“And Jared lived after he begat Enoch eight hundred years, and begat sons and daughters.”
Context: Genesis 5 provides a genealogical account of the descendants of Adam, tracing the lineage from Adam to Noah. This chapter specifically focuses on the generations leading up to Noah, highlighting the ages of individuals and the length of their lives.
The person: Jared, mentioned in Genesis 5:19, was the father of Enoch. He was the sixth in the line of descent from Adam through Seth. It’s important to note that Jared is not to be confused with Jered, mentioned in Genesis 11:21.
Longevity: One of the remarkable aspects of this verse is the long lifespan attributed to Jared. According to the verse, Jared lived for 800 years after the birth of Enoch. This reflects the extraordinary lifespans attributed to the patriarchs in the early chapters of Genesis. These extended lifespans were gradually reduced over time, possibly as a result of environmental changes or other factors.
The significance of names: In the genealogical accounts of Genesis, names often carry symbolic or significant meanings. For instance, the name “Jared” means “descent” or “to come down.” This name may reflect the idea that Jared’s birth marked a continuation of humanity’s descent from Adam and a continuation of the godly lineage.
Family and descendants: Genesis 5:19 mentions that after Jared begat Enoch, he went on to have other sons and daughters. However, the Bible does not provide specific details about their lives or significance.
Spiritual lessons: While this verse primarily provides a genealogical record, we can draw a few spiritual lessons from it. First, the extended lifespans in this chapter remind us of the long-suffering nature of God, who patiently waited for humanity to turn back to Him during those early generations. Second, it’s worth noting that despite the long lives they lived, these individuals still needed to have faith in God and walk in obedience to Him, just like we do today.
In summary, Genesis 5:19 highlights the long life of Jared, who lived for 800 years after the birth of Enoch. While this verse primarily provides a genealogical account, we can also draw spiritual lessons from it, such as the enduring patience of God and the need for faith and obedience.
