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 is a pivotal genealogical entry, recording Enoch's age of sixty-five at the birth of his son, Methuselah. Far from a mere statistical detail, this verse serves as the foundational moment preceding Enoch's extraordinary and unique "walk with God," setting him apart within the antediluvian lineage. It subtly introduces a figure whose life would profoundly underscore divine faithfulness and the possibility of intimate communion with the Creator amidst a world increasingly steeped in corruption, thereby preserving a faithful remnant through whom God's redemptive purposes would continue to unfold towards the promised Seed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the "Book of the Generations of Adam" found in [Genesis chapter 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Generations of Adam"), a meticulously structured genealogy that traces the lineage from Adam to Noah. The chapter employs a repetitive, formulaic structure ("A lived X years and begat B; and A lived after he begat B Y years, and begat sons and daughters; and all the days of A were Z years: and he died"). This repetitive pattern emphasizes the relentless march of time, the reality of human mortality as a consequence of the Fall, and the continuity of the human race. Enoch's entry, beginning with the birth of Methuselah, immediately precedes the striking deviation from this formula in [Genesis 5:24](/genesis/5-24 "Genesis 5:24 - Enoch's Unique Translation"), where it is stated that "Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him," distinguishing him uniquely from all other patriarchs who "died."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, genealogies were far more than mere family trees; they served crucial historical, legal, and theological purposes, establishing identity, inheritance rights, and the continuity of covenants. The exceptionally long lifespans recorded in [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Antediluvian Patriarchs") reflect a pre-Flood world with different environmental conditions and perhaps a slower genetic degradation post-Fall, emphasizing the profound impact of sin on human longevity after the Flood. The period described in Genesis 5 also precedes the widespread corruption and violence that would lead to the Great Flood, as detailed in [Genesis 6:5-7](/genesis/6-5-7 "Genesis 6:5-7 - The Wickedness of Humanity"). Against this backdrop of increasing human depravity, Enoch's life, initiated by the event in this verse, stands as a stark contrast and a testament to the possibility of faithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 5:21 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Preservation of Lineage**, demonstrating God's meticulous care in maintaining a specific line of descent, crucial for the unfolding of His redemptive plan, which ultimately points to the Messiah. Secondly, it subtly introduces the theme of **Mortality and Judgment**, as the traditional interpretation of Methuselah's name ("his death brings" or "man of the dart/spear") foreshadows the impending divine judgment of the Great Flood, which would occur in the year of Methuselah's death. Lastly, this verse sets the stage for the theme of **Walking with God**, presenting Enoch as an exemplar of intimate communion with the Creator, a concept later echoed in the description of [Noah walking with God](/genesis/6-9 "Genesis 6:9 - Noah's Righteousness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Enoch (Hebrew, _Chănôwk'_):** From the root meaning "initiated" or "dedicated." This name itself carries a profound significance, hinting at the unique spiritual journey and dedication to God that would characterize Enoch's life. His name foreshadows his unparalleled relationship with God, distinguishing him from his contemporaries.
* **lived (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to live," whether literally or figuratively; causatively, "to revive." While used throughout Genesis 5 to denote the physical existence and longevity of the patriarchs, in Enoch's case, it takes on a deeper spiritual dimension, particularly when read in conjunction with [Genesis 5:22](/genesis/5-22 "Genesis 5:22 - Enoch's Walk with God"), where he "walked with God" for 300 years after Methuselah's birth, implying a vibrant, active spiritual life.
* **begat (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** A primitive root meaning "to bear young" or causatively, "to beget." This verb is central to the genealogical formula of Genesis 5, emphasizing the continuity of generations and the direct paternal lineage. In this context, it highlights the unbroken chain of humanity from Adam, through which God's redemptive plan would unfold, ensuring the eventual arrival of the promised Seed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Enoch lived sixty and five years":** This clause establishes Enoch's age at a specific, significant moment in his life. While all patriarchs' ages at the birth of their named son are recorded, for Enoch, this age marks a turning point. It is after this event that he begins his unique and sustained "walk with God" for the subsequent 300 years, as detailed in [Genesis 5:22](/genesis/5-22 "Genesis 5:22 - Enoch's Walk with God"). This initial period of his life, culminating in fatherhood, sets the stage for his profound spiritual transformation and exemplary devotion.
* **"and begat Methuselah":** This phrase identifies the specific son born to Enoch at the age of sixty-five. The act of "begetting" underscores the continuity of the human lineage and God's faithfulness in preserving a seedline. The identity of Methuselah is particularly significant, as his name is traditionally interpreted to mean "his death brings" or "man of the dart/spear," subtly hinting at the impending judgment of the Great Flood. Methuselah's life would span the entire period leading up to the Flood, dying in the very year it began, making his birth a quiet, prophetic marker within the genealogical record.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [Genesis 5:21](/genesis/5-21 "Genesis 5:21") and the surrounding chapter is **Genealogy**, which serves as a structural backbone, providing historical continuity and tracing the lineage from Adam to Noah. Within this genealogical framework, **Repetition** is prominently used, particularly the formulaic "and he lived... and begat... and he died," which underscores the pervasive reality of mortality in the post-Fall world. However, Enoch's entry introduces a profound **Contrast** to this pattern, as he does not "die" in the conventional sense, setting him apart as a unique figure. Furthermore, the traditional interpretation of Methuselah's name introduces an element of **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the impending divine judgment of the Great Flood, making this seemingly simple genealogical entry a quiet, prophetic marker within the unfolding narrative of Genesis.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 5:21, though brief, is rich with theological implications. It highlights God's meticulous preservation of a faithful lineage, even amidst a world spiraling into corruption, ensuring the continuity necessary for His redemptive plan to unfold. The birth of Methuselah, whose name is traditionally linked to the coming judgment, serves as a subtle prophetic warning within the genealogical record, demonstrating God's long-suffering patience even as judgment looms. Most significantly, this verse marks the beginning of Enoch's unique spiritual journey, setting the stage for his extraordinary "walk with God," which stands as a powerful testament to the possibility of intimate communion with the Creator in any age, providing a spiritual beacon in a darkening world.

* [Hebrews 11:5](/hebrews/11-5 "Hebrews 11:5 - Enoch's Faith")
* [Luke 3:37](/luke/3-37 "Luke 3:37 - Enoch in Jesus' Genealogy")
* [2 Peter 2:5](/2_peter/2-5 "2 Peter 2:5 - Noah and the Flood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 5:21](/genesis/5-21 "Genesis 5:21") invites us to look beyond the surface of seemingly mundane details in our lives and in Scripture, recognizing that God often works through ordinary events to initiate extraordinary purposes. Enoch's decision to "walk with God" after the birth of Methuselah suggests that significant life events, like becoming a parent, can be catalysts for deeper spiritual commitment and intimacy with God. This verse challenges us to consider how our own lives, our families, and our daily choices fit into God's larger redemptive narrative. Like Enoch, we are called to cultivate a profound, unwavering walk with God, even when the world around us is increasingly distant from Him. Our faithfulness, even in quiet obedience, can serve as a powerful testimony and contribute to the unfolding of God's sovereign plan for generations to come.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How might significant life events, like the birth of a child or a major transition, serve as catalysts for deepening your "walk with God"?**
* **In what ways can your daily life, seemingly ordinary, contribute to God's larger redemptive purposes?**
* **How can you cultivate a more intimate "walk with God" in a world that often seems to be spiraling into corruption, much like Enoch's?**
* **What legacy of faith are you building for future generations, and how does your present faithfulness impact that legacy?**

### 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](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Generations of Adam") for genealogical precision and to establish the timeline, 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 explicitly said to have "walked with God" ([Genesis 5:22](/genesis/5-22 "Genesis 5:22 - Enoch's Walk with God")). This suggests that the birth of Methuselah may have been a pivotal spiritual turning point or a catalyst for Enoch's deeper and sustained devotion to the Lord.

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

Answer: Methuselah's name is widely interpreted to mean "his death brings" or "man of the dart/spear." This interpretation holds profound significance because Methuselah lived longer than any other person recorded in the Bible (969 years), and his death coincided precisely with the year the Great Flood began ([Genesis 7:6](/genesis/7-6 "Genesis 7:6 - Noah's Age at the Flood")). This makes his name a subtle, yet powerful, prophetic hint at the impending divine judgment that would cleanse the earth.

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

Answer: By establishing Methuselah's birth, [Genesis 5:21](/genesis/5-21 "Genesis 5:21 - Enoch Begets Methuselah") serves as the crucial starting point for Enoch's unique spiritual journey. It immediately precedes the remarkable statement in [Genesis 5:22](/genesis/5-22 "Genesis 5:22 - Enoch Walked with God") that Enoch "walked with God" for 300 years, and then the astonishing conclusion in [Genesis 5:24](/genesis/5-24 "Genesis 5:24 - Enoch Was Taken by God") that "he was not; for God took him." This distinguishes Enoch from all other patriarchs in the chapter, each of whom concluded their entry with "and he died," highlighting Enoch's unparalleled relationship with God and his miraculous translation.

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

Answer: Genealogies in Genesis serve multiple crucial purposes. They establish historical continuity, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving a lineage (particularly the line of promise that would lead to the Messiah). They provide a chronological framework for understanding the unfolding of God's plan of salvation, showing how humanity developed and diverged after the Fall. Furthermore, they emphasize the reality of human mortality and the pervasive impact of sin, while simultaneously highlighting God's sovereign hand in guiding history toward His redemptive purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Genesis 5:21](/genesis/5-21 "Genesis 5:21 - Enoch Begets Methuselah") is a genealogical record, it plays a vital role in tracing the messianic lineage, directly connecting Enoch to the ancestry of Jesus Christ, as affirmed in [Luke 3:37](/luke/3-37 "Luke 3:37 - Enoch in the Genealogy of Jesus"). More profoundly, Enoch's extraordinary "walk with God" and his translation without experiencing death, as highlighted in [Hebrews 11:5](/hebrews/11-5 "Hebrews 11:5 - Enoch's Faith and Translation"), serves as a powerful prefigurement of Christ. Enoch's unique escape from death foreshadows Jesus' ultimate victory over death through His resurrection, offering eternal life to all who walk by faith in Him. Enoch's intimate communion with God, initiated by the event recorded in this verse, points to the ultimate and perfect communion with God that is fully realized only through Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, enabling believers to truly "walk with God" in a new and living way ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way")).

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

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,