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 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
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within [Genesis chapter 5](/genesis/5 "The Generations of Adam"), a genealogical register meticulously detailing the patriarchal line from Adam to Noah. Often referred to as "The Book of the Generations of Adam" (as introduced in [Genesis 5:1](/genesis/5-1 "The Generations of Adam")), this chapter functions as a chronological backbone for early human history. Each entry typically follows a repetitive 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." Jared's entry, culminating in the birth of Enoch, adheres to the initial part of this pattern, setting the stage for Enoch's unique departure from the "and he died" clause, which is a significant literary and theological anomaly.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The antediluvian period, as depicted in Genesis, is characterized by extraordinary human longevity, with lifespans extending for centuries, a stark contrast to post-Flood human existence. This record, like other ancient Near Eastern genealogies, served not merely as a family tree but as a historical and theological statement, affirming the legitimacy and continuity of a particular line. While the text does not explicitly detail the cultural norms of Jared's time, the broader narrative of Genesis indicates a world progressively descending into widespread wickedness, as seen in the later description of the earth's corruption in [Genesis 6:11-12](/genesis/6-11-12 "The corruption of the earth before the Flood"). Against this backdrop, the precise recording of ages and lineage underscores a divine preservation of order and a specific seed-line amidst growing chaos.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 5, and specifically [Genesis 5:18](/genesis/5-18 "Jared begets Enoch"), contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness and Preservation**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to maintaining a chosen lineage through which His redemptive plan would unfold, despite humanity's increasing sinfulness. Secondly, the extraordinary longevity of Jared and his contemporaries underscores the **Unique Nature of Antediluvian Life**, prompting reflection on the original created order and the gradual impact of the Fall on human lifespan. Thirdly, the introduction of Enoch points to the theme of **Individual Piety and Divine Favor**, foreshadowing a life that would powerfully illustrate the possibility and impact of walking intimately with God even in a corrupt world, contrasting with the general moral [descent of humanity before the Flood](/genesis/6-11 "The earth was corrupt before the flood").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jared (Hebrew, _Yered'_):** From H3382, meaning "a descent." This name is derived from the verb "to descend" or "to go down." While the text does not explicitly connect Jared's name to his actions, some commentators have speculated about a possible symbolic link to the "descent" of humanity into sin or perhaps the "descent" of divine beings (the "sons of God") mentioned later in [Genesis 6:1-4](/genesis/6-1-4 "The sons of God and daughters of men"). However, its primary function here is as a proper noun identifying the sixth patriarch in the Adamic line.
* **lived (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** From H2421, a primitive root meaning "to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive." This verb emphasizes the physical existence and duration of Jared's life. In the context of Genesis 5, it highlights the remarkable longevity of the antediluvian patriarchs, contrasting with later, significantly shorter human lifespans. The repeated use of this word throughout the chapter underscores the gift of life and its extension in this early period of human history.
* **begat (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** From H3205, a primitive root meaning "to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage." This verb is crucial for understanding the genealogical purpose of Genesis 5. It signifies the procreation and continuation of the human line, specifically the male heir who carries the family name and, in this context, the divinely chosen lineage. The act of begetting ensures the progression of generations and the eventual fulfillment of God's promise of a deliverer.
* **Enoch (Hebrew, _Chănôwk'_):** From H2585, meaning "initiated." Derived from the root "to train, dedicate, initiate," this name is remarkably prophetic given Enoch's unique life. Unlike other patriarchs whose lives are summarized by their births, begetting of sons, and deaths, Enoch's narrative breaks this pattern, as he "walked with God" and "was not, for God took him" ([Genesis 5:24](/genesis/5-24 "Enoch walked with God and was taken")). His name thus foreshadows his consecrated life and special relationship with the Divine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jared lived an hundred sixty and two years":** This clause establishes Jared's age at the time of his son Enoch's birth. The precise numerical detail is characteristic of the Genesis 5 genealogy, providing a chronological framework for early human history. It highlights the extraordinary longevity of the antediluvian patriarchs, a period where human lifespans were significantly longer than in later eras, possibly reflecting a different pre-Flood environment or a slower genetic decline from the Fall.
* **"and he begat Enoch":** This is the pivotal part of the verse, marking the introduction of Enoch into the biblical narrative. The act of "begetting" emphasizes the continuity of the human lineage and, more importantly, the specific line through which God's redemptive plan would progress. Enoch's birth is significant because his life story would deviate dramatically from the pattern of death established for the other patriarchs in this chapter, setting him apart as a figure of unique faith and divine favor.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [Genesis 5:18](/genesis/5-18 "Jared begets Enoch") 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](/genesis/5-24 "Enoch walked with God"), 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.

* [Genesis 5:24](/genesis/5-24 "Enoch walked with God and was taken"): This verse reveals the unique destiny of Enoch, who "walked with God: and he was not; for God took him," breaking the pattern of death found in the rest of the genealogy.
* [Hebrews 11:5](/hebrews/11-5 "Enoch's faith and translation"): The New Testament affirms Enoch's faith and translation, stating, "By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God."
* [Luke 3:37](/luke/3-37 "Jared in Jesus's genealogy"): Jared is explicitly named in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, affirming the historical continuity of the Messiah's lineage back to Adam.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane record of Jared's life and the birth of Enoch in [Genesis 5:18](/genesis/5-18 "Jared begets Enoch") 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
* **How does the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, like the one in Genesis 5, reinforce your understanding of God's faithfulness and His sovereign plan for humanity?**
* **What does Enoch's unique destiny, introduced by his birth in this verse, teach us about the possibility of an intimate walk with God even in a world marked by sin?**
* **In what ways can we, like Jared, contribute to a spiritual legacy that points future generations towards a deeper relationship with God?**
* **Considering the contrast between the long lifespans of the antediluvian patriarchs and our own, what does this suggest about the impact of sin and the progression of God's redemptive work over time?**

### 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](/genesis/5 "The Generations of Adam"). 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](/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. He is one of only two individuals in the Bible (the other being Elijah in [2 Kings 2:11](/2_kings/2-11 "Elijah taken up to heaven")) 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](/genesis/6-3 "God limits human lifespan") and [Genesis 11](/genesis/11 "The genealogies after the Flood").

**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](/matthew/1 "The genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "The genealogy of Jesus Christ").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Genesis 5:18](/genesis/5-18 "Jared begets Enoch") 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](/luke/3-37 "Jared is listed in Jesus's genealogy in Luke"), 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](/romans/6-4 "Read about walking in newness of life in Romans 6:4"). 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.

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.

Cross-References

Jude 1:14

And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

Jude 1:15

¶ To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard [speeches] which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

Genesis 4:17

And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch.

1 Chronicles 1:3

Henoch, Methuselah, Lamech,

Luke 3:37

Which was [the son] of Mathusala, which was [the son] of Enoch, which was [the son] of Jared, which was [the son] of Maleleel, which was [the son] of Cainan,