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Genesis 5:20 - Long life, yet still mortal?

Genesis 5:20 - בראשית 5:20

Hebrew Text

וַיִּהְיוּ כָּל־יְמֵי־יֶרֶד שְׁתַּיִם וְשִׁשִּׁים שָׁנָה וּתְשַׁע מֵאוֹת שָׁנָה וַיָּמֹת׃

English Translation

and all the days of Yered were nine hundred and sixty two years: and he died.

Transliteration

Vayihyu kol-yemei-Yered shtayim ve-shishim shanah u-tesha me'ot shanah vayamot.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּֽהְיוּ֙ כׇּל־יְמֵי־יֶ֔רֶד שְׁתַּ֤יִם וְשִׁשִּׁים֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וּתְשַׁ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיָּמֹֽת׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וַיִּֽהְיוּ֙ כׇּל־יְמֵי־יֶ֔רֶד שְׁתַּ֤יִם וְשִׁשִּׁים֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וּתְשַׁ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיָּמֹֽת׃ {ס}        

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Parasha Commentary

Longevity of Yered in the Generations Before the Flood

The verse states that Yered lived for 962 years, which aligns with the extended lifespans recorded in the generations before the Mabul (Flood). Rashi (Bereshit 5:20) notes that the lengthy lives of these early generations were due to the original divine plan for humanity to live much longer, before the decree of the Flood gradually reduced human lifespans. The Sages teach that this was a manifestation of Hashem's patience, giving humanity ample time to repent before bringing judgment.

Significance of Yered's Name and Lifespan

The name "Yered" (יֶרֶד) comes from the root י.ר.ד, meaning "descent." The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 23:7) connects this to the spiritual decline that began in his generation, as idolatry started to spread. Ramban (Bereshit 5:20) suggests that Yered's long life was a test—despite witnessing moral deterioration, he did not fully succeed in reversing the trend, though he was righteous enough to be spared from the Flood (as he died before it).

Yered in the Chain of Generations

  • Father of Chanoch: Yered was the father of Chanoch, who "walked with G-d" (Bereshit 5:22). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108a) notes that Chanoch's righteousness may have been influenced by his father's teachings, though Yered himself did not reach the same level of piety.
  • Link to Noach: Yered was part of the ten generations from Adam to Noach, a period marked by both longevity and moral decline. The Zohar (Bereshit 1:56b) teaches that these generations served as a foundation for the eventual covenant with Noach.

Lessons from Yered's Life

The Seforno (Bereshit 5:20) emphasizes that Yered's long life, like those of his contemporaries, was meant to allow for the accumulation of wisdom and the establishment of civilization. However, the fact that he "died" (וַיָּמֹת) without additional praise—unlike Chanoch or Noach—suggests that his righteousness was incomplete. This serves as a reminder that longevity alone is not a virtue unless accompanied by spiritual growth.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did people like Yered live so long in the times of Genesis?
A: According to Rashi and other commentaries, people in the early generations lived much longer because the world was closer to its original state of perfection after Creation. The Sages explain that the gradual shortening of lifespans was part of the natural decline in the world's spiritual level leading up to the Flood.
Q: What is the significance of recording Yered's age in the Torah?
A: The Torah lists the ages of the generations from Adam to Noah to show the unbroken chain of tradition and to give us a historical timeline. Ramban explains that these precise numbers demonstrate the Torah's accuracy and help us understand the chronology leading up to major events like the Flood.
Q: Why does the verse end with 'and he died' after listing Yered's age?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108a) notes that this recurring phrase in Genesis 5 teaches that death was not natural to humanity, but came as a consequence of Adam's sin. The Maharal explains that this wording reminds us that even extremely long lives ultimately end, emphasizing the temporary nature of physical existence.
Q: How could someone live 962 years? Is this meant literally?
A: Traditional Jewish commentators like Rambam and Ibn Ezra maintain that these ages are to be understood literally. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) explains that early generations had different physical constitutions and that the environment before the Flood allowed for such longevity. The gradual decrease in lifespan after the Flood reflects changes in the world's nature.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yered's long life?
A: The Sages teach that long life in Torah terms is measured by quality, not just quantity. Yered's inclusion in the lineage leading to Noah shows he used his years productively. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 5a) explains that long lives were given to early generations to allow them to develop civilization and spiritual understanding.