מְתוּשֶׁ֫לַח (me.tu.she.lach)
me.tu.she.lach
Methuselah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Methuselah is a proper name found in Genesis and I Chronicles, identifying the son of Enoch and father of Lamech. He appears in six verses as part of the genealogies tracing humanity from Adam through Noah. The sources suggest his name may mean "man of the dart," though this etymology remains a scholarly interpretation rather than a settled fact.
His significance lies primarily in his position within the pre-Flood lineage. As the sixth descendant from Seth, he bridges the early patriarchs and the generation that survived the floodwaters through his grandson Noah. The Greek New Testament preserves his name as Mathousala, confirming its stability across textual traditions.
Methuselah serves as a historical marker in biblical genealogy rather than a character with recorded dialogue or deeds. His inclusion emphasizes the continuity of God’s covenant promises through specific family lines before the disruption of the Flood.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Methuselah appears in Scripture not as a character with recorded dialogue, but as a vital link in the chain of generations that leads from Adam to Noah. His name is preserved in Genesis and Chronicles, marking a specific point in the lineage where God’s promises continued through Enoch and then Lamech. This steady recording of names reminds us that history is not random; it is held together by God’s faithful preservation of family lines.
When we read about his long life, we are reminded of the patience inherent in God’s timing. The centuries between Adam and the Flood were filled with ordinary moments—births, deaths, and daily walks with God—that prepared the way for future redemption. Methuselah’s place in this list shows how each generation matters in the broader story of salvation.
We can find comfort in knowing that our own lives are part of a larger narrative. Just as these ancient names were carefully kept so we could trace the path to Christ, our steps are known and valued by God. We do not need to perform great deeds to be significant; simply walking through our days in faithfulness connects us to the enduring hope of the Gospel.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Methuselah6×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְתוּשֶׁ֔לַח3×
- מְתוּשָֽׁלַח\׃1×
- מְתוּשֶׁ֗לַח1×
- מְתוּשֶׁ֖לַח1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 5:27
All the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty-nine years, then he died.
This verse records Methuselah's death at 969 years, serving as a historical marker for the end of that specific patriarchal generation before the Flood.
-
Genesis 5:21
Enoch lived sixty-five years, then became the father of Methuselah.
Here Methuselah is introduced as the son of Enoch, establishing his place in the lineage immediately following the one who 'walked with God'.
-
Genesis 5:26
Methuselah lived after he became the father of Lamech seven hundred eighty-two years, and became the father of other sons and daughters.
This verse highlights that after becoming the father of Lamech, Methuselah continued to have other children, emphasizing the continuity of the family line.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Methuselah mean?
Why is Methuselah included in the Bible?
How is Methuselah related to Enoch and Noah?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 2 books)
Genesis 5 verses
Enoch lived sixty-five years, then became the father of Methuselah.
Genesis 5:22After Methuselah’s birth, Enoch walked with God for three hundred years, and became the father of more sons and…
Genesis 5:25Methuselah lived one hundred eighty-seven years, then became the father of Lamech.
Genesis 5:26Methuselah lived after he became the father of Lamech seven hundred eighty-two years, and became the father of other…
Genesis 5:27All the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty-nine years, then he died.