Genesis 5:21

KJV

¶ And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Enoch {H2585} lived {H2421} sixty {H8346} and five {H2568} years {H8141}, and begat {H3205} Methuselah {H4968}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Hanokh lived sixty-five years and fathered Metushelach.

Berean Standard Bible

When Enoch was 65 years old, he became the father of Methuselah.

American Standard Version

And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 5:21 records the birth of Methuselah to Enoch at the age of sixty-five, a seemingly simple genealogical entry that serves as the foundational detail for Enoch's uniquely profound life. This verse marks the beginning of Enoch's extraordinary walk with God, setting him apart in the biblical record as a figure who maintained an intimate relationship with the Creator amidst a world spiraling into corruption, thereby underscoring the divine preservation of a faithful lineage through which God's redemptive purposes would continue to unfold.

### CONTEXT
This verse is embedded within the "Book of the Generations of Adam" in [Genesis chapter 5](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/5 "Read Genesis chapter 5"), a meticulously structured genealogy spanning from Adam to Noah. This chapter's primary purpose is to establish the historical continuity of humanity, detailing the lifespans of the early patriarchs and marking the succession of generations. Enoch's entry, recording his age of sixty-five at Methuselah's birth, directly precedes the remarkable account of his unique walk with God and subsequent translation, which distinguishes him from every other figure in this otherwise formulaic record, as seen in [Genesis 5:24](/genesis/5-24 "Discover more about Enoch's unique walk with God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 5:21, though concise, is more than a mere demographic statistic; it is the opening note in the narrative of one of the Bible's most enigmatic and significant figures. The Hebrew verb for "begat" (יָלַד, *yalad*) is consistently used throughout this chapter, emphasizing the direct, unbroken paternal lineage from Adam. This repetitive formula highlights the foundational importance of these generational records in establishing the historical framework for God's redemptive plan. In an era of exceptionally long lifespans, Enoch's age of sixty-five at Methuselah's birth is notable, but it is the identity of his son that carries profound, though unstated, implications.

Methuselah's name is widely interpreted to mean "man of the dart/spear" or, more profoundly, "his death brings." While the text of [Genesis 5:21](/genesis/5-21 "Read Genesis 5:21") itself does not explicitly state this meaning, the traditional interpretation suggests a prophetic element woven into the very fabric of this genealogy. The birth of Methuselah, whose life would span until the very year of the Great Flood, subtly hints at the coming divine judgment that would cleanse the earth. This quiet foreshadowing sets the stage for Enoch's extraordinary life of faith, which would stand in stark contrast to the increasing wickedness of his generation. Enoch's decision to "walk with God" after Methuselah's birth ([Genesis 5:22](/genesis/5-22 "Enoch walked with God")) suggests that this event may have been a catalyst for his deeper devotion, perhaps because he discerned the ominous prophecy embedded in his son's name. This verse, therefore, is not just a record of birth but an anchor point for understanding Enoch's unique spiritual journey and the unfolding of God's sovereign plan leading up to the Flood.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Sovereignty in Lineage:** God meticulously preserves a chosen line, ensuring the continuity necessary for His redemptive plan, even amidst widespread human depravity.
* **The Weight of Mortality:** Despite exceptionally long lifespans, the repeated phrase "and he died" throughout [Genesis chapter 5](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/5 "Read Genesis chapter 5") underscores the pervasive reality of death as a consequence of the Fall, a truth that Enoch uniquely transcends.
* **Foreshadowing of Judgment:** The traditional interpretation of Methuselah's name ("his death brings") subtly introduces the theme of impending divine judgment, which would culminate in the Great Flood.
* **The Call to Walk with God:** This verse sets the stage for Enoch's exemplary life, highlighting the possibility of a profound, intimate relationship with God, even in corrupt times, echoing the later description of [Noah also walking with God](/genesis/6-9 "Noah also walked with God").

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 5:21](/genesis/5-21 "Read Genesis 5:21") reminds us that even seemingly mundane details within God's narrative carry profound significance. It challenges us to recognize that our lives, no matter how ordinary they appear, are part of a larger divine tapestry, and that our choices, particularly in raising the next generation, can have eternal implications. Like Enoch, we are called to cultivate a walk with God that transcends the prevailing culture, making our lives a testament to His faithfulness and grace.

### FAQ
**Why is Enoch's age at Methuselah's birth specifically mentioned?**

Answer: While all patriarchs' ages at their son's birth are recorded in [Genesis chapter 5](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/5 "Read Genesis chapter 5") for genealogical precision, Enoch's age of 65 at Methuselah's birth is particularly significant because it marks the beginning of the 300 years during which he is said to have "walked with God" ([Genesis 5:22](/genesis/5-22 "Enoch walked with God")), suggesting a pivotal spiritual turning point in his life.

**What is the traditional significance of Methuselah's name?**

Answer: Methuselah's name is often interpreted to mean "his death brings" or "man of the dart/spear." This interpretation is significant because Methuselah lived longer than any other person recorded in the Bible, and his death coincided with the year the Great Flood began, subtly hinting at the impending divine judgment.

**How does this verse set up Enoch's later story?**

Answer: By establishing Methuselah's birth, [Genesis 5:21](/genesis/5-21 "Read Genesis 5:21") serves as the starting point for Enoch's unique spiritual journey. It precedes the remarkable statement that Enoch "walked with God" and was then "taken away" by God ([Genesis 5:24](/genesis/5-24 "Enoch was taken by God")), distinguishing him from all other patriarchs who "died."

**Why are genealogies so prevalent in Genesis?**

Answer: Genealogies in Genesis serve multiple crucial purposes: they establish historical continuity, demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving a lineage (especially the line of promise), and provide a framework for understanding the unfolding of God's plan of salvation, leading ultimately to the Messiah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Though [Genesis 5:21](/genesis/5-21 "Read Genesis 5:21") is a genealogical record, it plays a vital role in tracing the messianic lineage. Enoch, through Methuselah, is a direct ancestor in the line that would eventually lead to Jesus Christ, as confirmed in [Luke 3:37](/luke/3-37 "Enoch in the genealogy of Jesus"). Furthermore, Enoch's extraordinary "walk with God" and his translation without experiencing death, as highlighted in [Hebrews 11:5](/hebrews/11-5 "Enoch's faith and translation"), foreshadows Christ's victory over death and the promise of eternal life for all who walk by faith in Him. Enoch's life, initiated by the birth recorded in this verse, points to the ultimate communion with God that is fully realized in Christ.

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.