Genesis 5:22

KJV

And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Enoch {H2585} walked {H1980} with {H854} God {H430} after {H310} he begat {H3205}{H853} Methuselah {H4968} three {H7969} hundred {H3967} years {H8141}, and begat {H3205} sons {H1121} and daughters {H1323}:

Complete Jewish Bible

After Metushelach was born, Hanokh walked with God 300 years and had sons and daughters.

Berean Standard Bible

And after he had become the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters.

American Standard Version

and Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 5:22 introduces Enoch, a unique figure in the antediluvian genealogy, whose life dramatically interrupts the pervasive theme of mortality that defines his generation. For three hundred years after the birth of Methuselah, Enoch cultivated an extraordinary, intimate, and continuous communion with the Creator, expressed as "walking with God." His sustained devotion amidst the ordinary responsibilities of family life serves as a powerful testament to faithful living, setting him apart in a lineage otherwise marked by the cycle of birth, life, and death.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "The Generations from Adam to Noah"), a chapter meticulously detailing the "book of the generations of Adam" ([Genesis 5:1](/genesis/5-1 "The Generations of Adam")). The chapter's repetitive refrain, "and he died," underscores the grim reality of sin's consequence following the Fall, documenting the lifespans and eventual demise of each patriarch from Adam to Noah. Enoch's account, however, profoundly disrupts this somber pattern. His unique "walk with God" culminates in a distinct outcome described in [Genesis 5:24](/genesis/5-24 "Enoch Taken by God"), where he is taken by God without experiencing death, making him a singular exception in this morbid genealogy. The mention of Methuselah's birth preceding Enoch's intensified walk suggests a potential turning point or renewed spiritual commitment, perhaps in light of the coming judgment implied by Methuselah's name ("when he dies, it shall be sent").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The antediluvian period, as presented in Genesis, describes a time of immense human longevity and, concurrently, increasing wickedness. While the genealogies focus on lineage and lifespans, the broader narrative of Genesis 4-6 paints a picture of societal decline, marked by violence, moral corruption, and a growing estrangement from God (e.g., [Genesis 6:5](/genesis/6-5 "The Great Wickedness of Humankind")). In this context, Enoch's consistent "walk with God" stands as a remarkable anomaly, highlighting a profound personal piety against a backdrop of widespread spiritual decay. Genealogies in the ancient Near East served not merely as family records but as affirmations of identity, heritage, and sometimes, divine blessing or covenantal lineage, making Enoch's unique entry all the more significant.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 5:22 contributes to several major themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **mortality and the consequences of sin**, by presenting Enoch as the stark exception to the universal reign of death. It also introduces the theme of **divine favor and human faithfulness**, demonstrating that even in a fallen world, intimate communion with God is possible and highly valued by Him. Enoch's life foreshadows the concept of **divine judgment and salvation**, as his unique translation occurs before the Flood, serving as a pre-Flood witness to God's power and His distinction between the righteous and the unrighteous. His "walk with God" also anticipates Noah, who likewise [walked with God amidst a corrupt generation](/genesis/6-9 "Noah Walked with God in a Corrupt Generation"), establishing a pattern of righteous individuals preserved by God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 5:22 provides a succinct yet profound description of Enoch's life, distinguishing him from all other patriarchs in the antediluvian period. The verse's power lies in its central declaration: Enoch "walked with God," a phrase that encapsulates a life of extraordinary devotion and intimate communion.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Walked (Hebrew, _hâlak'_):** From H1980, a primitive root meaning "to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)." In this context, it signifies a continuous, active, and intimate companionship, a sustained mode of living in alignment with God. It implies more than mere physical movement; it denotes a lifestyle, a consistent orientation of one's entire being towards God. This is not walking *before* God, which might imply accountability or service, but walking *with* God, suggesting a shared journey, deep communion, and moral alignment.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** From H430, the plural of `ʼĕlôah`, referring to "gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God." Here, `ʼĕlôhîym` refers to the one true, supreme God, the Creator and Sovereign. Enoch's walk was not with an abstract deity but with the personal, living God, emphasizing the relational aspect of his piety.
* **Begat (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** From H3205, a primitive root meaning "to bear young; causatively, to beget." This word, repeated twice in the verse, highlights Enoch's participation in the ordinary, biological processes of human life and family. It underscores that his spiritual walk was not lived in isolation or monastic retreat, but integrated into the responsibilities and realities of everyday existence, including fatherhood and family life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Enoch walked with God":** This is the pivotal phrase of the verse, and indeed, of Enoch's entire biblical narrative. It signifies a profound, continuous, and intimate relationship with the divine. Unlike the typical biblical phrase "walked before God" (which implies living righteously in God's sight), "walked with God" suggests a shared journey, a deep companionship, and a life lived in conscious, harmonious communion with the Creator. It echoes the fellowship Adam enjoyed with God in the Garden of Eden ([Genesis 3:8](/genesis/3-8 "God Walking in the Garden of Eden")), a fellowship tragically broken by sin, yet remarkably restored and maintained by Enoch.
* **"after he begat Methuselah three hundred years":** This clause provides a crucial temporal marker and a significant detail about Enoch's life. It indicates that his unique and intense walk with God *began* or *deepened* after the birth of his son, Methuselah. The duration of "three hundred years" emphasizes the sustained nature of this communion, highlighting a lifelong commitment rather than a fleeting period of piety. The specific mention of Methuselah's birth is often interpreted as a catalyst, perhaps due to the prophetic meaning of Methuselah's name ("when he dies, it shall be sent," referring to the Flood), which may have spurred Enoch to a deeper spiritual devotion.
* **"and begat sons and daughters":** This final clause grounds Enoch's extraordinary spiritual life in the very ordinary realities of human existence. It reveals that his profound intimacy with God was not achieved through withdrawal from the world or neglect of familial duties. On the contrary, Enoch was a family man, participating fully in the procreative and social life of his time. This detail is vital for application, demonstrating that genuine intimacy with the Divine is possible and sustainable even amidst the demands and distractions of everyday life, including raising a family.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Enoch in Genesis 5:22 employs several significant literary devices. **Contrast** is paramount, as Enoch's life stands in stark opposition to the recurring refrain "and he died" that characterizes every other patriarch in [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "The Generations from Adam to Noah"). This contrast highlights Enoch's exceptional status and God's unique favor upon him, making his story a beacon of life amidst a chapter dominated by mortality. The **Repetition** of the verb "begat" throughout the chapter, including twice in this verse, emphasizes the continuity of the human lineage, yet Enoch's story breaks the pattern of death that follows each "begat," setting him apart. Furthermore, the phrase "walked with God" functions as **Symbolism**, representing not merely physical movement but a profound spiritual and moral alignment, a life lived in intimate fellowship and obedience with the divine. This symbolic "walk" encapsulates his entire mode of being and his relationship with the Creator.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Enoch's "walk with God" transcends a simple biographical detail, offering profound theological insights into the nature of true piety and God's relationship with humanity. It exemplifies a continuous, intimate relationship with the Creator, emphasizing deep communion over mere ritualistic observance. In a world increasingly estranged from God and marked by the pervasive consequence of sin—death—Enoch's life stands as a beacon of life and divine favor. His sustained faithfulness amidst the ordinary responsibilities of family and society demonstrates that deep spiritual devotion is not reserved for the secluded or the extraordinary, but is attainable and sustainable within the fabric of everyday existence. This narrative underscores God's desire for unbroken fellowship with humanity, a desire that existed even in the pre-Flood world, and reveals a responsive human heart that cultivated this relationship, echoing the call for humanity to seek and walk with God.

* [Hebrews 11:5](/hebrews/11-5 "Enoch's Faith and Translation")
* [Amos 3:3](/amos/3-3 "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 on Walking Humbly with God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Enoch's story in Genesis 5:22 serves as a timeless challenge and profound encouragement for believers today. It compels us to examine the depth and consistency of our own "walk with God." His life demonstrates that spiritual vitality is not dependent on extraordinary circumstances or withdrawal from the world, but on a daily, intentional cultivation of intimacy with the Lord, even amidst the mundane, demanding, and often distracting aspects of life, such as raising a family and engaging with society. Enoch's example encourages us that a life lived in continuous communion with God is not only possible but profoundly transformative, setting us apart from the prevailing currents of the world and inviting divine favor and a unique destiny. It calls us to prioritize our relationship with God above all else, integrating our faith into every facet of our existence, trusting that He is with us in every step of our journey.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for *me* to "walk with God" in the context of my daily life and responsibilities?**
* **How can I cultivate a more continuous and intimate communion with God amidst the demands and distractions of my family and work life?**
* **In what ways does my life stand in contrast to the prevailing spiritual climate of my generation, reflecting a unique walk with God?**
* **What specific practices or attitudes can I adopt to deepen my awareness of God's presence and alignment with His will throughout my day?**

### FAQ
**What does "walked with God" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: "Walked with God" (Hebrew: *halak im Ha'Elohim*) signifies a continuous, intimate, and harmonious relationship. It implies a life lived in moral and spiritual alignment with God's will, characterized by deep communion, obedience, and a conscious awareness of His presence, rather than just occasional religious acts. It suggests a shared journey, a companionship where Enoch's life was consistently oriented towards God's purposes and presence.

**Why is Methuselah's birth specifically mentioned before Enoch's walk with God?**

Answer: The mention of Methuselah's birth may indicate a significant turning point or renewed commitment in Enoch's spiritual life. Tradition suggests Methuselah's name means "when he dies, it shall be sent" (referring to the Flood), possibly prompting Enoch to deepen his walk with God in light of impending judgment. This detail highlights that Enoch's profound spiritual journey was not a lifelong constant from birth, but rather intensified at a specific point, perhaps as a response to a divine revelation or a prophetic understanding concerning his son's name and the future.

**How is Enoch's life different from the other patriarchs in Genesis 5?**

Answer: Unlike the other patriarchs in [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "The Generations from Adam to Noah"), whose accounts consistently conclude with the somber refrain "and he died," Enoch's narrative breaks this pattern. His unique "walk with God" culminates in God taking him ([Genesis 5:24](/genesis/5-24 "Enoch Taken by God")), signifying that he did not experience physical death. This profound distinction highlights his exceptional faith and divine favor, making him the only pre-Flood figure to escape the universal consequence of sin.

**Does Enoch's example imply that God only takes people who live exceptionally righteous lives?**

Answer: Enoch's unique translation is presented as a singular and extraordinary event, highlighting his exceptional faith and God's sovereign choice, as affirmed in [Hebrews 11:5](/hebrews/11-5 "Hebrews 11:5 on Enoch's Faith and Translation"). While his life demonstrates the blessedness and reward of deep communion with God, it does not set a universal precedent for physical translation. Instead, it underscores God's valuing of faith and His power over death, providing a pre-resurrection glimpse of triumph over mortality, which ultimately finds its fulfillment in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Enoch's unique walk with God and his subsequent translation provide a profound prefigurement of several aspects of Christ's work and the believer's ultimate hope. His life points to the possibility of restored intimacy with God, an intimacy fully realized and made accessible through Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied what it means to [walk in complete obedience and communion with the Father](/john/14-6 "Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life in John 14:6"). Enoch's escape from physical death prefigures Christ's ultimate victory over death through His resurrection, offering eternal life and the promise of resurrection to all who believe in Him ([1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "Christ as the Firstfruits of Resurrection")). Furthermore, Enoch's prophetic witness, as noted in [Jude 1:14-15](/jude/1-14-15 "Enoch's Prophecy of the Lord's Coming"), points to the Lord's coming with His holy ones, a prophecy that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the first and second comings of Jesus. Thus, Enoch's ancient story resonates with the profound truth that God desires unbroken fellowship with humanity, a fellowship fully restored, eternally secured, and ultimately perfected 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.

Cross-References

1 Thessalonians 2:12

That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

Genesis 17:1

¶ And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I [am] the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

Genesis 6:9

These [are] the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man [and] perfect in his generations, [and] Noah walked with God.

Luke 1:6

And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

Malachi 2:6

The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity.

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Micah 6:8

He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?