from מַת and שֶׁלַח; man of a dart; Methushelach, an antediluvian patriarch; Methuselah.
Transliteration:Mᵉthûwshelach
Pronunciation:meth-oo-sheh'-lakh
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma מְתוּשֶׁלַח (Mᵉthûwshelach), Strong's number `{{H4968}}`, is a proper noun referring to the antediluvian patriarch Methuselah. Its etymological root is understood as a compound of two elements: מַת (mat) `{{H4962}}`, meaning "man" or "male," and שֶׁלַח (shelach) `{{H7973}}`, meaning "dart," "javelin," or "missile." Thus, the base definition provided is "man of a dart." This suggests a potential association with weaponry, a warrior, or perhaps one who "sends forth" or is "sent forth." While the precise nuance of "man of a dart" in the context of a personal name is not explicitly detailed in scripture, it grounds the individual's identity in these foundational terms. It is important to distinguish this etymological basis from later popular or traditional interpretations that connect the name to the coming of the Flood.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Methuselah is a prominent figure in the genealogies of Genesis, specifically in the antediluvian line from Adam to Noah. His primary occurrences are found in:
* [[Genesis 5:21-27]]: This passage details his birth to Enoch, his fathering of Lamech at 187 years old, and his total lifespan. He lived 969 years, making him the oldest person recorded in biblical history. The text states, "All the days of Methuselah were 969 years, and he died." His death, occurring in the year of the Flood, is a significant chronological marker, though the text itself does not explicitly link his death to the Flood's commencement.
* [[1 Chronicles 1:3]]: He is listed in the post-Flood genealogy, confirming his place in the historical lineage of humanity.
* [[Luke 3:37]]: In the New Testament, Methuselah is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, affirming his historical existence and his role in the lineage of humanity leading to the Messiah.
Contextually, Methuselah's extraordinary longevity highlights the extended lifespans of the pre-Flood world, often interpreted as a period of intense divine patience before the cataclysmic judgment of the Flood. His life spans nearly the entire antediluvian era, from the time of Adam's early descendants almost to the moment of the Flood's onset.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Methuselah naturally connects to several related biblical words and concepts:
* **Genealogies:** The structured lists of descendants, particularly those in Genesis 5 and 1 Chronicles 1, which establish the historical continuity of God's redemptive plan. The Hebrew term for "generations" (תּוֹלְדֹת, *tôlᵉdōt*) is central to these sections.
* **Antediluvian Patriarchs:** Methuselah belongs to the unique group of individuals who lived before the Flood, characterized by their exceptional longevity (e.g., Adam `{{H120}}`, Seth `{{H8352}}`, Enoch `{{H2585}}`, Noah `{{H5146}}`).
* **Longevity:** The concept of extended lifespans in the early chapters of Genesis, which stands in stark contrast to post-Flood human lifespans. This often prompts theological reflection on the conditions of the early world and the effects of the Fall.
* **Divine Patience and Judgment:** The long period of Methuselah's life, culminating in the year of the Flood, is often seen as a testament to God's prolonged patience with a rebellious humanity before the ultimate judgment was "sent forth."
* **Messianic Line:** Methuselah is a vital link in the unbroken lineage from Adam to Noah, and subsequently through Shem to Abraham and ultimately to Christ, underscoring God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant.
### Theological Significance
Methuselah's life, though briefly described, carries profound theological significance:
1. **God's Enduring Patience:** His unparalleled lifespan of 969 years serves as a powerful symbol of God's immense patience with humanity before the Flood. For nearly a millennium, God allowed humanity to continue, despite the escalating wickedness described in [[Genesis 6:5]]. Methuselah's very existence, spanning almost the entire pre-Flood period, testifies to this divine forbearance.
2. **A Witness to a Degenerating World:** Methuselah lived through the gradual moral decline of humanity from the relative purity of Eden's aftermath to the pervasive corruption that necessitated the Flood. His life is a silent witness to the growing sinfulness that finally provoked God's judgment.
3. **The Imminence of Judgment:** While the base definition of his name is "man of a dart," a widely held traditional interpretation, though not directly derived from the Strong's definition, connects his name to the Flood: "when he dies, it shall be sent" or "his death brings judgment." Regardless of the etymological precision, the synchronicity of his death with the year the Flood began is profoundly symbolic. His death marks the end of an era of divine patience and the commencement of divine judgment, emphasizing that God's patience is not indefinite.
4. **Continuity of the Covenantal Line:** As a direct ancestor of Noah, Methuselah is a crucial link in the genealogical chain that preserves the promise of a future deliverer. His life ensures the continuity of the line through which God's redemptive plan would unfold, ultimately leading to the Messiah.
### Summary
Methuselah, designated by the Hebrew lemma מְתוּשֶׁלַח `{{H4968}}`, is an antediluvian patriarch whose name is etymologically understood as "man of a dart." He is primarily known for his extraordinary longevity, living 969 years, making him the oldest person recorded in the Bible. His life, detailed in [[Genesis 5:21-27]] and referenced in later genealogies, spans nearly the entire pre-Flood period. Theologically, Methuselah's existence powerfully illustrates God's enduring patience with a sinning humanity, serving as a silent witness to a world spiraling into corruption. His death, coinciding precisely with the year the Flood commenced, underscores the divine principle that while God is patient, His judgment will ultimately be "sent forth" when wickedness reaches its full measure. He stands as a vital link in the messianic lineage, connecting the early human story to God's unfolding plan of redemption through Noah and beyond.
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