Genesis 5:20

KJV

And all the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty and two years: and he died.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the days {H3117} of Jared {H3382} were nine {H8672} hundred {H3967}{H8141} sixty {H8346} and two {H8147} years {H8141}: and he died {H4191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In all, Yered lived 962 years; then he died.

Berean Standard Bible

So Jared lived a total of 962 years, and then he died.

American Standard Version

and all the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty and two years: and he died.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 5:20 precisely records Jared's remarkable lifespan of 962 years, culminating in the stark, universal declaration: "and he died." This verse, embedded within a repetitive genealogical pattern, powerfully underscores the pervasive reality of mortality that gripped humanity after the Fall. It serves as a solemn testament to the inescapable consequence of sin, highlighting the finite nature of all earthly existence, even amidst extraordinary longevity.

### CONTEXT
This verse is situated within [Genesis chapter 5](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/5 "Explore Genesis Chapter 5 KJV"), which meticulously details the genealogical line from Adam through Seth to Noah. Jared is presented as the sixth patriarch in this lineage, born after Cainan and Mahalaleel. The chapter follows a consistent, almost liturgical pattern for each individual: their age at the birth of their first son, the remaining years of their life, and the definitive, recurring phrase, "and he died." This pattern, beginning with [Adam's generations](/genesis/5-1 "Explore the generations of Adam in Genesis 5:1"), emphasizes the inescapable reign of death, setting a somber backdrop for the narrative leading up to the Flood, and providing a stark contrast to the unique departure of Jared's son, [Enoch, who walked with God and was taken](/genesis/5-24 "Discover the unique story of Enoch in Genesis 5:24").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 5:20](/genesis/5-20 "Explore Genesis 5:20 KJV"), like other entries in this chapter, presents a deceptively simple statement carrying profound theological weight. Jared's immense lifespan of 962 years is a hallmark of the pre-Flood world, hinting at a distinct biological and environmental reality in early creation. This extraordinary longevity may have served divine purposes, perhaps facilitating rapid repopulation of the earth or enabling direct transmission of knowledge across generations from the earliest patriarchs. Yet, despite such remarkable endurance, the verse culminates in the same definitive, unyielding declaration: "and he died."

This repetitive phrase, "and he died" (וַיָּמֹת, *wa-yamot*), transcends mere historical record; it functions as a theological commentary woven into the very fabric of the text. Its stark, unadorned repetition throughout [Genesis 5](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/5 "Explore Genesis Chapter 5 KJV") underscores the universal and inescapable consequence of sin introduced by Adam, reinforcing that [death reigns over all humanity](/romans/5-12 "Read about death entering the world through Adam's sin in Romans 5:12"). Regardless of one's longevity, lineage, or accomplishments, the curse of mortality remained absolute. The brevity of even these exceptionally long lives, when viewed against the backdrop of eternity, serves as a poignant reminder of human finitude. The passage implicitly contrasts the expansive years lived with the abrupt finality of death, highlighting the ultimate fragility of life under the Fall. This narrative element points to the reality that no earthly longevity can overcome the divine decree of death, a theme powerfully echoed in later scriptures concerning [the brevity of human life](/psalms/90-10 "Psalm 90:10 speaks of the brevity of human life").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **The Universality of Death:** The relentless repetition of "and he died" throughout [Genesis 5](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/5 "Explore Genesis Chapter 5 KJV") underscores death as the inevitable, pervasive consequence of the Fall for all humanity, irrespective of lifespan.
* **The Pervasiveness of the Fall:** Jared's death, despite his extraordinary longevity, powerfully illustrates that the curse of sin permeated every facet of creation and human existence, leading to physical decay and spiritual separation.
* **God's Sovereign Decree:** The consistent pattern of life and death reveals God's ultimate authority over all existence, demonstrating that even remarkable lifespans remain subject to His appointed times.
* **Contrast of Earthly Life and Eternal Hope:** The pervasive pattern of death in [Genesis 5](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/5 "Explore Genesis Chapter 5 KJV") is powerfully contrasted by the unique account of Jared’s son, [Enoch, who did not die but "walked with God"](/genesis/5-24 "Discover the unique story of Enoch in Genesis 5:24"), hinting at a hope beyond physical mortality for those in covenant relationship with God.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jared's incredibly long life, culminating in the same universal declaration of death, compels us to confront the profound reality of our own mortality. It serves as a potent reminder that, regardless of the years granted, life on earth is inherently finite. This truth should challenge us to live with intentionality, diligently seeking to honor God and fulfill His divine purposes, understanding that our ultimate destiny transcends this temporal existence and points toward an eternal hope found only in Him.

### FAQ
**Why were the lifespans of people like Jared so long in the early chapters of Genesis?**

Answer: The Bible does not explicitly state the reason for these extraordinary lifespans. Theological interpretations suggest factors such as different environmental conditions before the Flood (e.g., a protective atmospheric canopy), a purer genetic pool, or simply God's sovereign design and extended patience with early humanity. These long lives may have also facilitated the rapid populating of the earth and the transmission of knowledge from generation to generation.

**What is the significance of the repetitive phrase "and he died" in Genesis 5?**

Answer: The stark repetition of "and he died" serves as a powerful literary and theological device. It emphasizes the certainty, universality, and inevitability of death as the direct consequence of Adam's sin ([Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Read about death entering the world through Adam's sin in Romans 5:12")). It underscores that despite remarkable longevity, no human being could escape the curse of mortality, setting a somber tone that highlights humanity's desperate need for redemption.

**How does Jared's death relate to the story of his son, Enoch?**

Answer: Jared's death, like that of all others in [Genesis 5](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/5 "Explore Genesis Chapter 5 KJV"), highlights the pervasive reign of mortality. His son, [Enoch](/genesis/5-24 "Discover the unique story of Enoch in Genesis 5:24"), provides the sole exception to this pattern, as he "walked with God; and he was not, for God took him" ([Genesis 5:24](/genesis/5-24 "Discover the unique story of Enoch in Genesis 5:24")). This contrast emphasizes God's grace and the possibility of a different destiny for those who live in close communion with Him, offering a glimmer of hope beyond the universal decree of death.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The relentless pattern of "and he died" throughout [Genesis 5](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/5 "Explore Genesis Chapter 5 KJV"), epitomized by Jared's long life culminating in death, profoundly underscores humanity's desperate need for a deliverer from the pervasive curse of sin and mortality. Each death in this lineage points to the triumph of the Fall and the universal reach of death's dominion. This narrative thus powerfully sets the stage for the coming of Christ, who uniquely defies this pattern. Jesus declares Himself the [resurrection and the life](/john/11-25 "Jesus declares Himself the resurrection and the life in John 11:25"), conquering death through His own crucifixion and glorious resurrection. His decisive victory over the grave, as celebrated in [1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54 "Read about Christ's victory over death in 1 Corinthians 15:54"), reverses the curse introduced by Adam, offering eternal life and a triumphant hope that transcends the "and he died" decree for all who believe in Him.

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.