Genesis 5:21

Authorized King James Version

And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְחִ֣י
lived
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
#2
חֲנ֔וֹךְ
And Enoch
chanok, an antediluvian patriach
#3
חָמֵ֥שׁ
and five
five
#4
וְשִׁשִּׁ֖ים
sixty
sixty
#5
שָׁנָ֑ה
years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#6
וַיּ֖וֹלֶד
and begat
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
מְתוּשָֽׁלַח׃
Methuselah
methushelach, an antediluvian patriarch

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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