Genesis 5:26

And Methuselah lived after he begat Lamech seven hundred eighty and two years, and begat sons and daughters:

And Methuselah {H4968} lived {H2421} after {H310} he begat {H3205} Lamech {H3929} seven {H7651} hundred {H3967}{H8141} eighty {H8084} and two {H8147} years {H8141}, and begat {H3205} sons {H1121} and daughters {H1323}:

After Lemekh was born, Metushelach lived 782 years and had sons and daughters.

And after he had become the father of Lamech, Methuselah lived 782 years and had other sons and daughters.

and Methuselah lived after he begat Lamech seven hundred eighty and two years, and begat sons and daughters:

Commentary

Context

Genesis chapter 5 provides a detailed genealogy from Adam to Noah, meticulously recording the lifespans of the early patriarchs before the Great Flood. This chapter is structured with a recurring pattern: a patriarch lived X years, begat a son, then lived Y more years, begat other sons and daughters, and finally died. Verse 26 specifically focuses on Methuselah, the son of Enoch and grandfather of Noah, detailing his life after the birth of his son, Lamech.

Key Themes

  • Longevity of Patriarchs: This verse, like others in Genesis 5, highlights the extraordinary lifespans of individuals in the pre-Flood world, a stark contrast to post-Flood human longevity. It underscores a different biological or environmental reality during that era.
  • Continuity of Lineage: The meticulous record of generations demonstrates God's faithfulness in preserving a specific lineage, through which His redemptive plan for humanity would ultimately unfold. Methuselah’s life notably bridges the time between Enoch's unique walk with God and the coming judgment through Noah.
  • Divine Patience and Foreknowledge: Methuselah holds the distinction of being the oldest person recorded in the Bible. His name, as discussed in linguistic insights, carries profound prophetic significance that points to God's immense patience before the judgment of the Flood.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Methuselah" (Hebrew: מְתוּשֶׁלַח, Mĕtûšelaḥ) is rich with potential meaning. While some interpretations suggest "man of the dart/spear," a widely recognized and significant interpretation links it to the root meaning "his death brings" or "when he dies, it shall be sent." This interpretation is incredibly poignant because, according to biblical chronology, the Great Flood (described in Genesis 7:11) commenced in the very year Methuselah died. This hidden meaning in his name serves as a powerful testament to God's long-suffering and foreknowledge, indicating that judgment was held back until the very last moment, tied to the lifespan of this patriarch.

Practical Application

While a genealogical record, Genesis 5:26 offers profound insights. It reminds us that every individual life, even those seemingly recorded only for their lineage, plays a role in God's overarching plan. Methuselah's exceptionally long life and the subtle meaning of his name emphasize God's incredible patience and His adherence to His own timeline, even when humanity was steeped in wickedness. It encourages us to consider God's faithfulness through generations and to recognize that His warnings and promises are certain, even if their fulfillment seems delayed. The precise accounting of years also highlights the historical and verifiable nature of God's interaction with humanity, laying a foundation for the unfolding narrative of redemption.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.