King James Version

What Does Genesis 5:25 Mean?

And Methuselah lived an hundred eighty and seven years, and begat Lamech:

Context

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.

25

And Methuselah lived an hundred eighty and seven years, and begat Lamech:

26

And Methuselah lived after he begat Lamech seven hundred eighty and two years, and begat sons and daughters: Lamech: Heb. Lemech

27

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

Commentary

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 25-32** Methuselah signifies, he dies, there is a dart,' a sending forth,' namely, of the deluge, which came the year that Methuselah died. He lived 969 years, the longest that any man ever lived on earth; but the longest liver must die at last. Noah signifies rest; his parents gave him that name, with a prospect of his being a great blessing to his generation. Observe his father's complaint of the calamitous state of human life, by the entrance of sin, and the curse of sin. Our whole life is spent in labour, and our time filled up with continual toil. God having cursed the ground, it is as much as some can do, with the utmost care and pains, to get a hard livelihood out comfort us." It signifies not only that desire and expectation which parents generally have about their children, that they will be comforts to them and helpers, though they often prove otherwise; but it signifies also a prospect of something more. Is Christ ours? Is heaven ours? We need better comforters under our toil and sorrow, than the dearest relations and the most promising offspring; may we seek and find comforts in Christ.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714). Public Domain.

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 5:25 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 5:25

Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge