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 is a concise yet profound entry in the biblical register of Adam's descendants, marking the birth of Cainan to Enos. This verse, embedded within a critical genealogy, underscores the divine preservation of humanity's lineage after the Fall and highlights the continuity of life through procreation, ultimately charting the course toward God's redemptive purposes. It serves as a foundational link in the unfolding narrative of salvation history.

### CONTEXT
This verse is situated within Genesis chapter 5, often referred to as the "Book of the Generations of Adam" ([Genesis 5:1](/genesis/5-1 "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, particularly notable after the spiritual turning point in Enos's era when [men began to call upon the name of the LORD](/genesis/4-26 "Read about the beginning of public worship in Genesis 4:26").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 5:9](/genesis/5-9 "Enos begets Cainan"), stating that "Enos lived ninety years, and begat Cainan," might seem like a mere factual notation, yet within the biblical narrative, such genealogical entries carry immense theological weight. The phrase "begat Cainan" is not simply a record of biological reproduction; it represents the continuation of God's initial command to [be fruitful and multiply](/genesis/1-28 "God's command to humanity to multiply"). In a world marred by sin and death, each act of begetting signifies the ongoing flow of life, a testament to God's sustaining power and His commitment to His creation despite its fallen state.

The mention of Enos living "ninety years" before begetting Cainan highlights the extraordinary lifespans of the antediluvian patriarchs. While these ages are far beyond modern human experience, they serve to emphasize a different biological reality in the early world, perhaps before the full impact of the curse or the Flood. These extended lifespans allowed for fewer generations to span vast periods of time, preserving knowledge and tradition more directly from Adam. The name **Enos** (Hebrew: _'Enosh_) itself means "man," "mortal," or "frail," a poignant reminder of humanity's inherent weakness and mortality even in an era of great longevity. This is particularly striking given the spiritual revival associated with his time, where humanity, in its frailty, began to seek God. His son's name, **Cainan** (Hebrew: _Qeynan_), meaning "possession" or "smith," continues the pattern of meaningful names, often reflecting aspects of their era or the hopes of their parents.

This verse, like others in [Genesis 5](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/5 "The Generations of Adam"), is part of a purposeful literary structure. The repetitive formula of "X lived Y years and begat Z, and X lived after he begat Z... and he died" underscores not only the continuity of life but also the pervasive reality of death, a consequence of the Fall ([Genesis 3:19](/genesis/3-19 "The consequence of the Fall")). Thus, [Genesis 5:9](/genesis/5-9 "Enos begets Cainan"), while focused on birth, is implicitly framed by the shadow of mortality, making the continuation of the lineage all the more crucial for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. It is through this meticulously preserved line that the promise of a future deliverer would eventually come, echoing the protoevangelium in [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "The first gospel promise in Genesis 3:15"). The careful record of these generations demonstrates God's sovereign hand in directing human history, ensuring that the promised seed would indeed arrive, a theme picked up in later genealogies such as that found in [1 Chronicles 1:1-4](/1_chronicles/1-1 "The genealogies of 1 Chronicles").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Preservation of Lineage:** The meticulous recording of generations underscores God's sovereignty and faithfulness in sustaining the human race and, more specifically, the promised line through which salvation would eventually come.
* **Mortality and God's Plan:** Despite the long lifespans, the chapter's recurring refrain "and he died" highlights the reality of death as a consequence of sin, making the continuation of the lineage a testament to God's ongoing purpose in a fallen world.
* **Spiritual Legacy:** The era of Enos is marked by a renewed calling upon the name of the Lord, suggesting that spiritual vitality and worship were passed down through generations, emphasizing the importance of a godly heritage.
* **Continuity of Creation:** The act of "begetting" fulfills God's original creation mandate for humanity to fill the earth, demonstrating His enduring commitment to the created order even after the Fall.

### 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. 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.

### 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.

**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" and the passing on of heritage and identity.

**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 mortality, began to call upon the name of the Lord, underscoring humanity's inherent weakness yet profound capacity for spiritual connection.

**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. This suggests a period of renewed or more public worship and devotion to God during Enos's lifetime, implying that this spiritual legacy was part of what was passed down through his generation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Genesis 5:9](/genesis/5-9 "Enos begets Cainan"), as 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](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/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 first gospel promise of a deliverer"). This 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 "Matthew's genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "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 through 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.