share torah logo

Genesis 5:6 - Long life, new generation

Genesis 5:6 - בראשית 5:6

Hebrew Text

וַיְחִי־שֵׁת חָמֵשׁ שָׁנִים וּמְאַת שָׁנָה וַיּוֹלֶד אֶת־אֱנוֹשׁ׃

English Translation

And Shet lived a hundred and five years, and begot Enosh:

Transliteration

Vaychi-Shet chamesh shanim ume'at shanah vayoled et-Enosh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַֽיְחִי־שֵׁ֕ת חָמֵ֥שׁ שָׁנִ֖ים וּמְאַ֣ת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת־אֱנֽוֹשׁ׃
וַֽיְחִי־שֵׁ֕ת חָמֵ֥שׁ שָׁנִ֖ים וּמְאַ֣ת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת־אֱנֽוֹשׁ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Sefer Bereishit

The verse (Bereishit 5:6) appears in the genealogy from Adam to Noach, documenting the lifespan and offspring of Shet (Seth), the third son of Adam and Chava. This lineage is significant as it traces the righteous line leading to Noach and ultimately to Avraham Avinu.

Rashi's Commentary on the Verse

Rashi notes that the Torah uses the term "וַיְחִי" ("and he lived") before recording Shet's age at Enosh's birth, unlike other genealogical entries where the age is stated first. This suggests that Shet's years before fathering Enosh were truly "lived" with purpose and spiritual growth, as opposed to merely passing time.

The Significance of Enosh's Birth

  • The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 23:3) explains that Enosh's generation marked a turning point when people began to worship idols, straying from the pure monotheism of Adam and Shet.
  • Rambam (Hilchos Avodah Zarah 1:1) cites this as the beginning of humanity's spiritual decline that would later necessitate the flood.
  • Despite this, Shet is described in Kabbalistic sources (Zohar Chadash 24b) as having a uniquely pure soul, with Enosh representing a test for maintaining that purity in future generations.

Numerical Significance

The age of 105 when Shet fathered Enosh is interpreted by Ba'al HaTurim as hinting at the 105 years between when Avraham first recognized Hashem (at age 3 according to Midrash) until Yitzchak's birth (at 108). This connects the righteous line from Shet to Avraham.

Spiritual Lessons

The Sforno emphasizes that even in a generation beginning to stray, Shet maintained his righteousness. This teaches that one must remain steadfast in avodas Hashem regardless of societal trends. The verse thus serves as both historical record and moral instruction for maintaining mesorah in challenging times.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Shet (Seth) in the Torah?
A: Shet (Seth) was the third son of Adam and Chava (Eve), born after the tragic episode of Kayin (Cain) and Hevel (Abel). The Torah (Genesis 4:25) tells us that Adam named him Shet because 'God has provided me another offspring in place of Hevel.' According to Rashi, Shet was chosen to carry on the righteous lineage that would eventually lead to Avraham and the Jewish people.
Q: Why does the Torah list the ages when people had children?
A: The Torah lists genealogies with ages to show the continuity from Adam to Noach and later to Avraham. Ramban explains that these precise details establish the historical authenticity of our tradition. Additionally, the Talmud (Sanhedrin 69b) derives halachic principles from these age listings, showing how every detail in Torah has significance.
Q: What is significant about Shet having a child at age 105?
A: The Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 23:5) notes that the generations before the Flood lived much longer but had children relatively 'young' (by their standards). Shet having Enosh at 105 shows how people in that era matured earlier and had longer lifespans. This contrasts with later generations where lifespans decreased after the Flood.
Q: Who was Enosh and why is he important?
A: Enosh was the grandson of Adam and the beginning of a new era. Rashi (on Genesis 4:26) explains that in Enosh's time, people began to worship idols - this was the 'beginning of profaning God's Name.' The Rambam (Hilchos Avodah Zarah 1:1) cites this as when mistaken beliefs first emerged, leading humanity away from pure monotheism.
Q: How does this verse connect to Jewish tradition today?
A: This verse is part of the unbroken chain from Adam to Moshe that we affirm in our mesorah (tradition). Pirkei Avos (5:2) lists Shet among the ten generations from Adam to Noach, showing how righteousness was preserved despite growing corruption. This teaches us the importance of maintaining our traditions even when surrounded by negative influences.