King James Version

What Does Genesis 5:20 Mean?

Genesis 5:20 in the King James Version says “And all the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty and two years: and he died.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And all the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty and two years: and he died.”

Genesis 5:20 · KJV

Context

18

And Jared lived an hundred sixty and two years, and he begat Enoch:

19

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

20

And all the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty and two years: and he died.

21

And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: Methuselah: Gr. Mathusala

22

And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And all the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty and two years: and he died.... 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. How does this verse deepen our understanding of God's character and His relationship with creation?
  2. How should this truth about Methuselah shape our daily decisions and priorities?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַיִּֽהְיוּ֙1 of 11
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כָּל2 of 11
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יְמֵי3 of 11

“And all the days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

יֶ֔רֶד4 of 11

“of Jared”

H3382

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

שְׁתַּ֤יִם5 of 11

“and two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

וְשִׁשִּׁים֙6 of 11

“sixty”

H8346

sixty

שָׁנָ֑ה7 of 11

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וּתְשַׁ֥ע8 of 11

“were nine”

H8672

nine or (ordinal) ninth

מֵא֖וֹת9 of 11

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

שָׁנָ֑ה10 of 11

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וַיָּמֹֽת׃11 of 11

“and he died”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

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 5:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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