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Genesis 11:15 - Longevity after Ever's birth?

Genesis 11:15 - בראשית 11:15

Hebrew Text

וַיְחִי־שֶׁלַח אַחֲרֵי הוֹלִידוֹ אֶת־עֵבֶר שָׁלֹשׁ שָׁנִים וְאַרְבַּע מֵאוֹת שָׁנָה וַיּוֹלֶד בָּנִים וּבָנוֹת׃

English Translation

and Shelaĥ lived after he begot ῾Ever four hundred and three years, and begot sons and daughters.

Transliteration

Vayechi-shelach acharei holidoto et-ever shalosh shanim ve'arba me'ot shanah vayoled banim uvanot.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַֽיְחִי־שֶׁ֗לַח אַחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת־עֵ֔בֶר שָׁלֹ֣שׁ שָׁנִ֔ים וְאַרְבַּ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וַֽיְחִי־שֶׁ֗לַח אַחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת־עֵ֔בֶר שָׁלֹ֣שׁ שָׁנִ֔ים וְאַרְבַּ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת׃ {ס}        

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Parasha Commentary

Verse Analysis: Shelaḥ's Lifespan and Descendants

The verse (Bereshit 11:15) states that Shelaḥ lived 403 years after fathering ῾Ever and had additional children. This follows the Torah's pattern of detailing the generations from Adam to Avraham.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi notes that the Torah emphasizes "after he begot ῾Ever" to teach that Shelaḥ's primary purpose was to continue the lineage leading to Avraham. The additional years and children demonstrate that he lived a full life beyond this central mission.

Chronological Significance

The Seder Olam Rabbah calculates that Shelaḥ was born in 1558 from Creation and died in 2158, making him contemporary with the Tower of Babel dispersion. His lifespan bridges the era between the Flood and Avraham.

Spiritual Dimensions

  • The name Shelaḥ (שֶׁלַח) relates to "sending" or "extension," hinting at his role in extending the righteous line through ῾Ever to Avraham (Malbim).
  • His 403 post-῾Ever years correspond to the 400 years of exile foretold to Avraham (Bereshit 15:13), symbolizing the preparation for Jewish destiny (Ba'al HaTurim).

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 38:8) suggests Shelaḥ was among those who maintained monotheistic tradition during the spiritually turbulent post-Flood generations. His longevity allowed him to influence multiple generations before Avraham.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah list the ages of people like Shelaḥ in such detail?
A: The Torah provides detailed genealogies to show the continuity from Adam to Avraham and to emphasize the importance of each generation in Jewish history. Rashi explains that these details help us understand the timeline leading to the birth of Avraham, through whom the Jewish people would emerge.
Q: What is the significance of Shelaḥ living 403 years after fathering ῾Ever?
A: The lengthy lifespans before the Flood and shortly after (like Shelaḥ's 403 years) demonstrate a time when people lived much longer. Rambam notes that these extended years allowed for the transmission of early traditions and knowledge, ensuring the continuity of monotheistic belief before Avraham.
Q: Why does the verse mention that Shelaḥ had 'sons and daughters'?
A: The Torah often mentions 'sons and daughters' to show that these ancestors had full families, not just single descendants. The Midrash teaches that this emphasizes the fulfillment of the divine command to 'be fruitful and multiply' (Bereishit 1:28), ensuring the growth of humanity.
Q: How does Shelaḥ fit into the lineage leading to the Jewish people?
A: Shelaḥ was a key link in the chain from Noaḥ to Avraham. As the father of ῾Ever (from whom the term 'Hebrew' may derive), he is part of the righteous lineage that preserved monotheism. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 69b) discusses his place in the genealogy leading to Avraham, the forefather of the Jewish nation.