share torah logo

Genesis 5:12 - Longevity before the Flood

Genesis 5:12 - בראשית 5:12

Hebrew Text

וַיְחִי קֵינָן שִׁבְעִים שָׁנָה וַיּוֹלֶד אֶת־מַהֲלַלְאֵל׃

English Translation

And Qenan lived seventy years, and begot Mahalal᾽el:

Transliteration

Vayechi Keinan shiv'im shanah vayoled et-Mahalalel.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְחִ֥י קֵינָ֖ן שִׁבְעִ֣ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת־מַֽהֲלַלְאֵֽל׃
וַיְחִ֥י קֵינָ֖ן שִׁבְעִ֣ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת־מַֽהֲלַלְאֵֽל׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Verse Analysis

The verse states: "וַיְחִי קֵינָן שִׁבְעִים שָׁנָה וַיּוֹלֶד אֶת־מַהֲלַלְאֵל" ("And Qenan lived seventy years, and begot Mahalal᾽el"). This is part of the genealogical record in Sefer Bereishit (Genesis 5:12), tracing the lineage from Adam to Noach.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Bereishit 5:12) notes that the Torah emphasizes the age at which Qenan fathered Mahalalel to highlight the pattern of longevity among the early generations before the Flood. He explains that the term "וַיְחִי" ("and he lived") is used to introduce each patriarch's lifespan, reinforcing the idea that their years were filled with purpose and divine service.

Meaning of the Names

Traditional sources delve into the significance of the names mentioned:

  • קֵינָן (Qenan): The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 23:5) associates his name with kinah (lamentation), suggesting a connection to the sorrow over the spiritual decline leading to the Flood.
  • מַהֲלַלְאֵל (Mahalalel): The name means "praiser of G-d" (from mahalal, praise, and El, G-d). The Talmud (Berachot 7a) teaches that naming reflects destiny, implying his role in acknowledging the Divine.

Chronological Context

Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 1:1) references these genealogies to establish the timeline from Creation. The Seder Olam Rabbah (Ch. 1) calculates the years meticulously, showing how Qenan's lifespan fits into the broader chronology leading to Avraham Avinu.

Spiritual Lessons

The Kli Yakar (Bereishit 5:12) observes that Qenan's relatively late fatherhood (at 70, compared to earlier generations) hints at a delay in spiritual readiness. This teaches that the timing of progeny—and by extension, spiritual legacy—is divinely ordained and tied to one's moral preparedness.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 5:12 mean?
A: Genesis 5:12 states that Qeinan (קֵינָן) lived for 70 years and then fathered his son Mahalalel (מַהֲלַלְאֵל). This verse is part of the genealogy from Adam to Noah, listing the ages at which each patriarch had their next descendant. According to Rashi, these genealogies emphasize the orderly transmission of generations and the divine plan for humanity.
Q: Why is the age of Qeinan when he had Mahalalel important?
A: The Torah specifies ages in genealogies to show the continuity of generations and the fulfillment of God's commandment to 'be fruitful and multiply' (Genesis 1:28). The Rambam explains that recording these ages helps establish the historical timeline leading to key figures like Noah and Avraham. Qeinan having a child at 70 also contrasts with later generations who had children at much older ages, showing variations in lifespans before the Flood.
Q: What can we learn from Qeinan's life in Genesis 5:12?
A: From Qeinan's brief mention, we learn that every generation has a role in the divine plan. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) teaches that even seemingly minor figures in the Torah contribute to the unfolding of history. Qeinan’s life reminds us that each person, regardless of how much is recorded about them, is part of a greater chain leading toward righteousness.
Q: How does the name 'Mahalalel' connect to this verse?
A: Mahalalel (מַהֲלַלְאֵל) means 'praise of God' (from 'mahalal'—praise, and 'El'—God). Rashi notes that names in the Torah often reflect divine attributes or events. The fact that Qeinan named his son 'Mahalalel' suggests a recognition of God’s role in his life and lineage, reinforcing the theme of gratitude and devotion in these early generations.