OliveGrove
Pressing the Word of God for Deeper Understanding.
Prepare to Teach

Genesis 5:6-20

Every generation continues under the shadow of death, yet God preserves the human line.

Open in Study
Scripture Text

5:6 Seth lived one hundred five years, then became the father of Enosh.

5:7 Seth lived after He became the father of Enosh eight hundred seven years, and became the father of other sons and daughters.

5:8 All of the days of Seth were nine hundred twelve years, then He died.

5:9 Enosh lived ninety years, and became the father of Kenan.

5:10 Enosh lived after He became the father of Kenan eight hundred fifteen years, and became the father of other sons and daughters.

5:11 All of the days of Enosh were nine hundred five years, then He died.

5:12 Kenan lived seventy years, then became the father of Mahalalel.

5:13 Kenan lived after He became the father of Mahalalel eight hundred forty years, and became the father of other sons and daughters

5:14 And all of the days of Kenan were nine hundred ten years, then He died.

5:15 Mahalalel lived sixty-five years, then became the father of Jared.

5:16 Mahalalel lived after He became the father of Jared eight hundred thirty years, and became the father of other sons and daughters.

5:17 All of the days of Mahalalel were eight hundred ninety-five years, then He died.

5:18 Jared lived one hundred sixty-two years, then became the father of Enoch.

5:19 Jared lived after He became the father of Enoch eight hundred years, and became the father of other sons and daughters.

5:20 All of the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty-two years, then He died.

Anchor

Every generation continues under the shadow of death, yet God preserves the human line.

Genesis 5:6-20 traces the lineage from Seth through multiple generations, each marked by life, offspring, and the recurring conclusion of death, underscoring the ongoing consequence of sin.

Point of Contact

That people would feel the weight of mortality and recognize the urgency of seeking life beyond what this world offers.

Rhythm
  1. 5:1–2 The chapter opens by recalling God’s creation of mankind in His likeness as male and female, grounding the genealogy in the theology of creation.
  2. 5:3–5 Adam fathers Seth in His likeness and image, then dies.
  3. 5:6–20 The genealogy continues through Enosh, Kenan, Mahalalel, and Jared, each marked by begetting, continued years, and death.
  4. 5:21–24 Enoch stands out as one who walked with God and was taken by God rather than receiving the standard death formula.
  5. 5:25–27 Methuselah is born, lives many years, and dies.
  6. 5:28–32 Lamech names Noah with an expectation of relief from the cursed ground, and the chapter closes by identifying Noah and His sons, preparing for the flood narrative.
Watch Out
  • Do not treat the genealogy as unimportant or merely historical.
  • Do not overlook the repeated emphasis on death.
  • Do not assume long lifespans negate the reality of mortality.
  • Do not ignore the theological weight of repetition in this passage.
  • Do not detach this passage from the consequences of the fall.
  • Do not overlook God’s preservation of humanity through generations.
  • Do not interpret the passage as celebrating longevity rather than highlighting mortality.
Canonical Thread
Gospel Clarity

The unbroken pattern of death highlights the need for a deliverer who can break its power and bring lasting life.