Genesis 5:14 (KJV)

What does Genesis 5:14 mean?

Genesis 5:14 records that Cainan lived a total of 910 years before he died. This verse is part of a genealogy, listing the lifespan and death of Cainan as part of the generations from Adam.

Genesis 5 is a list of descendants from Adam, with each entry giving the name, lifespan, and death of each person. The verse simply states the total years Cainan lived and confirms his death, emphasizing the pattern of life and mortality that runs through this chapter.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 5:14

• "days" (יָמִים, yamim): This word is used here to refer to the total span of Cainan’s life, not just individual days, but the full length of his years.
• "died" (מֵת, met): This word directly means "died" or "passed away," making it clear that Cainan’s life came to a definite end, just like the others in this genealogy.

Why Genesis 5:14 matters

• This verse reinforces the pattern in Genesis 5, where each person’s life ends with the phrase "and he died," highlighting the reality of mortality even among those with extremely long lifespans.
• By listing the exact years, Genesis 5:14 contributes to the careful record-keeping found in this chapter, which helps readers trace the lineage from Adam to later key figures.
• The verse connects Cainan’s story to the larger narrative, showing that even those who lived for centuries were not exempt from death, setting the stage for the themes of life, death, and legacy in Genesis.