Old Testament
Genesis 5:8
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
Seth, the son of Adam and Eve, lived for an astonishing 912 years.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Seth lived a total of 912 years, and then he died.
And all the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years: and he died.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
Seth, the son of Adam and Eve, lived for an astonishing 912 years. His long life is a reminder of the early generations of humanity, where lifespans were significantly longer than what we see today. This verse marks the end of Seth's life, emphasizing the inevitability of death that comes to all people. Despite his lengthy existence, Seth, like everyone else, faced mortality. His life was part of a lineage that would continue to shape the world. The mention of his age serves as a historical marker, connecting us to the past and the stories of our ancestors. It invites us to reflect on the value of life and the legacy we leave behind. Seth's life, though it ended, contributed to the unfolding narrative of humanity, reminding us that every life has significance, no matter how long or short it may be. In the grand scheme, it encourages us to think about how we spend our time and what we will be remembered for after we are gone. Every moment counts, and every life matters.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Genesis 5:8 to your life
Consider how you spend your time and what legacy you want to leave behind. Life is finite, and every moment is precious. Reflect on your values and priorities, ensuring they align with how you want to be remembered. Make choices that enrich your life and the lives of others around you. Live intentionally and meaningfully every day, as time is a gift we all share.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 5:8 mean?
Genesis 5:8 states that Seth lived for 912 years and then died, highlighting the long lifespans of early humans and the inevitability of death. It serves as a reminder of mortality and the significance of each life lived.
What is the significance of Seth's age in Genesis 5:8?
Seth's age of 912 years in Genesis 5:8 illustrates the extraordinary lifespans of the early generations of humanity. This detail connects readers to the history of human existence and prompts reflection on the value of life and legacy.
How does Genesis 5:8 relate to the theme of mortality?
Genesis 5:8 underscores the theme of mortality by stating that Seth, despite living for 912 years, eventually died. This reflects the universal truth that all humans face death, regardless of their lifespan.
What can we learn from Genesis 5:8?
From Genesis 5:8, we learn about the importance of reflecting on our lives and the legacies we leave behind. It encourages us to consider how we spend our time and the impact we have on others.

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.
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