Genesis 5:9

KJV

And Enos lived ninety years, and begat Cainan:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Enos {H583} lived {H2421} ninety {H8673} years {H8141}, and begat {H3205} Cainan {H7018}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Enosh lived ninety years and fathered Kenan.

Berean Standard Bible

When Enosh was 90 years old, he became the father of Kenan.

American Standard Version

And Enosh lived ninety years, and begat Kenan:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 5:9, a concise yet profound entry in the biblical register of Adam's descendants, chronicles the birth of Cainan to Enos. This verse, embedded within a critical genealogy, underscores God's sovereign preservation of humanity's lineage after the Fall and highlights the continuity of life through procreation, ultimately charting the course toward His redemptive purposes. It serves as a foundational link in the unfolding narrative of salvation history, bridging the antediluvian world with the promise of a coming deliverer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within [Genesis chapter 5](/genesis/5 "The Generations of Adam"), often referred to as the "Book of the Generations of Adam." This chapter meticulously chronicles the lineage from Adam through Seth, Enos, and subsequent patriarchs, culminating in Noah. [Genesis 5:9](/genesis/5-9 "The birth of Cainan") specifically follows the account of Seth begetting Enos ([Genesis 4:26](/genesis/4-26 "Seth Begets Enos")) and precedes the birth of Mahalaleel to Cainan ([Genesis 5:12](/genesis/5-12 "Cainan Begets Mahalaleel")). The chapter's primary function is to bridge the gap between Adam and the pre-Flood world, demonstrating God's faithfulness in sustaining a chosen line. The repetitive formula of "X lived Y years and begat Z, and X lived after he begat Z... and he died" provides a structured, chronological framework, emphasizing both life's continuation and the pervasive reality of mortality following the Fall.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The genealogies in Genesis, including [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "The Generations of Adam"), served a crucial role in ancient Near Eastern societies, establishing legitimacy, land claims, and divine favor. For the Israelites, these lists affirmed their heritage and God's covenant faithfulness. The extraordinary lifespans recorded for the antediluvian patriarchs, such as Enos living ninety years before begetting Cainan, suggest a different biological reality in the early world, perhaps before the full impact of the curse or the global Flood. These extended ages would have facilitated the direct transmission of knowledge, traditions, and divine revelation across fewer generations, preserving humanity's early history. The period of Enos is also notable for the spiritual turning point mentioned in [Genesis 4:26](/genesis/4-26 "Men Began to Call Upon the Name of the LORD"), where "men began to call upon the name of the LORD," indicating a renewed or more public worship of God.
* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 5:9](/genesis/5-9 "Enos Begets Cainan") contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Preservation of Lineage**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to sustaining humanity despite the Fall and, more specifically, preserving the line through which His redemptive plan would unfold. Secondly, it underscores the **Continuity of Life and Humanity**, fulfilling the creation mandate to [be fruitful and multiply](/genesis/1-28 "God's Command to Be Fruitful and Multiply") even in a fallen world. Thirdly, it implicitly addresses the theme of **Mortality and God's Purpose**, as each act of begetting is framed by the reality of death, making the continuation of the lineage all the more crucial for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, echoing the protoevangelium in [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "The First Gospel Promise").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Enos (Hebrew, _ʼĔnôwsh_):** This name (H583) is the same as the Hebrew word for "man," often implying "mortal" or "frail." Its significance in [Genesis 5:9](/genesis/5-9 "Enos Begets Cainan") is profound, as it contrasts with the spiritual revival associated with his era where humanity, despite its inherent weakness and mortality, began to seek God. It serves as a poignant reminder of humanity's dependent nature even in an era of great longevity.
* **lived (Hebrew, _châyâh_):** The verb "lived" (H2421) signifies not merely biological existence but also the continuation of life, survival, and being kept alive. In the context of [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "The Generations of Adam"), it emphasizes the divine sustenance of the human race and the remarkable longevity granted to these early patriarchs, highlighting a different biological reality in the pre-Flood world.
* **begat (Hebrew, _yâlad_):** This primitive root (H3205) means "to bear young" or, causatively, "to beget." In [Genesis 5:9](/genesis/5-9 "Enos Begets Cainan"), it denotes the act of procreation, which is crucial for the continuation of the human lineage. It signifies the passing on of life, heritage, and identity, and the fulfillment of God's original command for humanity to fill the earth.
* **Cainan (Hebrew, _Qêynân_):** This name (H7018), derived from the same root as "nest," means "fixed" or "possession." Like other names in the antediluvian genealogies, it likely carried a specific meaning or hope for his parents, further contributing to the narrative tapestry of God's unfolding plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Enos lived ninety years":** This clause provides a precise chronological marker, indicating Enos's age at the time his son Cainan was born. The mention of "ninety years" highlights the extraordinary lifespans characteristic of the antediluvian patriarchs, a period where human longevity far exceeded post-Flood norms. This detail serves to establish the vast stretches of time covered by these early generations and underscores a biological reality distinct from later periods, perhaps before the full impact of the curse or the Flood.
* **"and begat Cainan":** This phrase records the pivotal event of procreation, marking the continuation of the human lineage through Enos. The act of "begetting" is not merely a biological record but a theological statement. It signifies the ongoing fulfillment of God's creation mandate to [be fruitful and multiply](/genesis/1-28 "God's Command to Be Fruitful and Multiply") and, more profoundly, the divine preservation of the specific line through which the promised "seed" would eventually come. The naming of Cainan further solidifies this genealogical link, adding another vital connection in the chain leading to the Messiah.

#### Literary Devices
[Genesis 5:9](/genesis/5-9 "Enos Begets Cainan"), like the entire chapter, primarily employs **Genealogy** as its central literary device. This structured list of descendants serves not just as a historical record but as a theological framework, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving a chosen line. The **Repetition** of the formula "X lived Y years and begat Z, and X lived after he begat Z... and he died" creates a rhythmic, almost liturgical, cadence that underscores both the continuity of life and the pervasive reality of death as a consequence of the Fall. The precise **Chronology** provided by the age at begetting and total lifespan lends an air of historical veracity and precision to the narrative. Furthermore, the **Symbolism** embedded in the names themselves (e.g., Enos meaning "mortal") adds layers of meaning, often reflecting the human condition or divine purpose within that era.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous recording of generations in [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "The Generations of Adam"), including the specific detail of Enos begetting Cainan, profoundly underscores God's sovereignty and faithfulness in sustaining the human race and, more specifically, the promised line through which salvation would eventually come. Despite the pervasive reality of death introduced by sin, God's plan for humanity's redemption continued to unfold through the continuation of life and the preservation of a righteous lineage. This divine oversight ensures that the narrative of redemption remains on course, bridging the gap between the Fall and the eventual arrival of the Messiah.

* [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "God's Command to Be Fruitful and Multiply"): God's original mandate for humanity to procreate and fill the earth is continually fulfilled through these generations, demonstrating His enduring commitment to His creation despite its fallen state.
* [Luke 3:37-38](/luke/3-37-38 "Luke's Genealogy Tracing Back to Adam"): The New Testament genealogies, particularly Luke's, meticulously trace Jesus' lineage back through Enos to Adam, establishing the historical and theological continuity of the redemptive plan.
* [Romans 5:12-19](/romans/5-12-19 "Adam and Christ: Two Heads of Humanity"): This passage highlights the profound impact of Adam's sin on all humanity and contrasts it with Christ's righteousness, emphasizing the necessity of a preserved lineage through which the "second Adam" could come.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 5:9](/genesis/5-9 "Enos Begets Cainan") quietly reminds us that God's grand narrative unfolds through the faithfulness of ordinary lives, generation after generation. It challenges us to consider our own place within this ongoing story, recognizing that our lives, our families, and our spiritual legacies contribute to God's unfolding purposes in history. Just as Enos's life and the birth of Cainan were vital links in a divine chain, so too are our actions and our commitment to passing on a godly heritage significant. We are called to steward the life and faith passed down to us, ensuring that the light of truth continues to shine for those who come after, understanding that our existence is not random but part of a larger, divinely orchestrated plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the long, unbroken chain of generations in Genesis 5 influence your perception of God's faithfulness across time?**
* **What kind of spiritual or moral legacy are you building and passing on to the next generation, mirroring the continuity seen in these ancient genealogies?**
* **In what ways does the concept of "begetting" (not just physically, but spiritually) challenge you to invest in the lives of others for God's purposes?**
* **How does the reality of human mortality, highlighted by the repetitive "and he died" in Genesis 5, deepen your appreciation for the continuation of life and God's sustaining power?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies so detailed and repetitive in the Bible?**

Answer: These genealogies are not mere lists; they serve critical theological and historical purposes. They establish the continuity of God's covenant promises, demonstrate His faithfulness in preserving a chosen line, and provide a historical framework for the unfolding of salvation history, ultimately tracing the lineage to the Messiah. They also emphasize the reality of human mortality following the Fall, making the continuation of life through procreation a testament to God's enduring plan.

**What is the significance of the phrase "begat Cainan"?**

Answer: The phrase "begat" (Hebrew: *yalad*) signifies more than just biological reproduction; it emphasizes the continuation of the human race and the specific lineage through which God's redemptive plan would progress. It highlights the fulfillment of God's command to [be fruitful and multiply](/genesis/1-28 "God's Command to Be Fruitful and Multiply") and the passing on of heritage and identity, ensuring the preservation of the messianic line.

**What is the meaning of Enos's name, and is it significant?**

Answer: The name Enos (Hebrew: *'Enosh*) means "man," "mortal," or "frail." This meaning is highly significant as it contrasts with the spiritual revival associated with his time ([Genesis 4:26](/genesis/4-26 "Men Began to Call Upon the Name of the LORD")), where men, despite their inherent weakness and mortality, began to call upon the name of the Lord. This underscores humanity's inherent fragility yet profound capacity for spiritual connection and worship.

**How does Genesis 5:9 relate to the earlier statement in Genesis 4:26 about men beginning to call upon the name of the LORD?**

Answer: [Genesis 4:26](/genesis/4-26 "Men Began to Call Upon the Name of the LORD") states that it was "then began men to call upon the name of the LORD," specifically in the days of Enos, the patriarch mentioned in [Genesis 5:9](/genesis/5-9 "Enos Begets Cainan"). This suggests that Enos's lifetime was a period of renewed or more public worship and devotion to God. Therefore, the lineage recorded in [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "The Generations of Adam") is not merely a biological record but also implies a spiritual heritage being passed down through generations, emphasizing the importance of a godly lineage in God's redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Genesis 5:9](/genesis/5-9 "Enos Begets Cainan"), as an integral part of the broader genealogy of Adam, directly contributes to the Christ-centered fulfillment of Scripture. This verse meticulously records a crucial link in the unbroken chain of descent that ultimately leads to Jesus Christ. The entire chapter of [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "The Generations of Adam"), including Enos begetting Cainan, underscores God's sovereign preservation of the "seed" promised in [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "The Protoevangelium"), the protoevangelium that foretold a deliverer from the woman's offspring. This divinely preserved lineage is essential for establishing the Messiah's human ancestry and His rightful claim as the Son of David and the Son of Man, as meticulously traced in the New Testament genealogies found in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew's Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke's Genealogy of Jesus"). Thus, Enos and Cainan are not mere historical figures, but vital links in the divine plan for humanity's redemption, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to bring forth the Christ who would ultimately redeem humanity from the curse of sin and death. The "seed" promised to Abraham, which is Christ, is ultimately rooted in this very lineage, as affirmed in [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "The Seed of Abraham is 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

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,

1 Chronicles 1:2

Kenan, Mahalaleel, Jered,