Read the Daily Bible Verse Genesis 5:20 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey
Genesis 5:20 :
“And all the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty and two years: and he died.” – Genesis 5:20 (KJV)
Genesis 5:20 marks the end of Jared’s life, a man who lived 962 years. Though brief, this verse highlights the significance of Jared’s life and his role in the genealogical chain leading to Noah.
Genesis 5:20 KJV Background
The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, known for its poetic and formal language, has been a foundational text for Christian faith and scholarship. Genesis 5:20 in the KJV succinctly records the total lifespan of Jared, noting that he lived for 962 years and then died. The verse is part of a broader genealogical record, emphasizing the longevity of the early patriarchs and the continuity of God’s promise to humanity.
The KJV’s rendering of the verse is straightforward, providing a clear account of Jared’s life span, which, like many others in this chapter, reflects the pre-flood conditions where humans lived exceptionally long lives.
Genesis 5:20 Meaning
Genesis 5:20 is a concise statement marking the total lifespan of Jared. At 962 years, Jared lived one of the longest recorded lifespans in the Bible, surpassed only by Methuselah and a few others. The verse, while primarily factual, carries deeper implications about the nature of life, the impact of sin, and the ongoing narrative of God’s covenant with humanity.
The extended lifespan of Jared, like that of other early patriarchs, is often interpreted as a reflection of the pre-flood world, where conditions allowed for such longevity. Additionally, Jared’s long life symbolizes the patience and forbearance of God in allowing humanity time to fulfill their roles and responsibilities in His plan. The verse also serves as a sobering reminder of mortality, even for those who lived for centuries, as it ends with the phrase “and he died.”
See also: What Does Genesis 5:17 Mean?
Application of Genesis 5:20 in Life
Though Genesis 5:20 is a simple statement of Jared’s lifespan, it offers several applications for our lives today:
The Value of Life’s Duration: Jared’s 962 years remind us that the length of our lives is a gift from God. While we may not live as long today, each year, month, and day is an opportunity to live faithfully and fulfill God’s purpose for us.
Faithfulness Over Time: Jared’s long life emphasizes the importance of sustained faithfulness. Our walk with God is not a sprint but a marathon. We are called to remain faithful throughout our lives, making the most of the time we are given.
Mortality and Legacy: The phrase “and he died” is a reminder of the inevitability of death. No matter how long we live, our earthly lives will end. This should encourage us to focus on the legacy we leave behind—how we impact others, the values we instill in our families, and the faith we pass on to future generations.
Living with Purpose: Jared’s life, though summarized in just a few verses, was undoubtedly filled with experiences, challenges, and responsibilities. Like Jared, we should strive to live with purpose, seeking to fulfill God’s calling on our lives each day.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Genesis 5:20 can be compared with other biblical texts that discuss the themes of longevity, mortality, and faithfulness:
Psalm 90:10: “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” This verse contrasts the longevity of the patriarchs with the typical human lifespan today, emphasizing the brevity of life and the need to live wisely.
Ecclesiastes 3:2: “A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.” This passage reflects the cyclical nature of life and death, reminding us that, like Jared, every life has its appointed time.
Hebrews 9:27: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” This verse speaks to the inevitability of death and the importance of living in a way that honors God, knowing that we will one day stand before Him.
Genesis 9:29: “And all the days of Noah were nine hundred and fifty years: and he died.” Like Jared, Noah also lived a long life, but the focus is on the legacy and faithfulness of his life, rather than the length alone.
Modern Relevance
Genesis 5:20 continues to hold relevance in our modern context, offering timeless lessons for contemporary life:
Appreciating the Time We Have: In a world where time often seems scarce, Genesis 5:20 reminds us to appreciate the time we are given. Whether we live a short or long life, each moment is an opportunity to live out God’s purposes.
Legacy Beyond Longevity: The focus on Jared’s lifespan challenges us to think about the legacy we are building. In today’s fast-paced world, where success is often measured by immediate results, Genesis 5:20 encourages us to consider the long-term impact of our lives.
Faithfulness in the Ordinary: Jared’s life, though long, is not filled with dramatic events in the biblical record. This speaks to the value of faithfulness in the ordinary moments of life. We are called to be faithful in the everyday, trusting that God sees and values our consistent obedience.
Facing Mortality with Hope: The reminder of death in Genesis 5:20 is not meant to be morbid but to encourage us to live with eternity in mind. In a culture that often seeks to avoid or deny the reality of death, this verse invites us to face mortality with the hope and assurance of God’s promises.
Conclusion: Jared’s Life – A Testament to Enduring Faithfulness
Genesis 5:20, though it may appear as a simple record of Jared’s lifespan, carries deep significance. Jared’s life exemplifies the importance of longevity in faithfulness, the value of living with purpose, and the reality of mortality. As we reflect on this verse, we are reminded that our lives, no matter how long or short, are part of God’s grand narrative—a narrative that spans generations and carries eternal significance.
In our own lives, let us strive to live with the same enduring faithfulness as Jared, making the most of the time we are given, and leaving a legacy of faith for future generations.
Comments on Genesis 5:20
“Jared’s long life is a testament to God’s patience and forbearance with humanity, allowing ample time for repentance and faithfulness.”
“The longevity of the patriarchs, including Jared, reminds us of the blessings of God in the early world and the solemnity of the eventual judgment that follows every life.”
“Jared lived 962 years, but what matters most is not the length of his life, but the faithfulness with which he lived it. Let us take heed to live our lives with the same steadfastness.