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 extraordinary 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 remarkable longevity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the meticulously detailed genealogy of [Genesis chapter 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Generations from Adam to Noah"), which traces the lineage from Adam through Seth to Noah. Jared is presented as the sixth patriarch in this line, following Cainan and Mahalaleel. The chapter adheres to 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 "Genesis 5:1 - The Book of the Generations of Adam"), emphasizes the inescapable reign of death, setting a somber backdrop for the narrative leading up to the Flood. It also provides a stark contrast to the unique departure of Jared's son, [Enoch, who walked with God and was taken](/genesis/5-24 "Genesis 5:24 - Enoch's Walk with God and Translation").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The pre-Flood world, as depicted in Genesis, is characterized by lifespans far exceeding those of post-Flood humanity. While the exact reasons are not explicitly stated, theological interpretations often point to a combination of factors: a purer genetic pool, different environmental conditions (perhaps a protective atmospheric canopy), and God's sovereign design to allow for rapid population growth and the direct transmission of knowledge across many generations. The cultural understanding of death in this ancient Near Eastern context would have been deeply intertwined with the concept of divine judgment and the consequences of sin, as articulated in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall of Humanity"). The longevity itself might have been seen as a sign of divine favor or a remnant of humanity's original, unfallen state, making the eventual "death" even more poignant.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 5:20 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the broader book. Foremost is the **Universality of Death**, a direct consequence of the Fall introduced in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall of Humanity"). Despite the extraordinary longevity, the consistent refrain "and he died" underscores that no human being, regardless of their years, could escape the curse of mortality. This chapter also highlights the theme of **Humanity's Declining Lifespan**, foreshadowing the gradual decrease in longevity post-Flood, culminating in the divine decree in [Psalm 90:10](/psalms/90-10 "Psalm 90:10 - The Brevity of Human Life"). Furthermore, the chapter subtly introduces the theme of **God's Grace Amidst Judgment** through the singular exception of Enoch, who did not die but was taken by God, providing a glimmer of hope within the pervasive narrative of death, as seen in [Genesis 5:24](/genesis/5-24 "Genesis 5:24 - Enoch's Unique Departure").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 5:20](/genesis/5-20 "Genesis 5:20 - Jared's Lifespan and Death"), 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. Yet, despite such remarkable endurance, the verse culminates in the same definitive, unyielding declaration: "and he died."

#### Key Word Analysis
* **days (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated term). In this context, it refers to the literal span of Jared's earthly existence, emphasizing the finite temporal nature of his life.
* **Jared (Hebrew, _Yered'_):** From the root meaning "to descend"; Jered, the name of an antediluvian patriarch. His name itself, meaning "descent," is ironically prophetic, as his life, like all others in this lineage (save Enoch), ultimately descends into death.
* **died (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** A primitive root meaning to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill. This word signifies the cessation of physical life, the ultimate and inescapable consequence of the Fall, marking the end of Jared's long earthly journey.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty and two years:"** This clause precisely states Jared's extraordinary longevity, emphasizing the immense duration of his life in the pre-Flood world. It highlights a period of human existence where lifespans were significantly longer than those recorded after the Flood, perhaps indicative of different biological or environmental conditions, or simply God's sovereign design for that era. The exact number underscores the meticulous nature of the biblical record.
* **"and he died."** This stark, concise declaration immediately follows the impressive statement of Jared's age, serving as a powerful and sobering conclusion. It is the recurring refrain throughout [Genesis chapter 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Generations from Adam to Noah"), underscoring the universal and inescapable reality of death as the ultimate consequence of sin for all humanity, regardless of their lineage, accomplishments, or extraordinary longevity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** is paramount, as the phrase "and he died" (or its equivalent) forms a rhythmic, almost mournful refrain throughout [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Generations from Adam to Noah"). This consistent repetition underscores the certainty, universality, and inevitability of death as the pervasive consequence of the Fall. There is also a strong element of **Juxtaposition** or **Contrast** at play, setting the impressive length of Jared's life (962 years) against the abrupt and definitive finality of "and he died." This contrast highlights the ultimate fragility of even the longest human life when confronted with the divine decree of mortality. Furthermore, the verse participates in the overarching **Genealogical Pattern** of the chapter, which systematically records life, procreation, and death, creating a somber, relentless march towards the Flood narrative and emphasizing the pervasive reign of death over humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jared's death, despite his extraordinary longevity, powerfully illustrates the pervasive nature of the Fall and the universality of death as its consequence. The meticulous record of his years, culminating in the stark declaration "and he died," serves as a poignant reminder that no earthly achievement, no matter how long-lived, can circumvent the divine decree of mortality. This consistent pattern throughout [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Generations from Adam to Noah") underscores humanity's desperate need for a deliverer from the curse of sin and death, setting the stage for the redemptive narrative that unfolds throughout Scripture. It highlights God's sovereign control over life and death, and the ultimate finitude of human existence apart from His intervention.

* [Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin and Death Through Adam"): "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:"
* [Hebrews 9:27](/hebrews/9-27 "Hebrews 9:27 - Appointed to Die Once"): "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:"
* [Psalm 90:10](/psalms/90-10 "Psalm 90:10 - The Brevity of Life"): "The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away."

### 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. We are called to number our days, not with despair, but with wisdom, recognizing that each moment is a gift to be stewarded for God's glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the stark reality of Jared's death, despite his longevity, challenge your perspective on the brevity and purpose of your own life?**
* **In what ways does the consistent pattern of "and he died" in Genesis 5 underscore the severity of sin's consequences?**
* **Considering the contrast between Jared's death and Enoch's unique departure, what does this passage teach you about the importance of walking with God?**

### 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 precise reasons for these extraordinary lifespans. Theological interpretations often suggest a combination of factors, including potentially different environmental conditions before the Flood (e.g., a protective atmospheric canopy that filtered harmful radiation), a purer genetic pool in the early stages of humanity, 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 direct, oral transmission of knowledge and divine revelation from generation to generation, preserving foundational truths.

**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 throughout [Genesis chapter 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Generations from Adam to Noah"). It emphasizes the certainty, universality, and inevitability of death as the direct consequence of Adam's sin, as articulated in [Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin and Death Through Adam"). 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 and a reversal of this universal decree.

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

Answer: Jared's death, like that of all others in [Genesis chapter 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Generations from Adam to Noah"), highlights the pervasive reign of mortality and the inescapable consequence of sin. His son, [Enoch](/genesis/5-24 "Genesis 5:24 - Enoch's Unique Departure"), provides the sole and striking exception to this pattern, as he "walked with God; and he was not, for God took him" ([Genesis 5:24](/genesis/5-24 "Genesis 5:24 - Enoch's Walk with God and Translation")). This profound contrast emphasizes God's grace and the possibility of a different destiny—one beyond physical mortality—for those who live in close communion and faithful obedience with Him, offering a glimmer of hope and a foretaste of resurrection life within the otherwise somber narrative of death.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The relentless pattern of "and he died" throughout [Genesis chapter 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Generations from Adam to Noah"), 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, a consequence of "one man's trespass" as described in [Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin and Death Through Adam"). 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 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life"), 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/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death Through Christ"), 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. He is the "last Adam" who gives life, where the first Adam brought death, as powerfully articulated in [1 Corinthians 15:45](/1_corinthians/15-45 "1 Corinthians 15:45 - The First and Last Adam").

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.