Genesis 5:19

KJV

And Jared lived after he begat Enoch eight hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jared {H3382} lived {H2421} after {H310} he begat {H3205} Enoch {H2585} eight {H8083} hundred {H3967} years {H8141}, and begat {H3205} sons {H1121} and daughters {H1323}:

Complete Jewish Bible

After Hanokh was born, Yered lived 800 years and had sons and daughters.

Berean Standard Bible

And after he had become the father of Enoch, Jared lived 800 years and had other sons and daughters.

American Standard Version

and Jared lived after he begat Enoch eight hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 5:19 provides a concise yet profound record of Jared's life after the birth of his renowned son, Enoch. This verse, embedded within the meticulously detailed antediluvian genealogy, highlights Jared's remarkable longevity and his continued role in the propagation of humanity through the begetting of additional sons and daughters. It serves as a vital link in the unfolding narrative of God's sovereign preservation of the human lineage, subtly setting the stage for the unique spiritual journey of Enoch, who would transcend the universal pattern of mortality.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis chapter 5, often referred to as "the book of the generations of Adam" ([Genesis 5:1](/genesis/5-1 "Genesis 5:1 - The Book of the Generations of Adam")), functions as a crucial genealogical bridge connecting the creation account and the Fall (Genesis 1-3) with the impending judgment of the Flood (Genesis 6-9). This chapter employs a highly structured, repetitive literary 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." This formula underscores both the continuity of the human race through procreation and the pervasive reality of death as a consequence of the Fall. Jared, introduced in [Genesis 5:18](/genesis/5-18 "Genesis 5:18 - Jared's Introduction"), is the sixth patriarch in this lineage, and [verse 19](/genesis/5-19 "Genesis 5:19 KJV") specifically details the remaining 800 years of his life following Enoch's birth, reiterating his continued procreative activity before his eventual death, which is recorded in [Genesis 5:20](/genesis/5-20 "Genesis 5:20 - Jared's Death"). The immediate narrative flow then shifts to the extraordinary account of Enoch, Jared's son, in [Genesis 5:21-24](/genesis/5-21-24 "Genesis 5:21-24 - The Life and Translation of Enoch").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The antediluvian period, as depicted in Genesis 5, presents a world significantly different from our own, particularly regarding human lifespans. The patriarchs consistently lived for several centuries, a phenomenon that has prompted various interpretations, including different environmental conditions, a closer proximity to humanity's original, unfallen state, or a theological emphasis on God's patience and the slow unfolding of the curse's full effects. Culturally, these genealogies were not merely dry lists; they served as vital records of lineage, identity, and the transmission of heritage and promises. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a long life was often seen as a sign of divine blessing, and the ability to beget many children, especially sons, was paramount for family continuity and societal strength. The mention of "sons and daughters" emphasizes the successful fulfillment of the creation mandate to "be fruitful and multiply" ([Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Creation Mandate")).
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 5 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent theme is the **consequence of the Fall and the pervasive reality of death**, highlighted by the recurring phrase "and he died," which serves as a stark reminder of humanity's mortality decreed in [Genesis 3:19](/genesis/3-19 "Genesis 3:19 - The Decree of Mortality"). Yet, counterbalancing this is the theme of **God's faithfulness and preservation of humanity**, demonstrated through the continuous lineage and the ongoing fulfillment of the command to procreate. This ensures the survival of the human race and, crucially, the preservation of the messianic line. The chapter also subtly introduces the theme of **walking with God**, which becomes profoundly significant in the unique account of Enoch ([Genesis 5:24](/genesis/5-24 "Genesis 5:24 - Enoch's Walk with God")), contrasting with the general pattern of life and death. Jared's role as Enoch's father positions him within this significant theological development.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lived (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** From the primitive root H2421, meaning "to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive." In this context, it refers to Jared's physical existence and longevity. The emphasis is on the duration of his life, specifically the 800 years after Enoch's birth, highlighting the extraordinary lifespans characteristic of the antediluvian period. This word underscores the divine gift of life, even within a fallen world, and the long-suffering of God before the judgment of the Flood.
* **begat (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** From the primitive root H3205, meaning "to bear young; causatively, to beget." This term is central to the genealogical record, emphasizing the act of procreation and the continuity of the human lineage. It signifies the fulfillment of God's original command to "be fruitful and multiply" ([Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Creation Mandate")) despite the curse of sin. In Genesis 5, it highlights the transmission of life from one generation to the next, ensuring the preservation of the line leading to the promised Seed.
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, meaning "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense." This term, along with "daughters," signifies the successful procreation of Jared. The mention of "sons and daughters" beyond Enoch indicates a larger family, ensuring the proliferation of humanity. The concept of "builder of the family name" is crucial in ancient patriarchal societies, where sons carried on the lineage and inheritance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jared lived after he begat Enoch eight hundred years":** This clause provides a precise chronological detail within the genealogical framework. It specifies the duration of Jared's life *after* the significant event of Enoch's birth. The "eight hundred years" is a substantial period, emphasizing the extreme longevity of the antediluvian patriarchs, a stark contrast to post-Flood lifespans. This extended life allowed for significant family growth and the development of early human society, setting the stage for the increasing wickedness described in [Genesis 6:5](/genesis/6-5 "Genesis 6:5 - The Wickedness of Humanity").
* **"and begat sons and daughters":** This phrase, standard in the Genesis 5 formula, affirms Jared's continued fertility and the expansion of his family beyond his most famous son, Enoch. It underscores the ongoing fulfillment of God's creation mandate to "be fruitful and multiply" ([Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Creation Mandate")) even in a world increasingly marked by sin and death. The continuity of the human race, and specifically the lineage from which the Messiah would come, depended on this ongoing procreation.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [Genesis 5:19](/genesis/5-19 "Genesis 5:19 KJV") and the surrounding chapter is **Formulaic Repetition**. The consistent structure of "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. This repetition serves to emphasize the historical veracity and the relentless march of time and generations. It also highlights the pervasive reality of death, with the phrase "and he died" serving as a somber refrain, underscoring the universal consequence of the Fall. Additionally, there is subtle **Foreshadowing** in the mention of Enoch. While Jared's life follows the typical pattern of longevity and death, his son Enoch's unique departure from this pattern (he "was not, for God took him" in [Genesis 5:24](/genesis/5-24 "Genesis 5:24 - Enoch's Translation")) is subtly set up by his father's otherwise conventional record. This contrast makes Enoch's story all the more remarkable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 5:19, while a simple genealogical entry, contributes significantly to the theological tapestry of the early biblical narrative. It underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving the human lineage despite the pervasive curse of death brought about by the Fall. The continued procreation of "sons and daughters" ensures the continuity of humanity and, more importantly, the specific line through which God's redemptive plan, culminating in the promised Seed, would unfold. This verse also implicitly highlights God's long-suffering, allowing humanity to live for centuries before the judgment of the Flood, providing ample opportunity for repentance.

* [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Creation Mandate to Be Fruitful")
* [Genesis 3:19](/genesis/3-19 "Genesis 3:19 - God's Decree of Mortality")
* [Luke 3:37](/luke/3-37 "Luke 3:37 - Jared in Jesus' Genealogy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 5:19](/genesis/5-19 "Genesis 5:19 KJV"), though a brief genealogical note, invites us to ponder the profound sweep of God's redemptive history and our own place within His grand narrative. It reminds us that every life, every generation, is part of God's sovereign plan. While we do not experience the longevity of the antediluvian patriarchs, our lives, whether long or short, are significant in God's eyes. We are called to live with an awareness of His overarching purposes, understanding that our existence contributes to His unfolding story. Like Jared, we are called to be faithful stewards of the life and relationships God has given us, recognizing that our actions and our legacy (spiritual or otherwise) contribute to the ongoing narrative of humanity. Most importantly, we are reminded that true meaning is found not merely in the duration of our days or the number of our descendants, but in our relationship with the Creator, seeking to "walk with God" as Enoch did, a privilege made fully accessible through Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on longevity in Genesis 5 challenge or confirm your understanding of God's patience and judgment?**
* **In what ways does this seemingly mundane genealogical record reveal God's faithfulness in preserving His redemptive plan despite human sin?**
* **What does the contrast between Jared's life (following the pattern of death) and Enoch's life (taken by God) teach us about living a life that pleases God?**

### FAQ
**Why are the genealogies in Genesis 5 so detailed and repetitive?**

Answer: These genealogies serve several crucial purposes: they establish the historical continuity of humanity from Adam, demonstrating the fulfillment of God's command to "be fruitful and multiply" ([Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Creation Mandate")). They also underscore the pervasive reality of death after the Fall, with the recurring phrase "and he died." Most importantly, they meticulously trace the specific lineage through which the promised Messiah would eventually come, providing a historical backbone for God's redemptive plan. The repetition emphasizes the historical veracity, the divine record-keeping, and the consistent pattern of life and death.

**What is the significance of Jared's name, "descent"?**

Answer: While the Bible does not explicitly state the significance of Jared's name, *Yered* (יֶרֶד), meaning "descent" or "to descend," scholars have offered various interpretations. Some speculate it could subtly allude to the spiritual and moral decline of humanity that intensified during the antediluvian period, leading to the judgment of the Flood described in [Genesis 6](/genesis/6 "Genesis Chapter 6 - The Flood Narrative"). Others connect it to the "descent" of the "sons of God" who took wives from the "daughters of men," as mentioned in [Genesis 6:2](/genesis/6-2 "Genesis 6:2 - The Sons of God and Daughters of Men"), an event that occurred during this era.

**How does Jared's life relate to his son Enoch's unique experience?**

Answer: Jared's life follows the typical pattern of the patriarchs in [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis Chapter 5 KJV")—long life, begetting children, and then eventually dying. Enoch, however, breaks this pattern by being "taken" by God without experiencing death ([Genesis 5:24](/genesis/5-24 "Genesis 5:24 - Enoch's Translation")). Jared's life thus serves as a contrast, highlighting the extraordinary nature of Enoch's intimate "walk with God" and his divine translation. This contrast makes Enoch's story even more remarkable against the backdrop of his long-lived father and the otherwise consistent record of mortality.

**Does the extraordinary longevity of Jared and others in Genesis 5 have a spiritual meaning?**

Answer: The longevity points to a different pre-Flood world, perhaps with different environmental conditions or a closer proximity to humanity's original, unfallen state before the full effects of the curse were realized. Spiritually, it underscores God's immense patience and long-suffering before the judgment of the Flood, allowing ample time for humanity to repent. It also showcases the full extent of the curse of death, which eventually claims even those with the longest lifespans, emphasizing that physical life, no matter how long, is ultimately finite apart from God's intervention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Genesis 5:19](/genesis/5-19 "Genesis 5:19 KJV") is a genealogical record, it plays a vital role in the overarching biblical narrative that ultimately points to Christ. Jared's life, and the lives of all the patriarchs listed in [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis Chapter 5 KJV"), are crucial links in the unbroken chain that preserves the promised Seed. This lineage, meticulously traced from Adam through Seth to Noah, and eventually through Abraham, David, and finally to Jesus Christ, as seen in genealogies like [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - Jesus' Genealogy from Adam"), demonstrates God's sovereign faithfulness in orchestrating history for the arrival of His Son. The verse also implicitly highlights the universal reign of death, a consequence of sin ([Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin and Death")), which only Christ, through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, could conquer, offering true and eternal life to all who believe in Him ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Furthermore, Enoch, Jared's son, "walked with God" and was taken without experiencing death, serving as a powerful type and foreshadowing of intimate fellowship with God and ultimate victory over death, a fellowship and victory fully realized and made accessible to all believers through Christ's mediation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit ([Hebrews 11:5-6](/hebrews/11-5-6 "Hebrews 11:5-6 - Enoch's Faith and Reward")).

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.