Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Enosh live for 905 years?
A: According to Rashi and other commentaries, people in the early generations before the Flood lived much longer lives because the world was closer to its original, ideal state. The gradual shortening of lifespans (as seen later in the Torah) reflects the spiritual decline of humanity over time.
Q: What is the significance of the phrase 'and he died' in Genesis 5:11?
A: The Torah emphasizes 'and he died' for each generation in this chapter to teach that death is an inevitable consequence of Adam's sin in the Garden of Eden. The Midrash notes that this repetition serves as a reminder of human mortality and the importance of using our time wisely for Torah and mitzvot.
Q: Who was Enosh in the Torah?
A: Enosh was the grandson of Adam and son of Seth (Genesis 5:6-11). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 38b) discusses that during Enosh's time, idolatry began to spread in the world, marking a spiritual decline. Despite this, he lived a long life as part of the early generations before the Flood.
Q: Why does the Torah list the ages of these early generations?
A: The Rambam explains that listing the long lifespans of these generations shows how close they were to the original creation, when human potential was greater. The Sages also derive chronological calculations from these numbers to establish the timeline from Creation to major biblical events.
Q: How does Enosh's lifespan compare to later biblical figures?
A: Enosh's 905 years was typical for the pre-Flood generations (like his father Seth who lived 912 years). After the Flood, lifespans gradually decreased - Abraham lived 175 years, Moses 120 years. The Talmud (Rosh Hashana 11a) connects this decrease to spiritual changes in the world.
Longevity in the Generations Before the Flood
The verse states that Enosh lived 905 years, which aligns with the extended lifespans recorded in the generations before the Flood (Mabul). Rashi (Bereshit 5:11) notes that these lengthy lifespans were a manifestation of Divine kindness, allowing humanity more time to repent and correct their ways before the decree of the Flood. The Ramban (Bereshit 5:4) adds that the pre-Flood world had different atmospheric and physical conditions, which may have contributed to longevity.
The Spiritual Decline in the Days of Enosh
According to the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 23:7), Enosh's generation marked the beginning of idolatry. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 38b) elaborates that in his time, people started to worship celestial bodies, attributing divine power to creation rather than the Creator. Despite his long life, Enosh's spiritual legacy was tainted by this corruption, as his name is associated with the root אנש, implying human frailty and error.
Why the Torah Records His Death
The phrase "and he died" appears consistently in the genealogies of Bereshit Chapter 5. The Ibn Ezra (Bereshit 5:8) explains that this serves as a reminder of human mortality, contrasting with the eternal nature of Hashem. The Sforno (Bereshit 5:5) emphasizes that even those who lived nearly a millennium could not escape death, reinforcing the principle that physical life is temporary while spiritual deeds endure.
Lessons from Enosh’s Life