Methushael 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. Methushael's lineage is part of the antediluvian (pre-Flood) generations, which are detailed in Genesis 4.

Genealogy and Name Meaning

Methushael is the son of Mehujael and the father of Lamech, as recorded in Genesis 4:18: "To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad was the father of Mehujael, and Mehujael was the father of Methushael, and Methushael was the father of Lamech." His name, Methushael, is of Hebrew origin and is often interpreted to mean "Man of God" or "Who is of God," reflecting a theophoric element common in ancient Hebrew names.

Context in Genesis

Methushael is part of the line of Cain, which is distinct from the line of Seth, another son of Adam and Eve. The Cainite genealogy is notable for its cultural and technological advancements, as well as its moral decline. Methushael's grandson, Lamech, is particularly known for his boastful declaration of vengeance, which is recorded in Genesis 4:23-24. This passage highlights the increasing violence and moral corruption in the line of Cain, contrasting with the godly line of Seth, which leads to Noah.

Cultural and Theological Significance

Methushael's mention in the Bible, though brief, contributes to the broader narrative of the early chapters of Genesis, which depict the spread of sin and its consequences in the world. The genealogies serve to trace the development of human civilization and the divergence between those who follow God's ways and those who do not. Methushael's place in the genealogy underscores the theme of human rebellion against God, a motif that is central to the early biblical narrative.

Comparison with Other Genealogies

The genealogy of Cain, including Methushael, is often compared with the genealogy of Seth found in Genesis 5. While both genealogies list ten generations, the line of Seth culminates in Noah, a righteous man who finds favor with God and is chosen to survive the Flood. In contrast, the line of Cain, including Methushael, is marked by increasing wickedness, culminating in the figure of Lamech.

Legacy

Methushael's legacy is primarily tied to his place within the Cainite genealogy. While the Bible does not provide extensive details about his life or deeds, his inclusion in the genealogical record serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between human free will, sin, and divine providence. Methushael's account, like those of many early biblical figures, invites reflection on the nature of humanity's relationship with God and the consequences of turning away from divine guidance.METHUSHAEL

me-thu'-sha-el (methusha'el): A descendant of Cain, and father of Lamech in the Cainite genealogy (Genesis 4:18). The meaning of the name is doubtful. Dillmann suggested "suppliant or man of God."

4967. Methushael -- "man of God," a descendant of Cain
... Methushael. 4968 . "man of God," a descendant of Cain. Transliteration: Methushael
Phonetic Spelling: (meth-oo-shaw-ale') Short Definition: Methushael. ...
/hebrew/4967.htm - 6k

Chapter iv
... Adam Adam Cain Seth Enoch Enosh Irad Kenan Mehujael Mahalalel Methushael Jared Lamech
Enoch Jabal-Jubal-Tubal Cain Methuselah Lamech Noah Shem-Ham-Japheth. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter iv.htm

Methushael (1 Occurrence)
...METHUSHAEL. me-thu'-sha-el (methusha'el): A descendant of Cain, and father of Lamech
in the Cainite genealogy (Genesis 4:18). ...Methushael (1 Occurrence). ...
/m/methushael.htm - 7k

Lamech (11 Occurrences)
... 24. Here Lamech, the son of Methushael, is named as the last of the descendants
of Cain. ... Mehujael became the father of Methushael. Methushael...
/l/lamech.htm - 12k

Me-thu'sha-el (1 Occurrence)
Me-thu'sha-el. Methushael, Me-thu'sha-el. Methushelah . ... Mehujael became the
father of Methushael. Methushael became the father of Lamech. (See RSV). ...
/m/me-thu'sha-el.htm - 6k

Lemech (9 Occurrences)
... Lemech (9 Occurrences). Genesis 4:18 And to Enoch was born Irad; and Irad begot
Mehujael; and Mehujael begot Methushael; and Methushael begot Lemech. (DBY). ...
/l/lemech.htm - 8k

Irad (1 Occurrence)
... Genesis 4:18 To Enoch was born Irad. Irad became the father of Mehujael. Mehujael
became the father of Methushael. Methushael became the father of Lamech. ...
/i/irad.htm - 7k

Enoch (18 Occurrences)
... Genesis 4:18 To Enoch was born Irad. Irad became the father of Mehujael. Mehujael
became the father of Methushael. Methushael became the father of Lamech. ...
/e/enoch.htm - 15k

Me-hu'ja-el (1 Occurrence)
... Irad became the father of Mehujael. Mehujael became the father of Methushael.
Methushael became the father of Lamech. (See RSV). ...
/m/me-hu'ja-el.htm - 6k

Mehujael (1 Occurrence)
... Irad became the father of Mehujael. Mehujael became the father of Methushael.
Methushael became the father of Lamech. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/m/mehujael.htm - 7k

Begot (119 Occurrences)
... Begot (119 Occurrences). Genesis 4:18 And to Enoch was born Irad; and Irad begot
Mehujael; and Mehujael begot Methushael; and Methushael begot Lemech. ...
/b/begot.htm - 30k

Patriarchs (6 Occurrences)
...Methushael is written in the Septuagint exactly as is Methuselah; but both names
are fully established by textual evidence and are fine Semitic names. ...
/p/patriarchs.htm - 37k

Who was Lamech in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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