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Book of Genesis - Chapter 5 - Verse 17

5:17
And all the days of Mahalaleel were eight hundred ninety and five years: and he died.

Meaning

According to the book of Genesis in the Bible, the verse "And all the days of Mahalaleel were eight hundred ninety and five years: and he died." reveals the lifespan of Mahalaleel, who was a descendant of Adam and Eve. In the genealogy of Genesis, Mahalaleel is listed as the son of Kenan and the father of Jared. This verse is part of a series of genealogies that trace the lineage of various figures from the creation story. The mention of Mahalaleel living for 895 years before his death is significant because it reflects the long lifespans attributed to early figures in the Bible. These lengthy lifespans are believed to symbolize the importance and significance of these individuals in the lineage leading up to key figures such as Abraham and eventually Jesus Christ.

Theological Overview

In the book of Genesis, Mahalaleel is mentioned as one of the descendants of Adam. According to the verse, Mahalaleel lived for eight hundred and ninety-five years before passing away. This extreme age may seem fantastical to some, but in the context of the genealogies found in the Bible, such long lifespans are common. The theological interpretation of Mahalaleel's longevity may point to the idea of a closer connection to the divine, as Adam and his descendants in the early chapters of Genesis are portrayed as having a more direct relationship with God. Some scholars also suggest that these long lifespans serve a symbolic rather than a literal purpose, highlighting the importance and significance of these figures in the genealogy leading up to Noah and the great flood. Additionally, a word study on the name Mahalaleel reveals that it can be translated to mean "the praise of God," which could also offer insight into the character and purpose of this individual in the biblical narrative.

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