King James Version

What Does Genesis 5:15 Mean?

Genesis 5:15 in the King James Version says “And Mahalaleel lived sixty and five years, and begat Jared: Jared: Heb. Jered” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Mahalaleel lived sixty and five years, and begat Jared: Jared: Heb. Jered”

Genesis 5:15 · KJV

Context

13

And Cainan lived after he begat Mahalaleel eight hundred and forty years, and begat sons and daughters:

14

And all the days of Cainan were nine hundred and ten years: and he died.

15

And Mahalaleel lived sixty and five years, and begat Jared: Jared: Heb. Jered

16

And Mahalaleel lived after he begat Jared eight hundred and thirty years, and begat sons and daughters:

17

And all the days of Mahalaleel were eight hundred ninety and five years: and he died.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Mahalaleel lived sixty and five years, and begat Jared:... This passage belongs to the primeval history section (Genesis 1-11) which establishes universal truths about God, humanity, sin, and divine purposes before focusing on Abraham and Israel. These chapters answer fundamental questions about human origins, the spread of wickedness, God's judgment, and the preservation of a righteous remnant.

Recurring patterns emerge: human sin escalating from individual disobedience to societal corruption, divine patience followed by judgment, gracious preservation of a remnant, and covenant promises ensuring redemptive purposes continue. The genealogies connect historical persons, demonstrate the fulfillment of divine promises (blessing and multiplication), and trace the line leading to Abraham and ultimately Christ.

Key theological themes in this section include: (1) sin's destructive progression affecting all humanity; (2) God's righteous judgment while preserving mercy; (3) human pride and autonomy opposing divine sovereignty; (4) cultural development as both blessing and potential idolatry; (5) God's sovereign plan advancing despite human rebellion. These narratives provide the necessary context for understanding God's calling of Abraham and the covenant promises through which all nations will be blessed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The primeval history (Genesis 1-11) parallels ancient Near Eastern traditions including Sumerian King Lists (pre-flood longevity), Akkadian flood traditions (Atrahasis, Gilgamesh), and Mesopotamian city foundation myths. However, Genesis demythologizes these traditions, presenting monotheistic history rather than polytheistic mythology. The genealogies connecting Adam to Noah to Abraham provide historical framework absent in pagan myths.

Archaeological evidence confirms ancient urbanization (chapter 4's cities), agricultural development, metallurgy, and musical instruments emerging in Mesopotamia's early history. The Babel account reflects Mesopotamian ziggurat construction (stepped pyramid temples), particularly in Babylon. Linguistic diversity requiring explanation was obvious to ancient peoples, making the Babel narrative culturally relevant.

For Israel in covenant with Yahweh, these chapters explained their relationship to surrounding nations. All peoples descended from Noah, but Israel descended from Shem through Abraham—chosen for blessing all nations. The flood demonstrated God's justice and mercy: judging wickedness while preserving the righteous. This pattern would recur throughout Israel's history, assuring them that God's covenant faithfulness endures despite judgment on the wicked.

Reflection Questions

  1. What theological truths about Genealogy emerge from this passage?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַיְחִ֣י1 of 9

“lived”

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

מַֽהֲלַלְאֵ֔ל2 of 9

“And Mahalaleel”

H4111

mahalalel, the name of an antediluvian patriarch and of an israelite

חָמֵ֥שׁ3 of 9

“and five”

H2568

five

שָׁנָ֑ה4 of 9

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וְשִׁשִּׁ֣ים5 of 9

“sixty”

H8346

sixty

שָׁנָ֑ה6 of 9

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וַיּ֖וֹלֶד7 of 9

“and begat”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

אֶת8 of 9
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יָֽרֶד׃9 of 9

“Jared”

H3382

jered, the name of an antediluvian, and of an israelite

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 5:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 5:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 1:2

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