And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:

GENESIS 5:22KJV
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Genesis 5:22 (KJV)

What does Genesis 5:22 mean?

Genesis 5:22 says that after Enoch became the father of Methuselah, he lived for another 300 years, during which he "walked with God" and had other sons and daughters. The verse highlights Enoch’s ongoing close relationship with God across a long span of his life, not just a single event.

Genesis 5:22 is part of a genealogy list, describing the generations from Adam onward. The phrase "walked with God" stands out in this list, suggesting a special closeness or faithfulness in Enoch’s life. The verse notes both his family life—having more children—and his unique spiritual walk, setting him apart from others in the genealogy.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 5:22

  • "walked" (הָלַךְ, halakh): This word means to go, walk, or live. In this context, it often points to a way of life or ongoing relationship, not just physical movement. For Enoch, it suggests a steady, faithful companionship with God.
  • "with" (אֵת, et): This word can mean "with" or "in the company of." Here, it emphasizes closeness and partnership, underscoring that Enoch’s walk was not distant but personal.
  • "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This is a common Hebrew word for God, used throughout Genesis. Its use here stresses that Enoch’s relationship was with the Creator, not just a generic spiritual experience.

Why Genesis 5:22 matters

  • The verse highlights Enoch’s unique relationship with God, which is different from the other figures in the genealogy who are simply described as living and having children.
  • The mention of Enoch "walking with God" introduces a theme of personal faithfulness and intimacy with God, which is rare in the early chapters of Genesis.
  • This verse sets up the later statement that Enoch did not die in the usual way, hinting at something special about his life and relationship with God.

Where else these words appear

“Methuselah” Hebrew H4968 · used in 6 verses

  • Genesis 5:21 And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah:
  • Genesis 5:25 And Methuselah lived an hundred eighty and seven years, and begat Lamech:
  • Genesis 5:27 And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died.

“Enoch” Hebrew H2585 · used in 15 verses

  • Genesis 4:17 And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch.
  • Genesis 5:21 And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah:
  • Exodus 6:14 These be the heads of their fathers' houses: The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel; Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi: these be the families of Reuben.

“begat” Hebrew H853 · used in 18 verses

  • Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
  • Genesis 37:23 And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him;
  • Judges 11:27 Wherefore I have not sinned against thee, but thou doest me wrong to war against me: the LORD the Judge be judge this day between the children of Israel and the children of Ammon.

“with” Hebrew H854 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 4:1 And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.
  • Genesis 26:24 And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake.
  • Leviticus 5:7 And if he be not able to bring a lamb, then he shall bring for his trespass, which he hath committed, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, unto the LORD; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering.