What is the meaning of Genesis 5:16?

And after he had become the father of Jared

“After he had become the father of Jared” (Genesis 5:16) anchors Mahalalel’s life in a real, traceable lineage.

• Scripture treats these genealogies as literal history (see Genesis 5:1–5; Luke 3:34–37).

• Each name links God’s promise of a coming Deliverer all the way from Adam to Noah, showing an unbroken chain of faithfulness (compare Genesis 3:15 with Genesis 12:3).

• Jared’s birth moves the narrative one step closer to Enoch, who “walked with God” (Genesis 5:18, 24), underscoring how God preserves a righteous line even in a fallen world.

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Mahalalel lived 830 years

“...Mahalalel lived 830 years...” (Genesis 5:16) highlights extraordinary antediluvian longevity.

• These long lifespans are presented as historical fact (Genesis 5:5, 8, 11); nothing in the text hints at symbolism.

• Long life before the Flood reflects Earth’s original, though fading, goodness (compare Genesis 1:31 with Psalm 90:10, where lifespans have shortened).

• God’s patience is evident: extended years allowed humanity time to multiply and for a faithful remnant to testify to truth before judgment (2 Peter 3:8–9).

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and had other sons and daughters

“...and had other sons and daughters.” (Genesis 5:16) reveals a broad, growing family beyond the named heir.

• Scripture’s mandate to “Be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28; 9:1) is actively fulfilled.

• Mention of unnamed children reminds us that God values every life, even if the Bible spotlights only key figures (see Genesis 5:4; 35:22–26).

• Large families ensured the earth was populated rapidly in its earliest generations, setting the stage for future nations (Acts 17:26).

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summary

Genesis 5:16 assures us that Mahalalel was a real man in a real lineage, living an exceptionally long life, fathering many children, and advancing God’s redemptive plan. By tracing these details, we see the steady faithfulness of God, the literal history of early humanity, and the continual unfolding of His promise through ordinary yet essential lives.