Genesis 11:11 - Longevity after fatherhood's blessing?

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Hebrew Text

וַיְחִי־שֵׁם אַחֲרֵי הוֹלִידוֹ אֶת־אַרְפַּכְשָׁד חֲמֵשׁ מֵאוֹת שָׁנָה וַיּוֹלֶד בָּנִים וּבָנוֹת׃

English Translation

and Shem lived after he begot Arpakhshad five hundred years, and begot sons and daughters.

Transliteration

Vayechi-shem acharei holid et-Arpachshad chamesh me'ot shanah vayoled banim uvanot.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַֽיְחִי־שֵׁ֗ם אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת־אַרְפַּכְשָׁ֔ד חֲמֵ֥שׁ מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת׃ {ס}

Parasha Commentary

Commentary on Bereishit 11:11 - The Longevity of Shem

The verse states: "And Shem lived after he begot Arpakhshad five hundred years, and begot sons and daughters." This follows the pattern of the genealogical records in Parshas Noach, detailing the lifespan and progeny of the generations from Noach to Avraham.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereishit 11:11) notes that the Torah emphasizes Shem's lifespan after the birth of Arpakhshad to teach that all the years of his life were meaningful—both before and after becoming a father. Unlike others whose later years might be considered less significant, Shem remained spiritually productive throughout his long life.

The Significance of Shem's Lifespan

Continuity of Tradition: Shem, as the son of Noach and ancestor of Avraham, played a crucial role in transmitting monotheistic belief and moral teachings. His longevity allowed him to influence multiple generations directly (Midrash Tanchuma, Noach 5).
Bridge Between Eras: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 69b) calculates that Shem overlapped with Avraham’s lifetime, suggesting he was a teacher of Torah values to the Avos (forefathers). Ramban (Bereishit 11:11) adds that Shem’s extended life symbolized divine providence in preserving the lineage leading to the Jewish people.

Spiritual Legacy Over Quantity

While the verse mentions that Shem had "sons and daughters," their names are omitted, unlike Arpakhshad, who is part of the Messianic lineage. This teaches that spiritual impact—not just biological continuity—defines true legacy (Sforno, Bereishit 11:11). The focus on Arpakhshad highlights the selective transmission of holiness through specific descendants.

Comparative Longevity

Shem’s lifespan (600 years total) is shorter than his ancestors (e.g., Noach lived 950 years) but longer than later generations. The gradual decrease in lifespan, as noted by Chazal (Berachos 8a), reflects the spiritual decline before Avraham’s era and the diminishing vitality of the post-flood world (Rambam, Moreh Nevuchim 2:47).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah mention how long Shem lived after having Arpakhshad?
A: The Torah records the years Shem lived after Arpakhshad to show the continuity of generations and the fulfillment of God's blessing to be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 9:1). Rashi explains that these details connect the lineage from Noah to Abraham, emphasizing the transmission of tradition through righteous descendants.

Q: What is the significance of Shem having more children after Arpakhshad?
A: Shem having more children after Arpakhshad demonstrates that he continued fulfilling the mitzvah of 'pru u'revu' (be fruitful and multiply). The Rambam teaches that procreation is the first mitzvah given to mankind, and Shem's longevity allowed him to raise many generations in righteousness.

Q: How old was Shem when he died according to this verse?
A: The verse states Shem lived 500 years after Arpakhshad's birth. Earlier in Genesis 11:10, we learn Shem was 100 when Arpakhshad was born. Therefore, Shem lived to be 600 years old (100 + 500). This is consistent with the long lifespans before the flood gradually decreasing afterward.

Q: Why does the Torah mention both sons and daughters for Shem?
A: The Torah specifies both sons and daughters to show the complete fulfillment of God's blessing of fertility. The Midrash teaches that every mention of children in the Torah includes both genders, even when not specified. Listing both here emphasizes the growth of humanity after the flood.

Q: What lesson can we learn from Shem's long life after fathering Arpakhshad?
A: Shem's 500 years of productivity after Arpakhshad teaches that one's spiritual mission continues throughout life. The Talmud (Avot 5:21) notes that at 100 one is as if dead and passed on - yet Shem remained active. This shows we must use all our years for Torah and mitzvot, regardless of age.