Genesis 5:6 (KJV)

What does Genesis 5:6 mean?

Genesis 5:6 states that Seth lived to be 105 years old before he became the father of Enos. This verse is part of a genealogy, recording the ages and descendants of early figures in the Bible.

Genesis 5:6 is found in a section where the writer lists the generations from Adam onward. The verse simply reports Seth’s age when his son Enos was born, continuing the pattern set for each patriarch in this chapter. This information helps trace the family line and shows the long lifespans described in the early chapters of Genesis.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 5:6

• "Seth" (שֵׁת, shet): This is the name of Adam and Eve’s third son, whose line is traced in this genealogy. The name is often understood to mean “appointed” or “placed.”
• "lived" (חָיָה, chayah): This word means “to live” or “to be alive.” Its use here emphasizes the ongoing lifespans of these early figures.
• "begat" (יָלַד, yalad): This verb means “to father” or “to bring forth.” In genealogies, it marks the point when a new generation begins.
• "Enos" (אֱנוֹשׁ, enosh): This is the name of Seth’s son. The name is related to the Hebrew word for “man” or “mortal,” hinting at human frailty.

Why Genesis 5:6 matters

• Genesis 5:6 continues the pattern of detailed genealogical records, which help establish the timeline and lineage from Adam through later generations.
• The verse highlights the long lifespans attributed to early biblical figures, a feature that is distinctive in Genesis and often raises questions about ancient understandings of time and history.
• By naming both Seth and Enos, the verse connects the reader to the broader story of humanity’s beginnings and the unfolding of the biblical narrative.