King James Version

What Does Genesis 5:22 Mean?

Genesis 5:22 in the King James Version says “And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Genesis 5:22 · KJV

Context

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:

23

And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years:

24

And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

Read Genesis 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughter... 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיִּתְהַלֵּ֨ךְ1 of 14

“walked”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

חֲנ֜וֹךְ2 of 14

“And Enoch”

H2585

chanok, an antediluvian patriach

אֶת3 of 14

“with”

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֗ים4 of 14

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אַֽחֲרֵי֙5 of 14

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

וַיּ֥וֹלֶד6 of 14

“and begat”

H3205

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

אֶת7 of 14
H853

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

מְתוּשֶׁ֔לַח8 of 14

“Methuselah”

H4968

methushelach, an antediluvian patriarch

שְׁלֹ֥שׁ9 of 14

“three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

מֵא֖וֹת10 of 14

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

שָׁנָ֑ה11 of 14

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וַיּ֥וֹלֶד12 of 14

“and begat”

H3205

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

בָּנִ֖ים13 of 14

“sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וּבָנֽוֹת׃14 of 14

“and daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

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 5:22 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 5:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 2:12Genesis 17:1Genesis 6:9Luke 1:6Malachi 2:6Micah 6:8

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Genesis 5 with CommentaryAll Genesis ChaptersComplete Genesis QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes