of Hebrew origin (אֱנוֹשׁ); Enos (i.e. Enosh), a patriarch:--Enos.
Transliteration:Enṓs
Pronunciation:en-oce'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term Ἐνώς (Enōs), Strong's G1800, is a transliteration of the Hebrew name אֱנוֹשׁ ('ĕnôš), Strong's `{{H582}}`. The Hebrew root of this name carries the fundamental meaning of "man," "mankind," or "humanity." Unlike other Hebrew terms for "man" such as אָדָם ('ādām, `{{H120}}`), which emphasizes origin from the dust, or אִישׁ ('îš, `{{H376}}`), which often denotes a male individual, אֱנוֹשׁ ('ĕnôš) frequently highlights humanity's frailty, mortality, and dependence upon God. Thus, the name Enos itself serves as a poignant reminder of the human condition in its weakness and finite nature, especially when contrasted with the infinite power and eternality of the Divine.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Enos appears in the biblical narrative primarily within genealogical lists, serving as a crucial link in the lineage from Adam to Noah and ultimately to Christ.
1. **[[Genesis 4:26]]**: This is the most significant occurrence, stating, "To Seth also a son was born, and he called his name Enos. At that time people began to call upon the name of the Lord." This verse marks a pivotal moment in early human history, indicating a renewed or formalized practice of worshipping Yahweh, contrasting with the preceding narrative of Cain's ungodly line. The phrase "call upon the name of the Lord" signifies public, communal invocation and worship, suggesting a turning back towards God after the Fall.
2. **[[Genesis 5:6-11]]**: Enos is listed as the son of Seth, living 905 years. He is part of the "generations of Adam," establishing the antediluvian patriarchs. This genealogy emphasizes the continuity of the godly line, tracing the descent of the promised "seed" through Seth.
3. **[[1 Chronicles 1:1]]**: Enos is mentioned in the opening genealogy of Chronicles, reaffirming his place in the historical record of God's people.
4. **[[Luke 3:38]]**: In the New Testament, Enos is included in Luke's genealogy of Jesus Christ, tracing His lineage back through Seth to Adam and ultimately to God. This inclusion underscores the universal scope of Christ's redemptive work, connecting Him to all humanity from its earliest days.
Across these occurrences, Enos functions as more than just a name; he represents a significant period when humanity began to actively seek and worship God, a beacon of spiritual turning amidst the growing wickedness of the pre-Flood world.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Hebrew original, אֱנוֹשׁ (`{{H582}}`), which is a key term for "man" in the Old Testament, often found in poetic and wisdom literature to highlight human frailty (e.g., [[Psalm 8:4]], [[Psalm 144:3]], [[Job 7:17]]). This connection deepens the understanding of Enos's name as embodying the human condition.
Other related concepts include:
* **Genealogy (תּוֹלְדוֹת, tôledōt, `{{H8435}}`)**: Enos is an integral part of the biblical genealogies that demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving a righteous line and fulfilling His promises through successive generations.
* **Worship and Invocation (קָרָא בְּשֵׁם יְהוָה, qara' bəšēm Yahweh)**: The phrase "to call upon the name of the Lord" is a foundational concept for prayer, worship, and public acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. It appears throughout Scripture (e.g., [[Genesis 12:8]], [[Exodus 34:5]], [[Psalm 116:17]]).
* **The Line of Seth**: Enos is a direct descendant of Seth, the son given to Adam and Eve after Abel's death, who is seen as the replacement for the righteous line that would lead to the Messiah. This contrasts with the ungodly line of Cain.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Enos is multifaceted:
1. **Humanity's Dependence and Frailty**: The very meaning of his name, "man" in his weakness, serves as a theological statement about the inherent limitations and mortality of humanity, contrasting sharply with the eternal and all-sufficient God. This underscores the need for divine grace and intervention.
2. **The Dawn of Public Worship**: The statement in [[Genesis 4:26]] that "at that time people began to call upon the name of the Lord" is profoundly significant. It marks a turning point from a potentially more private, individual relationship with God to a more communal, public expression of faith. This suggests a renewed spiritual awakening or a formalization of worship practices in the early post-Fall world. It demonstrates God's continued presence and the human capacity for seeking Him even amidst the spread of sin.
3. **Continuity of the Godly Seed**: Enos's position in the Sethite genealogy highlights the preservation of a righteous lineage through which God's redemptive plan would unfold. He represents the continuation of the "seed of the woman" ([[Genesis 3:15]]) that would eventually crush the serpent's head, a lineage distinct from the ungodly descendants of Cain.
4. **Historical Foundation for Redemption**: His inclusion in Christ's genealogy in Luke's Gospel [[Luke 3:38]] firmly establishes the historical reality of salvation history, tracing back to the earliest human patriarchs and emphasizing God's sovereign plan throughout all generations, culminating in Jesus Christ.
### Summary
Enos (G1800, from Hebrew `{{H582}}`) is a patriarch whose name itself signifies "man" in his frailty and mortality. His most notable biblical mention is in [[Genesis 4:26]], where it is recorded that "at that time people began to call upon the name of the Lord." This verse marks a crucial moment in early human history, indicating the inception of public and communal worship of Yahweh. Enos is also a vital link in the genealogical lines found in [[Genesis 5]], [[1 Chronicles 1:1]], and most significantly, in the New Testament genealogy of Jesus Christ ([[Luke 3:38]]). Theologically, Enos represents not only the inherent weakness of humanity but also the enduring capacity for seeking God, the continuity of the godly line after the Fall, and the historical foundation upon which God's redemptive plan for all humanity is built.
TRV