What Can We Learn from Jared?
When Jared had lived 162 years, he fathered Enoch. Jared lived after he fathered Enoch 800 years and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Jared were 962 years, and he died.
Key Facts
Term Name
Jared
Role
Patriarch in the line from Adam to Noah
Born
c. 2240 BC
Died
c. 1278 BC
Key Takeaways
- Jared was a patriarch in the genealogy from Adam to Noah, living 962 years.
- He fathered Enoch, whose faithfulness is highlighted in Hebrews 11:5-6.
- Jared's lineage underscores the continuity of God's covenantal promises to Noah.
Who Was Jared in the Bible?
Jared is listed as a significant patriarch in Genesis 5, known for fathering Enoch and living 962 years according to Genesis 5:18-20.
He appears in the genealogy between Methuselah and Enoch, reflecting the long lifespans of pre-Flood generations. While his biblical narrative is brief, his lineage underscores the continuity of God’s covenantal promises leading to Noah.
Jared and the Line of Enoch
Jared’s role as Enoch’s father anchors him in the biblical narrative of faithful lineage recorded in Genesis 5:18-20.
Genesis 5:18-20 states that Jared lived 162 years before fathering Enoch, emphasizing the extended lifespans of pre-Flood patriarchs while positioning Enoch as a pivotal figure in this genealogy. The text notes Jared’s own lifespan of 962 years, mirroring the pattern of longevity among these ancestors. This context underscores the significance of Enoch’s later ‘walking with God’ (Genesis 5:22-24), as Jared’s lineage directly connects Adam’s line to Noah through this spiritually notable figure.
By linking Jared to Enoch’s righteousness, Genesis highlights a theological thread of covenantal continuity. This connection invites reflection on how patriarchal roles shaped the spiritual legacy preserved through the Flood narrative.
What We Can Learn From Jared
Jared’s life, though briefly recorded, offers insights into the quiet persistence of faith and the importance of spiritual legacy in Scripture.
As the father of Enoch (Genesis 5:18-20), Jared’s story underscores how patriarchal roles shaped the continuity of God’s redemptive plan, even when individuals are not central to the narrative. His 962-year lifespan, like other pre-Flood patriarchs, symbolizes the extended time God granted for faith to take root and multiply. While Jared himself is not named in Hebrews 11’s 'Hall of Faith,' his lineage directly connects to Enoch, whose faithfulness is celebrated there (Hebrews 11:5-6). This linkage invites reflection on how ordinary figures in Scripture contribute to the broader tapestry of faith, trusting God’s promises across generations.
Further Reading
Key Scripture Mentions
Genesis 5:18-20
Records Jared's lifespan and fathering of Enoch, emphasizing pre-Flood longevity.
Related Concepts
Enoch (Figures)
Jared's son, known for walking with God and being taken directly to heaven (Genesis 5:24).
Covenantal Promises (Theological Concepts)
The continuity of God's promises through patriarchal lineages, as seen in Jared's connection to Noah.
Longevity (Terms)
The extended lifespans of pre-Flood patriarchs, symbolizing God's time for faith development.