Old Testament
Genesis 5:13
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, we learn about Kenan, who lived for a remarkable 840 years after the birth of his son Mahalalel.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
After Mahalalel was born, Kenan lived another 840 years and had other sons and daughters.
And Cainan lived after he begat Mahalaleel eight hundred and forty years, and begat sons and daughters:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we learn about Kenan, who lived for a remarkable 840 years after the birth of his son Mahalalel. This long lifespan highlights the ancient context of the Bible, where people lived much longer than we do today. Kenan's life was not just about living; it was also about family, as he had other sons and daughters during this time. The mention of his children emphasizes the importance of family and legacy. Each generation builds upon the last, creating a rich tapestry of relationships and experiences. Kenan's story reminds us that life is not just about our own journey but also about the impact we have on those who come after us. It encourages us to think about how we can contribute to our families and communities. The passage invites us to reflect on our own lives and the legacies we are creating for future generations. Kenan's long life serves as a backdrop for understanding the significance of family ties and the continuity of life through generations, which is a universal theme.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Genesis 5:13 to your life
Consider how your actions today will affect your family and community in the future. Think about the values and lessons you want to pass on. Engage with your loved ones and create lasting memories that will shape their lives positively. Your legacy starts now, so make it meaningful and impactful for those who follow you. Keep building connections that matter, as they will last beyond your lifetime. Embrace the importance of family.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 5:13 say about Kenan's lifespan?
Genesis 5:13 states that Kenan lived for 840 years after the birth of his son Mahalalel. This verse highlights the extraordinary lifespans of people in the early biblical narrative, illustrating a time when longevity was common.
Why is Kenan's family mentioned in Genesis 5:13?
The mention of Kenan's other sons and daughters in Genesis 5:13 emphasizes the importance of family and legacy in biblical times. It shows that Kenan's life was not only about his own existence but also about the relationships he built and the impact he had on future generations.
What can we learn about legacy from Genesis 5:13?
Genesis 5:13 teaches us that our lives are interconnected with those of our families. It encourages us to consider the values and lessons we pass on to our children and loved ones, reminding us that our actions today shape the future for those who follow.
How does Genesis 5:13 relate to the theme of continuity?
Genesis 5:13 illustrates the theme of continuity by showing how each generation contributes to the next. Kenan's long life and his children signify the ongoing cycle of life, family, and the importance of maintaining connections across generations.
The Book of Genesis
Genesis 1: Creation
God creates the heaven and the earth, and the earth is without form and void, covered in darkness as His Spirit moves upon the waters. He speaks light into existence, separates it from darkness, and names them Day and Night. He divides the waters with a firmament called Heaven, gathers the lower waters to reveal dry land called Earth, and commands the earth to bring forth grass, herbs, and fruit trees yielding seed after their kind. He sets the sun, moon, and stars in the firmament to divide day from night, to give light, and to mark seasons, days, and years. He fills the waters with living creatures and the air with fowl, blessing them to multiply, then creates cattle, creeping things, and beasts of the earth. Finally, He creates man in His own image, male and female, gives them dominion over all living things, and appoints every herb and tree for food, and He sees that all He has made is very good.
Unlock the full Genesis summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Genesis — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 50 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Genesis summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.