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Genesis 5:22 - Righteous walk with God

Genesis 5:22 - בראשית 5:22

Hebrew Text

וַיִּתְהַלֵּךְ חֲנוֹךְ אֶת־הָאֱלֹהִים אַחֲרֵי הוֹלִידוֹ אֶת־מְתוּשֶׁלַח שְׁלֹשׁ מֵאוֹת שָׁנָה וַיּוֹלֶד בָּנִים וּבָנוֹת׃

English Translation

and Ḥanokh walked with God after he begot Metushelaĥ three hundred years, and begot sons and daughters:

Transliteration

Vayithalekh Chanokh et-ha'Elohim acharei holid'o et-Metushelakh shlosh me'ot shanah vayoled banim uvanot.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּתְהַלֵּ֨ךְ חֲנ֜וֹךְ אֶת־הָֽאֱלֹהִ֗ים אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת־מְתוּשֶׁ֔לַח שְׁלֹ֥שׁ מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת׃
וַיִּתְהַלֵּ֨ךְ חֲנ֜וֹךְ אֶת־הָֽאֱלֹהִ֗ים אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת־מְתוּשֶׁ֔לַח שְׁלֹ֥שׁ מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Meaning of "Walking with God"

The verse states that Ḥanokh (Enoch) "walked with God" (וַיִּתְהַלֵּךְ חֲנוֹךְ אֶת־הָאֱלֹהִים). Rashi explains that this phrase indicates Ḥanokh's righteousness and closeness to the Divine. He interprets "walking with God" as a metaphor for living in accordance with God's will, suggesting that Ḥanokh devoted himself entirely to divine service after the birth of his son Metushelaḥ.

The Timing of Ḥanokh's Transformation

The verse specifies that this spiritual elevation occurred after Ḥanokh fathered Metushelaḥ. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 25:1) notes that Ḥanokh initially lived an ordinary life but underwent a profound change at this point. Ramban (Nachmanides) suggests that the birth of Metushelaḥ, who would later become the grandfather of Noaḥ, inspired Ḥanokh to pursue a higher spiritual path, recognizing the importance of his lineage in shaping future generations.

Ḥanokh's Lifespan and Legacy

The verse mentions that Ḥanokh lived 300 years after Metushelaḥ's birth and had more children. The Talmud (Yevamot 62a) teaches that righteous individuals are blessed with offspring, and Ḥanokh's continued progeny reflects divine favor. However, his relatively short lifespan (365 years, as stated in Bereishit 5:23) is interpreted by some commentators, including the Sforno, as a sign that he was taken from this world early due to his exceptional righteousness—hinted at by the phrase "God took him" (Bereishit 5:24).

Lessons from Ḥanokh's Life

  • Repentance and Growth: Ḥanokh's transformation teaches that it is never too late to elevate one's spiritual state, as he achieved closeness to God later in life.
  • Parental Influence: The birth of a child can inspire deeper commitment to righteousness, as seen in Ḥanokh's renewed devotion after Metushelaḥ's birth.
  • Divine Reward: The Sages emphasize that those who "walk with God" are granted divine protection and a unique legacy, as exemplified by Ḥanokh's mysterious departure from the world.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that 'Ḥanokh walked with God'?
A: Rashi explains that 'walking with God' means Ḥanokh lived a life of righteousness and closeness to Hashem. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 25:1) teaches that he was a tzaddik (righteous person) who served as a role model for others in his generation.
Q: Why does the Torah mention Ḥanokh having children after saying he 'walked with God'?
A: The Talmud (Yevamot 62b) teaches that having children is a great mitzvah (commandment) and part of serving Hashem. By mentioning Ḥanokh's children after stating he walked with God, the Torah shows that his righteousness included fulfilling this important mitzvah properly.
Q: How long did Ḥanokh live compared to others in his generation?
A: Ḥanokh lived 365 years (Genesis 5:23), which was much shorter than others in his time who lived nearly 1,000 years. The Ramban explains this teaches that quality of life (righteousness) is more important than quantity of years.
Q: What can we learn from Ḥanokh's life today?
A: We learn that it's possible to maintain a close relationship with Hashem while being involved in worldly matters like raising a family. The Sforno notes that Ḥanokh achieved holiness specifically through his daily conduct in ordinary life.
Q: Why is Ḥanokh's story important in the Torah?
A: Ḥanokh represents the ideal of serving Hashem in every aspect of life. As the Midrash Tanchuma (Bereishit 3) explains, he shows that one can be involved in family and society while maintaining spiritual growth and connection to God.