Genesis 5:7

KJV

And Seth lived after he begat Enos eight hundred and seven years, and begat sons and daughters:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Seth {H8352} lived {H2421} after {H310} he begat {H3205} Enos {H583} eight {H8083} hundred {H3967}{H8141} and seven {H7651} years {H8141}, and begat {H3205} sons {H1121} and daughters {H1323}:

Complete Jewish Bible

After Enosh was born, Shet lived another 807 years and had sons and daughters.

Berean Standard Bible

And after he had become the father of Enosh, Seth lived 807 years and had other sons and daughters.

American Standard Version

and Seth lived after he begat Enosh eight hundred and seven years, and begat sons and daughters:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 5:7 is a foundational verse within the "book of the generations of Adam," meticulously detailing Seth’s post-Enos lifespan of 807 years and his continued procreation of sons and daughters. This entry is crucial for establishing the chronological backbone of early human history, underscoring the divine mandate for humanity to multiply, and highlighting the preservation of a specific, righteous lineage essential for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan amidst a world increasingly marked by sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 5:7 is an integral part of the "book of the generations of Adam," a structured genealogical record that begins in [Genesis 5:1](/genesis/5-1 "Genesis 5:1 - The Generations of Adam") and meticulously traces the lineage from Adam through Seth down to Noah. Each entry in this chapter, including this verse, follows a formulaic pattern: "X lived Y years and begat Z; and X lived after he begat Z A years, and begat sons and daughters; and all the days of X were B years: and he died." This repetitive structure emphasizes the passage of time, the relentless march of mortality, and the divine continuity of the human race. The specific mention of Seth follows his birth as a replacement for Abel in [Genesis 4:25](/genesis/4-25 "Genesis 4:25 - Seth's Birth"), positioning his line as the chosen conduit for God's purposes, distinct from the rapidly degenerating lineage of Cain described in [Genesis 4:17-24](/genesis/4-17-24 "Genesis 4:17-24 - The Line of Cain").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The pre-Flood world, as depicted in Genesis 5, is characterized by extraordinary longevity, with lifespans extending for many centuries. While the exact reasons for these long lives are debated (e.g., different atmospheric conditions, unique divine blessing), they served practical purposes: facilitating rapid population growth on a relatively unpopulated earth and allowing for the direct, multi-generational transmission of oral traditions, divine revelation, and knowledge of creation from Adam himself to later patriarchs. This era precedes the significant shortening of lifespans after the Flood, as seen in [Genesis 6:3](/genesis/6-3 "Genesis 6:3 - God Limits Lifespans") and subsequent chapters. The cultural emphasis on begetting "sons and daughters" reflects the ancient Near Eastern premium placed on progeny as a sign of blessing, a means of continuing the family line and name, and a fulfillment of the divine command to "be fruitful and multiply" given in [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Creation Mandate").
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **divine faithfulness and preservation**, showing God's sustained blessing on humanity despite the Fall by enabling continued procreation and longevity. Secondly, it is central to the **"seed" theme**, tracing the lineage through Seth, who represents the promised "seed of the woman" from [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium"), through whom ultimate redemption would come. The meticulous recording of this specific line distinguishes it from Cain's descendants, emphasizing the preservation of a righteous remnant through whom men began to [call upon the name of the Lord](/genesis/4-26 "Genesis 4:26 - Men Begin to Call on the Lord"). Finally, it highlights **God's sovereignty over history**, demonstrating His meticulous oversight in guiding human events and preserving a chosen line to accomplish His redemptive purposes, even as the world descended into greater sin, leading to the eventual judgment of the Flood described in [Genesis 6-9](/genesis/6 "Genesis 6 - The Flood Narrative").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lived (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** This primitive root (H2421) signifies "to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive." In Genesis 5:7, it denotes Seth's physical existence and longevity, emphasizing the remarkable duration of life in the pre-Flood era. It speaks to the vitality and continuation of the human race, despite the introduction of death through sin, highlighting God's sustaining power.
* **begat (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** This primitive root (H3205) means "to bear young; causatively, to beget." It is a recurring verb in Genesis 5, underscoring the act of procreation as central to the divine mandate for humanity to "be fruitful and multiply." It signifies the continuation of generations, the building of family lines, and the fulfillment of God's plan for populating the earth.
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** Derived from the word for "to build" (H1121), this term refers to a "son (as a builder of the family name)." It encompasses a wide range of literal and figurative relationships, but here it specifically refers to male offspring. The mention of sons, alongside daughters, emphasizes the comprehensive nature of Seth's progeny, ensuring the expansion and continuation of his lineage.
* **daughters (Hebrew, _bath'_):** As the feminine form of _bên_ (H1323), this word refers to a "daughter." Its inclusion alongside "sons" is significant, indicating that Seth's family was not solely male-dominated but included female offspring who would also contribute to the multiplication of humanity and the establishment of new family units through marriage, fulfilling the divine command.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Seth lived after he begat Enos eight hundred and seven years,"**: This clause specifies the duration of Seth's life *after* the birth of his son Enos. The "eight hundred and seven years" highlights the extraordinary lifespans characteristic of the antediluvian period. This extended longevity allowed for significant population growth and the direct transmission of knowledge and spiritual heritage across fewer generations, preserving the memory of creation and God's initial interactions with humanity.
* **"and begat sons and daughters:"**: This concluding phrase, common to all entries in Genesis 5, emphasizes Seth's continued procreative activity beyond the birth of his named heir, Enos. It signifies the fulfillment of God's original command to "be fruitful and multiply" ([Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Creation Mandate")). More profoundly, it underscores the expansion of Seth's lineage, which is presented as the "godly" line through whom the spiritual heritage of humanity was preserved and from whom the promised "seed" would eventually come.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 5:7, like the entire chapter, is characterized by a precise **Genealogical Formula**. This repetitive structure provides a consistent framework for each entry, emphasizing the passage of time, the cycle of life and death, and the continuity of the human lineage. The **Repetition** of the phrase "and begat sons and daughters" across the chapter serves to highlight the ongoing fulfillment of God's creation mandate for humanity to multiply and fill the earth. This consistent procreation, despite the presence of sin and death, underscores God's enduring blessing and the resilience of the human race. The meticulous listing of ages and descendants also functions as a form of **Emphasis**, drawing attention to the extraordinary longevity of the pre-Flood patriarchs and the systematic preservation of the lineage that would lead to Noah and ultimately to the Messiah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 5:7 is not merely a historical record but a profound theological statement on God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan despite humanity's fallen state. It underscores the theme of divine faithfulness in preserving a chosen lineage through whom His purposes would unfold. The extraordinary longevity and continued procreation, even after the introduction of sin and death, highlight God's grace in allowing humanity to flourish and multiply, ensuring the continuation of the "seed" promised in the protoevangelium. This verse, therefore, serves as a vital link in the unfolding narrative of salvation history, meticulously tracing the genealogical pathway that would ultimately lead to the promised Deliverer.

* [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Creation Mandate")
* [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - Jesus' Genealogy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 5:7 invites us to reflect on the profound significance of our own lives within the grand sweep of God's redemptive history. Just as Seth's life contributed to a lineage that ultimately led to Christ, our lives, too, are part of a larger divine narrative. This verse challenges us to consider the spiritual legacy we are building and passing on to future generations, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness, obedience, and raising up those who will "call upon the name of the Lord." It reminds us that God's purposes are vast and extend far beyond our individual lifespans, offering immense encouragement that His plans will ultimately prevail, even through millennia of human brokenness and the relentless march of time. We are called to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that our daily choices contribute to a heritage that can impact generations and advance God's kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the longevity of early patriarchs like Seth impact your view of God's patience and long-term plans for humanity?**
* **In what ways are you actively contributing to a spiritual legacy for future generations, beyond just a biological one?**
* **How does the meticulous preservation of Seth's lineage encourage you about God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, even when circumstances seem bleak?**
* **What does the phrase "begat sons and daughters" teach us about the ongoing importance of family and the divine mandate for procreation within God's plan?**

### FAQ
**Why are the lifespans in Genesis 5 so long?**

Answer: The extraordinary lifespans recorded in [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Generations of Adam") are generally understood as literal historical accounts. Theologically, they served several purposes: they allowed for rapid population growth in the early stages of human history, facilitated the direct transmission of oral traditions and divine revelation across fewer generations (e.g., Adam could have directly taught Lamech, Noah's father), and may reflect unique environmental or atmospheric conditions of the pre-Flood world. These long lives underscore a period of profound divine blessing before the significant shortening of human lifespans after the Flood, as indicated in [Genesis 6:3](/genesis/6-3 "God Limits Human Lifespan").

**What is the significance of the repeated phrase "begat sons and daughters"?**

Answer: This recurring phrase throughout [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Generations of Adam") is highly significant. Firstly, it emphasizes the fulfillment of God's original creation command to humanity to [be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Creation Mandate"). Secondly, it highlights the continuous expansion of the human race, which was essential for populating the earth. Thirdly, and most importantly for the redemptive narrative, it signifies the continuation of the specific lineage through which God's promises would be preserved and eventually fulfilled, leading to the Messiah. It ensures that the focus is not solely on the named heir but on the broader family unit that contributed to the growth and spread of humanity.

**Is this genealogy meant to be literal history or symbolic?**

Answer: The highly structured, detailed, and consistent nature of the genealogies in [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "Genesis 5 - The Generations of Adam") (and throughout Genesis) strongly suggests they are intended as literal historical records. They provide a foundational timeline for biblical history, connecting Adam directly to Noah and, by extension, to the rest of humanity. While some theological interpretations may draw symbolic meaning from the names or numbers, the primary intent appears to be the presentation of a factual, chronological lineage, forming the backbone of God's unfolding plan. This literal understanding is supported by New Testament genealogies, such as the one found in [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - Jesus' Genealogy"), which trace Jesus' ancestry directly back through these figures.

**Why is Seth's line emphasized over Cain's in Genesis?**

Answer: Seth's line is emphasized in Genesis because it represents the "godly" or "righteous" lineage, distinct from Cain's line, which quickly descended into violence, godlessness, and moral decay, as seen in [Genesis 4:17-24](/genesis/4-17-24 "Genesis 4:17-24 - Cain's Descendants"). Seth was born as a "replacement" for Abel, and it is specifically through his line that men began to [call upon the name of the Lord](/genesis/4-26 "Genesis 4:26 - Men Begin to Call on the Lord"). This distinction is crucial for the unfolding of redemptive history, as it is through Seth's descendants that the spiritual heritage of humanity is preserved, leading directly to Noah and ultimately to the promised Messiah. God meticulously preserves this line as the conduit for His covenant promises.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 5:7, though seemingly a simple genealogical entry, is profoundly Christ-centered in its implications. By meticulously tracing the lineage through Seth, it establishes a vital link in the genealogical chain that culminates in Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Seth himself was given as a "replacement" for Abel, signifying God's sovereign provision for a righteous "seed" even amidst the devastation of sin and death. His line, unlike Cain's, was the one through which the protoevangelium's promise of the "seed of the woman" ([Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")) would be preserved and advanced. The very existence and proliferation of Seth's descendants, as highlighted in this verse, are a testament to God's patient and sovereign work in preparing the way for the coming of His Son. Centuries later, the Gospel of Luke explicitly connects Jesus to this very lineage, tracing His ancestry directly back through Seth to Adam ([Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - Jesus' Genealogy")), thereby affirming the historical and theological significance of this ancient record in the grand narrative of salvation. Thus, Genesis 5:7 points forward to the Messiah, demonstrating God's faithful preservation of the line through whom the world's Redeemer would ultimately enter human history.

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.