Genesis 5:18 kjv

And Jared lived an hundred sixty and two years, and he begat Enoch:

Genesis 5:18 nkjv

Jared lived one hundred and sixty-two years, and begot Enoch.

Genesis 5:18 niv

When Jared had lived 162 years, he became the father of Enoch.

Genesis 5:18 esv

When Jared had lived 162 years, he fathered Enoch.

Genesis 5:18 nlt

When Jared was 162 years old, he became the father of Enoch.

Genesis 5 verses

Genesis 5 18 Meaning

Genesis 5:18 introduces Jared as a significant link in the line of Adam, living an extraordinary number of years before begetting his son Enoch. This verse, situated within a primeval genealogy, highlights the ongoing continuation of human life despite the curse of mortality and underscores the pattern of long lifespans, procreation, and eventual death that characterizes the early generations of humanity. Its primary focus is to trace the lineage that would eventually lead to Noah, and subsequently, to the Abrahamic covenant and Christ, ensuring the continuity of the covenant line. The mention of "Enoch" immediately signifies a critical point of diversion from the general pattern of death in this chapter, anticipating a unique event.

Genesis 5 18 Context

Genesis chapter 5 forms a genealogical account titled "the book of the generations of Adam" (Gen 5:1), following the fall of humanity in Genesis 3 and the narrative of Cain's line in Genesis 4. Unlike Cain's descendants who build cities and pursue cultural innovations but ultimately disappear from the divine record, Genesis 5 focuses on the lineage through Seth, considered the righteous line, which preserved the spiritual heritage from Adam down to Noah. Each entry meticulously records the lifespan of a patriarch before he begat his specified heir, his remaining years after, the begetting of other unnamed sons and daughters, and concludes with "and he died." This repetitive structure underscores the pervasive impact of death due to sin (Gen 3:19), yet simultaneously emphasizes God's preserving power in the continuity of human life and the fulfillment of His command to be fruitful and multiply. Jared's verse fits precisely into this chronological, genealogical framework that bridges the gap between the creation of Adam and the flood, setting the stage for God's redemptive plan through Noah.

Genesis 5 18 Word analysis

• And (וַ, va-): A simple Hebrew conjunction, the waw connective, linking this statement directly to the preceding narrative. It introduces Jared's account in continuation of the established genealogical pattern of Gen 5.
• Jared (יֶרֶד, Yered): Derived from the root ירד (yarad), meaning "to descend" or "to go down." While its direct significance is debated, some ancient interpreters connect it with the "descent" of divine or angelic beings, perhaps referencing the "sons of God" who descend in Genesis 6:2 before the flood, as his son Enoch would eventually prophesy. Historically, it identifies a specific patriarch in the ancestral line.
• lived (וַיְחִי, vayechi): From the root חיה (ḥāyāh), "to live," "to exist." This term emphatically states the duration of his life. In this chapter, the constant reiteration of "lived" before the inevitable "and he died" underscores the post-Fall reality where life, though long, ultimately culminates in death. Yet, it also signifies the tenacity of life, even under the curse.
• one hundred sixty-two years (מֵאָה שִׁשִׁים וּשְׁתַּיִם שָׁנָה, me'āh shiśšîm ûštayim šānāh): The specified age highlights the remarkable longevity of the antediluvian patriarchs. These extreme lifespans distinguish the early world and showcase divine blessing on life, even after the fall, before sin's accelerating corruption fully manifested and led to decreased lifespans (Ps 90).
• and begot (וַיּוֹלֶד, vayyoled): From the root ילד (yālad), "to bear," "to beget." This is a crucial verb in Genesis genealogies. It emphasizes the generative aspect of humanity and God's design for human propagation (Gen 1:28). It also indicates paternity and the direct transmission of the lineage, assuring the continuation of the human family from which a savior would eventually come.
• Enoch (חֲנוֹךְ, Ḥănôk): Means "initiated," "dedicated," or "trained." Enoch is perhaps the most significant figure in Genesis 5, because he is the only one in this death-focused chapter who does not "die" in the conventional sense (Gen 5:24; Heb 11:5). His name thus anticipates his unique spiritual walk and miraculous translation.

Words-group analysis:

• "Jared lived one hundred sixty-two years and begot Enoch": This phrase adheres to the standard pattern of the Genesis 5 genealogy ("X lived Y years and begot Z"). The long life indicates divine patience and humanity's initial physical robustness post-Fall. The act of "begetting" ensures the continuity of the divinely purposed lineage. The name "Enoch" immediately stands out as the future pivotal figure, foreshadowing God's direct intervention and demonstrating His ability to break the pattern of death even in a world steeped in mortality.

Genesis 5 18 Bonus section

The genealogy in Genesis 5, which includes Jared and Enoch, utilizes the literary structure of toledoth, a Hebrew term meaning "generations" or "account." This literary device is key to understanding the overarching structure and theological purpose of the book of Genesis. The toledoth sections serve as signposts that divide the book into various narrative units, charting the progressive unfolding of God's plan through different family lines and historical developments. The "generations of Adam" (Gen 5:1) emphasizes the continuing humanity descended from the first man, focusing on the righteous line through Seth, distinct from Cain's descendants. Jared's place in this specific toledoth validates the unbroken physical and spiritual chain leading towards Noah and ultimately, Abraham and beyond. The detailed numbers of years lived before and after begetting children demonstrate meticulous record-keeping, pointing to a genuine historical interest and purpose rather than purely mythical storytelling. This ancient record supports the biblical emphasis on the historical grounding of God's covenant with humanity.

Genesis 5 18 Commentary

Genesis 5:18 presents Jared's role within the ancestral chain from Adam to Noah, fulfilling the pattern of lengthy life and procreation seen throughout the chapter. The incredible age attributed to Jared, 162 years at the birth of Enoch, affirms the biblical depiction of significant antediluvian lifespans, contrasting sharply with post-flood and modern human longevity. This not only signifies a different era of human biology but also serves to condense vast spans of time in the historical narrative, underscoring the ancient origins of humanity while still showing God's preservation of life.

The central importance of this verse, beyond its contribution to the genealogical sequence, lies in Jared's son: Enoch. The subsequent verses (Gen 5:21-24) will reveal Enoch as the unique individual who "walked faithfully with God" and was "taken away" by God without experiencing death. Therefore, Jared's specific begetting of Enoch hints at the extraordinary, breaking the monotony of "and he died" that punctuates every other entry in this chapter. It points to a singular intervention by God, a glimpse of triumph over the pervasive power of death brought about by sin. This makes Jared a crucial link in the chain that preserves God's chosen lineage, providing the direct fatherhood to one who foreshadows deliverance from death and who would later be recognized for his faith (Heb 11:5) and his prophecy (Jude 1:14-15). The very existence of this faithful line, perpetuated through patriarchs like Jared, ensures that the redemptive plan of God, leading eventually to Christ, is never extinguished.