely was not to them such a burden as commonly it is now, else they would have been weary of it; nor was the future life so clearly revealed then as it is now under the gospel, else they would have been impatient to remove to it: long life to the pious patriarchs was a blessing and made them blessings. 1. Some natural causes may be assigned for their long life in those first ages of the world. It is very probable that the earth was more fruitful, that the productions of it were more strengthening, that the air was more healthful, and that the influences of the heavenly bodies were more benign, before the flood, than afterwards. Though man was driven out of paradise, yet the earth itself was then paradisiacal - a garden in comparison with its present wilderness-state: and some think that their great knowledge of the creatures, and of their usefulness both for food and medicine, together with their sobriety and temperance, contributed much to it; yet we do not find that those who were intemperate, as many were (Luk 17:27), were as short-lived as intemperate men generally are now. 2. It must chiefly be resolved into the power and providence of God. He prolonged their lives, both for the more speedy replenishing of the earth and for the more effectual preservation of the knowledge of God and religion, then, when there was no written word, but tradition was the channel of its conveyance. All the patriarchs here, except Noah, were born before Adam died; so that from him they might receive a full and satisfactory account of the creation, paradise, the fall, the promise, and those divine precepts which concerned religious worship and a religious life: and, if any mistake arose, they might have recourse to him while he lived, as to an oracle, for the rectifying of it, and after his death to Methuselah, and others, that had conversed with him: so great was the care of Almighty God to preserve in his church the knowledge of his will and the purity of his worship.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 6–20. Public domain.
Copy as
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Genesis (Hexaemeron)
Adam lived for one hundred and thirty years, and he begot a son in his own likeness and image, and he named him Seth. Adam indeed was created in the likeness and image of God, because he was made immortal in both soul and body. However, after he corrupted the image and likeness of God in himself by sinning, he begot a son in his own likeness and image, that is, mortal, corruptible, capable of reason, bound by the guilt of his transgression, and to be freed only by the grace of his Creator. It should be noted that where our Codices, translated from the Hebrew source, say Adam lived for one hundred and thirty years and begot Seth, the ancient translation has, instead of one hundred and thirty, two hundred and thirty; where our Codices continue, "And the days of Adam after he begot Seth were eight hundred years, and he begot sons and daughters," that one has seven hundred instead of eight hundred. And where it concludes, "And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years, and he died," it places the same total, and such a distinction of numbers is preserved in all generations up to the flood between the two editions, so that before the birth of a son each one in the Septuagint is said to have had one hundred years more, and after the birth one hundred years less than in the Hebrew truth. But in the conclusion, both editions place an equal number; except only in the sixth generation; where in both Codices, Jared is found to have begotten Enoch at one hundred and sixty-two years, and after his birth to have lived eight hundred years: and in the ninth, where, according to the Hebrew truth, Lamech begot Noah when he was one hundred and eighty years old, and after he was born, he is found to have survived for five hundred and ninety-five years. However, in the Septuagint, the years before Noah was born are found to be one hundred and eighty-eight, and after he was born, five hundred sixty-five; thus it happens that Lamech is found to have lived twenty-four years longer in Hebrew than in the Septuagint Codices: by which difference of interpretations, it is made that the lifetime of Methuselah seems to extend fourteen years beyond the flood, and so the years before the flood according to the Hebrews are one thousand five hundred and fifty-six; according to the Septuagint, which the chronographers follow, two thousand two hundred and forty-two: although the most learned Augustine professes that even in the Septuagint translation, Methuselah is found in fewer but more accurate Codices to have died six years before the flood: who, when he most diligently investigated the cause of the aforementioned discord in interpretations, and did not wish to derogate from the faith of the Septuagint translators, whom the apostles and evangelists are proven to have followed in many places; and he himself believed they used more a prophetic gift than the office of interpretation in translating the Scriptures; he concluded in this way, saying: "Therefore it is more credible for someone to say that when these first began to be copied from the library of Ptolemy; at that time, something like this could have happened in one Codex, but first copied from there, from which it spread more widely, where indeed the error of the scribe could have happened. However, it is not absurd to suspect this in that question about the life of Methuselah." And after some: "I would not doubt at all that it is rightly done, he says, when something different is found in both Codices, since both cannot be according to the faith of the transactions, that the truth be believed rather to the language from which it is translated into another by interpreters." Therefore, according to Hebrew truth, Adam lived one hundred and thirty years and begot Seth. Seth lived one hundred and five years and begot Enos. Enos lived ninety years and begot Cainan. Cainan lived eighty years and begot Mahalalel. Mahalalel lived sixty-five years and begot Jared. Jared lived one hundred and sixty-two years and begot Enoch.
BedeAD 735
Homilies on the Gospels 2.15
Enoch, in that he was engendered seventh in the line of descent from Adam, prefigured that the Lord would be conceived and born not in the usual way of mortal nature but by the power of the Holy Spirit. He prefigured that the full grace of the Holy Spirit, which is described by the prophet as sevenfold, would come to rest upon Christ in a special way when he was about to be born. And he would baptize in the Holy Spirit and give the gifts of the Spirit to those who believe in him.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying Genesis 5:18 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Genesis 5:18 meticulously records a pivotal moment in the antediluvian lineage: the birth of Enoch to Jared. This seemingly simple genealogical entry is profoundly significant, not only establishing chronological markers within the "Book of the Generations of Adam" but also introducing one of the most distinctive figures in early biblical history. Enoch's life of unique fellowship with God would stand in stark contrast to the prevailing sinfulness of his era, serving as a beacon of divine communion and a crucial link in the unfolding redemptive thread that preserves humanity's history and God's sovereign plan.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Genesis 5:18 and the broader chapter is Genealogy, which serves as a structural backbone, providing a chronological framework and demonstrating the continuity of the human line from Adam to Noah. The Repetition of the formula "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" creates a rhythmic, almost liturgical, cadence that emphasizes the relentless march of time and the universality of death. However, the introduction of Enoch in this verse subtly employs Foreshadowing. While the full extent of Enoch's unique destiny is revealed later in Genesis 5:24, his very name, "initiated" or "dedicated," hints at his special relationship with God, subtly preparing the reader for his extraordinary translation. The verse also contributes to the broader Contrast between the general human condition of mortality and the unique divine intervention that would mark Enoch's life, setting him apart from the pattern of his ancestors.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 5:18, while a simple statement of fact, is rich with theological implications, primarily serving as a vital link in the chain of God's redemptive history. It underscores God's meticulous care in preserving a specific lineage through which His promises would be fulfilled, even amidst a world increasingly steeped in sin. The birth of Enoch, whose life would stand in stark contrast to the prevailing spiritual darkness, highlights the enduring possibility of intimate fellowship with God and serves as a powerful testament to individual faith and divine favor. This verse, therefore, is not just a historical marker but a quiet affirmation of God's sovereign hand guiding humanity towards His ultimate purposes.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane record of Jared's life and the birth of Enoch in Genesis 5:18 carries profound spiritual weight. It reminds us that every life, no matter how briefly mentioned in the grand narrative of Scripture, plays a role in God's overarching plan. Jared's most significant contribution, from a biblical perspective, was his son, Enoch, whose life became a beacon of faithfulness. This challenges us to consider the spiritual legacy we are cultivating and passing on to future generations. Are we living in such a way that our children and those who come after us are pointed towards a deeper walk with God? It encourages us to pursue a deep, consistent, and intimate fellowship with God, knowing that such faithfulness, though it may go unnoticed by the world, is profoundly significant in God's eyes and can leave an eternal impact, not just on our immediate descendants but on the broader tapestry of redemptive history.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is Jared's age at Enoch's birth specifically mentioned?
Answer: The precise mention of Jared's age (162 years) at Enoch's birth is part of the consistent genealogical pattern in Genesis 5. This meticulous detail serves several crucial purposes: it establishes chronological markers, allowing for the calculation of time from creation to the Flood; it highlights the extraordinary longevity characteristic of the antediluvian period; and it marks the specific point at which the next significant figure in the lineage, Enoch, is introduced, emphasizing the direct line of descent.
What is the significance of Enoch in this genealogy?
Answer: Enoch is uniquely significant because he "walked with God and was not, for God took him" (Genesis 5:24), breaking the pattern of death that characterizes the other patriarchs in this chapter. His life highlights exceptional faith and divine favor, serving as a powerful example of intimate fellowship with God. He is one of only two individuals in the Bible (the other being Elijah in 2 Kings 2:11) recorded as being translated without experiencing death.
Do the long lifespans in Genesis 5 have any theological meaning?
Answer: The extraordinary lifespans of the antediluvian patriarchs underscore a distinct period of human history. Theologically, they may reflect God's original design for human longevity before the full impact of sin and the curse, a slower genetic decline in the early post-Fall world, or perhaps a different pre-Flood environment. They emphasize God's original intention for life and the gradual, yet profound, consequences of the Fall that led to a dramatic shortening of human lifespans after the Flood, as seen in Genesis 6:3 and Genesis 11.
How does this genealogical record contribute to the broader biblical narrative?
Answer: These genealogies are crucial for demonstrating God's faithful preservation of humanity, particularly the specific line through which the promised Messiah would eventually come. They provide the historical continuity necessary for understanding God's unfolding redemptive plan, showing how humanity progressed from Adam towards Noah, and ultimately, through Abraham, David, and finally to Christ. They are not mere lists but divinely inspired historical markers affirming the reality of God's active involvement in human history, guiding it towards its ultimate redemptive culmination, as seen in the genealogies of Jesus in Matthew 1 and Luke 3.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 5:18 itself is a genealogical marker, it is an essential link in the unbroken chain that ultimately leads to Jesus Christ. Jared is explicitly named in the lineage of Jesus Christ, as recorded in Luke 3:37, affirming the historical reality of Christ's descent from Adam through these ancient patriarchs. This establishes the human credentials of the Messiah, rooting Him firmly in the historical narrative of God's people. Furthermore, the birth of Enoch, who walked with God and was translated without seeing death, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate victory over death and the promise of eternal life that Christ secures for all who walk by faith in Him. Enoch's unique fellowship with God points to the restored communion with God that is made possible through Christ's atoning work, allowing believers to be reconciled to God and walk in newness of life. Christ is the ultimate "Enoch," the one who perfectly walked with God, and through His resurrection, He provides the path for all believers to overcome death and enter into eternal fellowship with the Father, fulfilling the hope subtly hinted at in Enoch's extraordinary life.