Genesis 5:10 - Longevity after fathering Qenan?

Join Our Newsletter To Be Informed When New Videos Are Posted

Join the thousands of fellow Studends who rely on our videos to learn how to read the bible in Hebrew for free!

Hebrew Text

וַיְחִי אֱנוֹשׁ אַחֲרֵי הוֹלִידוֹ אֶת־קֵינָן חֲמֵשׁ עֶשְׂרֵה שָׁנָה וּשְׁמֹנֶה מֵאוֹת שָׁנָה וַיּוֹלֶד בָּנִים וּבָנוֹת׃

English Translation

and Enosh lived after he begot Qenan eight hundred and fifteen years, and begot sons and daughters:

Transliteration

Vayechi Enosh acharei holid eto Keinan chamesh esreh shanah ushmoneh me'ot shanah vayoled banim uvanot.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְחִ֣י אֱנ֗וֹשׁ אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת־קֵינָ֔ן חֲמֵ֤שׁ עֶשְׂרֵה֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וּשְׁמֹנֶ֥ה מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת׃

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Bereishit 5:10) is part of the genealogical list in Sefer Bereishit detailing the generations from Adam to Noach. Enosh was the son of Shet (Seth) and the grandson of Adam. The Torah emphasizes that Enosh lived for 815 years after fathering Qenan (Kenan) and had additional children during that time.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Bereishit 5:9) notes that the Torah consistently records the ages of these early generations in a similar pattern: the years lived after fathering a son, followed by additional years of life and further childbearing. This structure underscores the importance of continuity and the fulfillment of the divine command to "be fruitful and multiply" (Bereishit 1:28).

The Significance of Longevity

The unusually long lifespans of these early generations are discussed in the Talmud (Sanhedrin 69b), where the Sages explain that before the Flood, human physiology and the natural order were different, allowing for extended life. Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:47) suggests that these extended years symbolize spiritual and intellectual development, as these generations were closer to the original perfection of Creation.

Enosh and the Introduction of Idolatry

Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 23:7) connects Enosh's generation to the beginning of idolatry, stating that in his time, people started to worship false deities. Despite this, Enosh himself is not singled out as a sinner, and his long life suggests he maintained some level of righteousness. The Maharal (Gur Aryeh on Bereishit 4:26) explains that Enosh's name (related to enoshut, "human frailty") hints at the spiritual decline that began in his era.

Lessons for Future Generations

Continuity of Generations: The emphasis on Enosh fathering children after Qenan teaches the importance of ongoing family growth and Torah transmission.
Spiritual Vigilance: The Midrashic connection to idolatry serves as a warning against spiritual complacency.
Divine Patience: Despite the moral decline beginning in Enosh's time, Hashem granted long lifespans, showing divine patience to allow for repentance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 5:10 teach us about Enosh's life?
A: Genesis 5:10 tells us that Enosh lived for 815 years after fathering Qenan (Kenan) and had more children during that time. This verse is part of the genealogy in Parshas Bereishis, showing the long lifespans of early generations. Rashi explains that these lengthy lives gave people more time to develop wisdom and fulfill their purpose in the world.

Q: Why does the Torah list how long people lived after having children?
A: The Torah lists the years after having children to show that these early generations had long, productive lives even after becoming parents. Rambam teaches that this emphasizes how each generation contributed to the world's development. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 69b) also derives chronological calculations from these numbers for historical understanding.

Q: What lesson can we learn from Enosh having more children after Qenan?
A: We learn that having children is an ongoing blessing and responsibility. The Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah) explains that these genealogies show how each person is important in the chain of generations leading to Avraham Avinu. Even after having one child, Enosh continued building his family, teaching us the value of raising many children in the ways of Torah.

Q: How old was Enosh when he died according to this verse?
A: While this verse doesn't state Enosh's total age, when we add the 90 years he was when Qenan was born (Genesis 5:9) plus the 815 years mentioned here, we learn he lived 905 years total. The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 11a) discusses how these long lifespans gradually decreased until Moshe Rabbeinu's time.

Q: Why does the Torah mention that Enosh had 'sons and daughters'?
A: The Torah mentions both sons and daughters to show that all children are valuable. The Midrash teaches that every person in these genealogies had an important role in populating and developing the world. Ramban explains that listing both genders emphasizes the completeness of each generation's contribution to humanity's growth.