Genesis 5:18

KJV

And Jared lived an hundred sixty and two years, and he begat Enoch:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jared {H3382} lived {H2421} an hundred {H3967} sixty {H8346}{H8141} and two {H8147} years {H8141}, and he begat {H3205} Enoch {H2585}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Yered lived 162 years and fathered Hanokh.

Berean Standard Bible

When Jared was 162 years old, he became the father of Enoch.

American Standard Version

And Jared lived a hundred sixty and two years, and begat Enoch:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 5:18 tersely records the life of Jared, detailing his age at the birth of his son, Enoch. This seemingly simple genealogical entry is profoundly significant, introducing one of the most distinctive figures in the antediluvian world whose life of unique fellowship with God stands in stark contrast to the prevailing sinfulness of his era. It serves as a pivotal marker in the unfolding lineage that preserves humanity's history and God's redemptive thread.

### CONTEXT
This verse is situated within Genesis chapter 5, often titled "The Book of the Generations of Adam" (as introduced in [Genesis 5:1](/genesis/5-1 "The generations of Adam begin here")). This chapter meticulously lists the patriarchal line from Adam to Noah, establishing the chronological framework of early human history and demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving a chosen lineage amidst a world spiraling towards judgment. Jared is the sixth patriarch in this sequence, and his son Enoch marks a unique deviation from the recurring pattern of "he lived... and he died," setting the stage for the dramatic events leading to the Flood.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Jared, whose name (יֶרֶד, *Yered*) is often associated with the root meaning "to descend" or "to go down," lived an impressive one hundred sixty and two years before begetting Enoch. This longevity is characteristic of the antediluvian patriarchs recorded in Genesis 5, highlighting a period of human history distinct from the post-Flood era, where lifespans dramatically shortened. The precise recording of ages at the birth of the next generation underscores the meticulous nature of this divine record, establishing a historical and chronological backbone for God's unfolding plan.

The primary significance of Genesis 5:18, however, lies in the birth of Enoch. His name (חֲנוֹךְ, *Hanoch*) means "dedicated," "initiated," or "trained," a remarkably prophetic designation given his later life. Unlike the other patriarchs whose lives are summarized by their births, their begetting of sons, and their deaths, Enoch's narrative breaks this pattern. The text will later reveal that [Enoch walked with God](/genesis/5-24 "Read about Enoch's walk with God in Genesis 5:24") and "was not, for God took him," avoiding the common fate of death. This extraordinary divine intervention underscores Enoch's unique piety and God's sovereign favor.

This genealogical record is far from a mere list of names; it is a testament to God's enduring commitment to His creation and His redemptive purposes. Despite the increasing wickedness described in the subsequent chapters, God faithfully preserves a line through which His promise of a deliverer, the [seed who would bruise the serpent's head](/genesis/3-15 "Explore the protoevangelium in Genesis 3:15"), would eventually come. Each birth, including Enoch's, represents a step in this divine progression, demonstrating God's active involvement in human history even when humanity itself deviates significantly, as seen in the general moral [descent of humanity before the Flood](/genesis/6-11 "The earth was corrupt before the flood"). The life of Enoch, born to Jared, thus serves as a beacon of faith and divine communion in an increasingly dark world, a truth later affirmed in the New Testament, which testifies to Enoch's faith and his translation by God ([Hebrews 11:5](/hebrews/11-5 "Discover Enoch's faith in Hebrews 11:5")).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Faithfulness and Continuity:** The meticulous recording of generations underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant purposes, preserving a lineage through which His redemptive plan would unfold despite human sin.
* **The Unique Nature of Antediluvian Life:** The extraordinary longevity of Jared and his contemporaries highlights a distinct period of human existence, prompting reflection on the original created order and the gradual impact of the Fall.
* **The Significance of Individual Faith:** While part of a long list, Enoch's life, introduced here, powerfully illustrates the possibility and impact of walking intimately with God even in a corrupt world.
* **The Progression of Redemptive History:** Each birth in this genealogy quietly advances the biblical narrative towards the promised Seed, demonstrating God's sovereign hand guiding history toward its ultimate culmination.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly simple verse reminds us that every life, even those briefly mentioned in a long lineage, plays a role in God's grand narrative. Jared's primary legacy is his son, Enoch, whose life challenges us to consider the spiritual heritage we cultivate and pass on. It encourages us to pursue a deep, consistent walk with God, knowing that such faithfulness, though sometimes unnoticed by the world, is profoundly significant in God’s eyes and can leave an eternal impact on future generations.

### 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. It serves to establish chronological markers, allowing for the calculation of time from creation to the Flood, and highlights the specific point at which the next significant figure in the lineage is introduced.

**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](/genesis/5-24 "Read about Enoch's walk with God in 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.

**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, perhaps reflecting a different pre-Flood environment, a slower genetic decline, or God's original design for human longevity before the full impact of sin and the curse. Theologically, they emphasize God's original intention for life and the gradual, yet profound, consequences of the Fall.

**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, to Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 5:18 does not directly speak of Christ, it is an essential link in the genealogical chain that ultimately leads to Him. Jared is explicitly named in the lineage of Jesus Christ, as recorded in [Luke 3:37](/luke/3-37 "Jared is listed in Jesus's genealogy in Luke"), affirming the historical reality of Christ's descent from Adam through these patriarchs. Furthermore, the birth of Enoch, who walked with God and was translated without seeing death, foreshadows 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](/romans/6-4 "Read about walking in newness of life in Romans 6:4").

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.