Methusael is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogies of the Book of Genesis. He is a descendant of Cain, the firstborn son of Adam and Eve, who is known for committing the first murder by killing his brother Abel. Methusael is part of the lineage that traces the descendants of Cain, which is distinct from the line of Seth, another son of Adam and Eve.

Biblical Reference:

Methusael is mentioned in Genesis 4:18: "To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad was the father of Mehujael, and Mehujael was the father of Methusael, and Methusael was the father of Lamech."

Genealogical Context:

Methusael is the great-great-grandson of Cain. His lineage is significant as it highlights the development of human civilization outside of the line of Seth, which is traditionally associated with the faithful followers of God. Methusael's father, Mehujael, and his son, Lamech, are also part of this genealogy. Lamech is particularly notable for being the first polygamist mentioned in the Bible and for his boastful declaration of vengeance, which is recorded later in Genesis 4.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

The genealogy of Cain, including Methusael, serves to illustrate the spread of human culture and innovation, as well as the moral decline that accompanies it. This line is often contrasted with the descendants of Seth, who are portrayed as more faithful to God. The mention of Methusael and his family underscores the biblical theme of the duality of human nature—capable of both great achievements and profound sin.

Methusael's name, like many in the Bible, carries potential meaning. While the exact etymology is uncertain, some scholars suggest it could mean "Man of God" or "Man of El," with "El" being a common term for God in the Hebrew Bible. This name might reflect the cultural practice of attributing divine significance to individuals, even within a lineage marked by moral ambiguity.

Historical and Literary Context:

The account of Methusael and his ancestors is part of the early chapters of Genesis, which set the stage for the unfolding narrative of humanity's relationship with God. These genealogies are not merely historical records but are also theological constructs that convey deeper truths about human nature, sin, and redemption. Methusael's place in this genealogy highlights the complexity of human history as seen through the biblical lens, where both the potential for divine connection and the propensity for sin coexist.

In summary, Methusael is a minor yet significant figure within the broader narrative of Genesis, representing the continuation of Cain's line and the complexities of human development in the early biblical world. His mention in the genealogy serves as a reminder of the intertwined nature of human progress and moral challenges.Methusael

who demands his death

Methusael

(man of God), the son of Mehujael, fourth in descent from Cain, and father of Lamech. (Genesis 4:18)

Champion of El; man of God, a descendant of Cain (Genesis 4:18), so called, perhaps, to denote that even among the descendants of Cain God had not left himself without a witness. METHUSAEL

me-thu'-sa-el.

See METHUSHAEL.

4967. Methushael -- "man of God," a descendant of Cain
... Methusael. From math and 'el, with the relative interposed; man who (is) of God;
Methusael, an antediluvian patriarch -- Methusael. see HEBREW math. ...
/hebrew/4967.htm - 6k

How it is that Cain's Line Terminates in the Eighth Generation ...
... in which he reigned was built, would be the second; the third Irad, whom Enoch begat;
the fourth Mehujael, whom Irad begat; the fifth Methusael, whom Mehujael ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 20 how it is that.htm

Of the Two Fathers and Leaders who Sprang from one Progenitor.
... For we read, "Methusael begat Lamech. And Lamech took unto him two wives: the
name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 17 of the two fathers.htm

Bunsen's Biblical Researches.
... genealogies. As the man Adam begets Cain, the man Enos begets Cainan. Jared and
Man, Methuselah and Methusael, are similarly compared. Seth ...
/.../essays and reviews the education of the world/bunsens biblical researches.htm

The Life of Adam
... Then Enoch gat Irad, and Irad Mehujael, and he gat Methusael, and he gat Lameth,
which was the seventh from Adam and worst, for he brought in first bigamy. ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the life of adam.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

Methusael (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. METHUSAEL. me-thu'-sa-el. See METHUSHAEL.
Multi-Version Concordance Methusael (1 Occurrence). ...
/m/methusael.htm - 7k

Begat (112 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS). Genesis 4:18 And unto Enoch was born Irad: and Irad begat Mehujael:
and Mehujael begat Methusael: and Methusael begat Lamech. (KJV ASV WBS). ...
/b/begat.htm - 31k

Begotten (77 Occurrences)
... Genesis 4:18 And born to Enoch is Irad; and Irad hath begotten Mehujael; and Mehujael
hath begotten Methusael; and Methusael hath begotten Lamech. (YLT). ...
/b/begotten.htm - 33k

Methusala (1 Occurrence)

/m/methusala.htm - 6k

Methods (2 Occurrences)

/m/methods.htm - 6k

Mehujael (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Smitten by God, the son of Irad, and father of Methusael
(Genesis 4:18). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MEHUJAEL. ...
/m/mehujael.htm - 7k

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