TRV
Translation
World English Bible Messianic
Seth lived one hundred five years, then became the father of Enosh.
See also
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 112 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Genesis 5 verses 6–20
6 ¶ And Seth lived an hundred and five years, and begat Enos:
7 And Seth lived after he begat Enos eight hundred and seven years, and begat sons and daughters:
8 And all the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years: and he died.
9 And Enos lived ninety years, and begat Cainan:
10 And Enos lived after he begat Cainan eight hundred and fifteen years, and begat sons and daughters:
11 And all the days of Enos were nine hundred and five years: and he died.
12 And Cainan lived seventy years, and begat Mahalaleel:
13 And Cainan lived after he begat Mahalaleel eight hundred and forty years, and begat sons and daughters:
14 And all the days of Cainan were nine hundred and ten years: and he died.
15 And Mahalaleel lived sixty and five years, and begat Jared:
16 And Mahalaleel lived after he begat Jared eight hundred and thirty years, and begat sons and daughters:
17 And all the days of Mahalaleel were eight hundred ninety and five years: and he died.
18 And Jared lived an hundred sixty and two years, and he begat Enoch:
19 And Jared lived after he begat Enoch eight hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:
20 And all the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty and two years: and he died.
We have here all that the Holy Ghost thought fit to leave upon record concerning five of the patriarchs before the flood, Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, and Jared. There is nothing observable concerning any of these particularly, though we have reason to think they were men of eminence, both for prudence and piety, in their day: but in general,
I. Observe how largely and expressly their generations are recorded. This matter, one would think, might have been delivered in fewer words; but it is certain that there is not one idle word in God's books, whatever there is in men's. It is thus plainly set down, 1. To make it easy and intelligible to the meanest capacity. When we are informed how old they were when they begat such a son, and how many years they lived afterwards, a very little skill in arithmetic will enable a man to tell how long they lived in all; yet the Holy Ghost sets down the sum total, for the sake of those that have not even so much skill as this. 2. To show the pleasure God takes in the names of his people. We found Cain's generation numbered in haste (Gen 4:18), but this account of the holy seed is enlarged upon, and given in words at length, and not in figures; we are told how long those lived that lived in God's fear, and when those died that died in his favour; but as for others it is no matter. The memory of the just is blessed, but the name of the wicked shall rot.
II. Their life is reckoned by days (Gen 5:8): All the days of Seth, and so of the rest, which intimates the shortness of the life of man when it is at the longest, and the quick revolution of our times on earth. If they reckoned by days, surely we must reckon by hours, or rather make that our frequent prayer (Psa 90:12), Teach us to number our days.
III. Concerning each of them, except Enoch, it is said, and he died. It is implied in the numbering of the years of their life that their life, when those years were numbered and finished, came to an end; and yet it is still repeated, and he died, to show that death passed upon all men without exception, and that it is good for us particularly to observe and improve the deaths of others for our own edification. Such a one was a strong healthful man, but he died; such a one was a great and rich man, but he died; such a one was a wise politic man, but he died; such a one was a very good man, perhaps a very useful man, but he died, etc.
IV. That which is especially observable is that they all lived very long; not one of them died till he had seen the revolution of almost eight hundred years, and some of them lived much longer, a great while for an immortal soul to be imprisoned in a house of clay. The present life surely was not to them such a burden as commonly it is now, else they would have been weary of it; nor was the future life so clearly revealed then as it is now under the gospel, else they would have been impatient to remove to it: long life to the pious patriarchs was a blessing and made them blessings. 1. Some natural causes may be assigned for their long life in those first ages of the world. It is very probable that the earth was more fruitful, that the productions of it were more strengthening, that the air was more healthful, and that the influences of the heavenly bodies were more benign, before the flood, than afterwards. Though man was driven out of paradise, yet the earth itself was then paradisiacal - a garden in comparison with its present wilderness-state: and some think that their great knowledge of the creatures, and of their usefulness both for food and medicine, together with their sobriety and temperance, contributed much to it; yet we do not find that those who were intemperate, as many were (Luk 17:27), were as short-lived as intemperate men generally are now. 2. It must chiefly be resolved into the power and providence of God. He prolonged their lives, both for the more speedy replenishing of the earth and for the more effectual preservation of the knowledge of God and religion, then, when there was no written word, but tradition was the channel of its conveyance. All the patriarchs here, except Noah, were born before Adam died; so that from him they might receive a full and satisfactory account of the creation, paradise, the fall, the promise, and those divine precepts which concerned religious worship and a religious life: and, if any mistake arose, they might have recourse to him while he lived, as to an oracle, for the rectifying of it, and after his death to Methuselah, and others, that had conversed with him: so great was the care of Almighty God to preserve in his church the knowledge of his will and the purity of his worship.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 6–20. Public domain.
Copy as
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Genesis (Hexaemeron)
Adam lived for one hundred and thirty years, and he begot a son in his own likeness and image, and he named him Seth. Adam indeed was created in the likeness and image of God, because he was made immortal in both soul and body. However, after he corrupted the image and likeness of God in himself by sinning, he begot a son in his own likeness and image, that is, mortal, corruptible, capable of reason, bound by the guilt of his transgression, and to be freed only by the grace of his Creator. It should be noted that where our Codices, translated from the Hebrew source, say Adam lived for one hundred and thirty years and begot Seth, the ancient translation has, instead of one hundred and thirty, two hundred and thirty; where our Codices continue, "And the days of Adam after he begot Seth were eight hundred years, and he begot sons and daughters," that one has seven hundred instead of eight hundred. And where it concludes, "And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years, and he died," it places the same total, and such a distinction of numbers is preserved in all generations up to the flood between the two editions, so that before the birth of a son each one in the Septuagint is said to have had one hundred years more, and after the birth one hundred years less than in the Hebrew truth. But in the conclusion, both editions place an equal number; except only in the sixth generation; where in both Codices, Jared is found to have begotten Enoch at one hundred and sixty-two years, and after his birth to have lived eight hundred years: and in the ninth, where, according to the Hebrew truth, Lamech begot Noah when he was one hundred and eighty years old, and after he was born, he is found to have survived for five hundred and ninety-five years. However, in the Septuagint, the years before Noah was born are found to be one hundred and eighty-eight, and after he was born, five hundred sixty-five; thus it happens that Lamech is found to have lived twenty-four years longer in Hebrew than in the Septuagint Codices: by which difference of interpretations, it is made that the lifetime of Methuselah seems to extend fourteen years beyond the flood, and so the years before the flood according to the Hebrews are one thousand five hundred and fifty-six; according to the Septuagint, which the chronographers follow, two thousand two hundred and forty-two: although the most learned Augustine professes that even in the Septuagint translation, Methuselah is found in fewer but more accurate Codices to have died six years before the flood: who, when he most diligently investigated the cause of the aforementioned discord in interpretations, and did not wish to derogate from the faith of the Septuagint translators, whom the apostles and evangelists are proven to have followed in many places; and he himself believed they used more a prophetic gift than the office of interpretation in translating the Scriptures; he concluded in this way, saying: "Therefore it is more credible for someone to say that when these first began to be copied from the library of Ptolemy; at that time, something like this could have happened in one Codex, but first copied from there, from which it spread more widely, where indeed the error of the scribe could have happened. However, it is not absurd to suspect this in that question about the life of Methuselah." And after some: "I would not doubt at all that it is rightly done, he says, when something different is found in both Codices, since both cannot be according to the faith of the transactions, that the truth be believed rather to the language from which it is translated into another by interpreters." Therefore, according to Hebrew truth, Adam lived one hundred and thirty years and begot Seth. Seth lived one hundred and five years and begot Enos. Enos lived ninety years and begot Cainan. Cainan lived eighty years and begot Mahalalel. Mahalalel lived sixty-five years and begot Jared. Jared lived one hundred and sixty-two years and begot Enoch.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying Genesis 5:6 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Genesis 5:6 precisely records Seth's age at the birth of his son, Enos, marking a crucial step in the antediluvian genealogy that bridges Adam to Noah. This verse, a foundational element in the "Book of the Generations of Adam," underscores God's meticulous preservation of the human lineage after the Fall, ensuring the continuation of the family through whom His redemptive purposes would unfold, setting the stage for future generations who would begin to call upon the name of the Lord.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Genesis 5:6 employs several literary devices typical of its genre. The most prominent is Genealogical Formula, which is the consistent, repetitive structure used throughout Genesis 5 to record the lives and deaths of the patriarchs. This formula provides a sense of order, reliability, and divine purpose to the historical record. The Repetition of phrases like "and begat" and the consistent age-death pattern reinforce the theme of life's progression and the inevitability of death after the Fall. Furthermore, there is subtle Symbolism in the naming of "Enos," which means "man" or "mankind" (often with an emphasis on frailty), possibly symbolizing humanity's growing awareness of its mortality and dependence on God, especially in light of the spiritual revival noted in Genesis 4:26.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 5:6, while seemingly a simple record of birth, carries significant theological weight. It underscores God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign control over history, even in the aftermath of humanity's rebellion. By meticulously preserving the lineage through Seth, God demonstrates His commitment to His redemptive plan, ensuring that the promised "seed" would eventually come. This verse is a testament to the fact that divine purposes unfold not randomly, but through a divinely ordered progression of generations. It highlights the contrast between the curse of death and God's sustaining grace, which allows life to continue and a faithful remnant to emerge.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 5:6, a seemingly brief entry in a long genealogy, invites us to reflect on the profound significance of God's patient, generational work. It reminds us that God's grand narrative unfolds through seemingly ordinary lives, and that every individual, even those whose stories are briefly recorded, plays an essential part in His overarching plan. This verse encourages us to appreciate the long legacy of faith that precedes us and to recognize our own place within the ongoing story of God's faithfulness across generations. It prompts us to consider how our lives contribute to the spiritual heritage we pass on, whether through nurturing faith in our families, serving our communities, or simply living lives that bear witness to God's enduring grace. Just as Seth's lineage preserved the hope of redemption, we too are called to be faithful stewards of the spiritual heritage entrusted to us, impacting future generations for Christ.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are the ages of people in Genesis 5 so long compared to today?
Answer: The extraordinary lifespans recorded in Genesis 5, including Seth living 105 years before Enos's birth and a total of 912 years, are a unique characteristic of the pre-Flood era. While the Bible does not explicitly state the reasons, theological explanations often point to a combination of factors. These might include a different pre-Flood environment, perhaps with a more protective atmospheric canopy or different ecological conditions that contributed to greater vitality. It could also be attributed to greater genetic purity in the early generations of humanity or a specific divine design to allow for rapid population growth and the accumulation of knowledge and oral tradition before the global judgment of the Flood. This longevity served God's purposes in populating the earth and preserving the lineage of promise.
What is the significance of the verb "begat" (yalad) in this chapter?
Answer: The Hebrew verb yalad (יָלַד) literally means "to bear" or "to bring forth." In genealogical contexts like Genesis 5, its repetitive use is highly significant. It emphasizes the direct, unbroken chain of paternity and lineage, which is crucial for tracing the progression of humanity and, more importantly, the specific line through which the Messiah would eventually come. Each instance of "begat" signifies a divinely ordained continuation of the "seed" promised in Genesis 3:15, demonstrating God's sovereign control over the unfolding of redemptive history. It highlights that God's plan is not left to chance but meticulously preserved through specific individuals and their descendants.
Why is this genealogy so important in the Bible?
Answer: This genealogy, exemplified by Genesis 5:6, is vitally important because it meticulously traces the "seed" line promised by God immediately after the Fall in Genesis 3:15. It connects Adam to Noah, and subsequently, through other biblical genealogies, to Abraham (Genesis 11:10-26), David (Ruth 4:18-22), and ultimately, Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38). It demonstrates God's sovereign control over history, His faithfulness in preserving the line of promise despite human sin and the passage of time, and His deliberate progression towards the ultimate fulfillment of His redemptive plan in Christ.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 5:6, by detailing the lineage through Seth to Enos, serves as a foundational stone in the grand messianic genealogy that culminates in Jesus Christ. Seth was born as a "replacement" for Abel, whom Cain had murdered (Genesis 4:25), signifying God's providential provision for a new beginning for the line of promise after tragedy. This verse, therefore, implicitly points to Christ by meticulously preserving the very family line through which He would eventually be born. Luke's Gospel explicitly traces Jesus's ancestry back through Seth all the way to Adam, highlighting that Jesus is indeed the Son of Adam, the Son of God. The preservation of this particular lineage, from Seth onward through Enos and subsequent patriarchs, underscores God's deliberate and sovereign plan to send His Son, the ultimate "seed" who would decisively crush the serpent's head and reverse the curse of sin introduced by Adam. Jesus, the true and greater Enos (man), fully embodies humanity's dependence on God while simultaneously being God, bringing true life, redemption, and the ultimate opportunity for humanity to truly "call upon the name of the Lord" through Him (Romans 10:13).