Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Qenan live for 910 years?
A: According to Rashi and other commentaries, people in the early generations before the Flood lived exceptionally long lives because the world was closer to its original state of perfection, and the effects of sin had not yet fully diminished human vitality. The Torah lists these long lifespans to show the gradual decline in human longevity over time.
Q: What is the significance of listing Qenan's age in the Torah?
A: The Torah lists the ages of the early generations to trace the lineage from Adam to Noach (Noah), showing the transmission of tradition and the gradual decline in lifespans. Ramban explains that these detailed genealogies emphasize the importance of each generation in the divine plan of history.
Q: Why does the verse end with 'and he died'?
A: The phrase 'and he died' appears for each generation in this chapter to remind us of human mortality. The Midrash teaches that this repetition serves as a lesson about the consequences of the sin of Adam and Chava (Eve), introducing death into the world. Despite long lifespans, death remained inevitable.
Q: How does Qenan's lifespan compare to others in Genesis 5?
A: Qenan lived 910 years, which was shorter than his father Mahalalel (895 years) but longer than his son Mehalalel (895 years). The gradual decrease in lifespan (until Noach) reflects the spiritual decline before the Flood, as explained by the Talmud and Midrash.
Q: Can we learn anything practical from Qenan's long life?
A: Yes. The Sages teach that these long lifespans allowed the early generations to accumulate wisdom and transmit it faithfully. Today, we learn the value of using our time wisely for Torah study and good deeds, even if our lives are much shorter.
Lifespan of Qenan (קֵינָן)
The verse states that Qenan lived 910 years before his death. This follows the pattern of the lengthy lifespans recorded in the genealogies of Sefer Bereishit (Genesis), particularly in Perek 5 (Chapter 5), which details the generations from Adam to Noach.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Bereishit 5:14) does not provide a specific commentary on Qenan’s lifespan but generally notes that the extended years of these early generations were a manifestation of divine kindness, allowing humanity time to develop and fulfill its purpose before the eventual shortening of lifespans after the Flood.
Midrashic Insights
Rambam’s Perspective
In Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 2:47), Rambam discusses the extended lifespans of the early generations allegorically, suggesting they may symbolize spiritual or intellectual achievements rather than literal years. However, traditional Orthodox interpretation generally accepts the literal reading while seeking deeper meaning.
Kabbalistic Interpretation
According to Kabbalistic sources (e.g., Zohar Chadash), the numerical value of Qenan’s lifespan (910) may allude to spiritual concepts, such as the completion of certain divine emanations (sefirot) or the refinement of the soul over extended time.
Conclusion
Qenan’s lifespan, like those of his contemporaries, serves as a reminder of the early generations’ unique spiritual potential and the gradual decline that necessitated the Flood. The Torah records these years to emphasize the unfolding of divine providence and the importance of righteous individuals in sustaining the world.