Verse

Genesis 4:26

ESV To Seth also a son was born, and he called his name Enosh. At that time people began to call upon the name of the LORD.
NIV Seth also had a son, and he named him Enosh. At that time people began to call on the name of the LORD.
NASB To Seth also a son was born; and he named him Enosh. Then people began to call upon the name of the Lord.
CSB A son was born to Seth also, and he named him Enosh. At that time people began to call on the name of the Lord.
NLT When Seth grew up, he had a son and named him Enosh. At that time people first began to worship the Lord by name.
KJV And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.

What does Genesis 4:26 mean?

The next chapter will detail the descendants of Seth all of the way through to Noah. Judging by Lamech's story, Cain's legacy seems to be one of productive work and innovation, but also of arrogance and violence. Seth's line, though, includes several examples of people who were overtly faithful to God.

We will learn that Seth was 105 years old when his son Enosh was born. These first generations after the garden had extraordinarily long lifespans (and reproductive years) by our standards.

We're told that starting around the time of Enosh's birth, people began to call on or proclaim the name of the Lord. This may well have been a direct response, and certainly a contrast, to the descendants of Cain. As shown in prior verses, his offspring were deeply sinful. And, that sin would eventually spread to pollute almost the entire human race (Genesis 6:5).

Following Eve's example, the people of Seth apparently expressed their dependence on God and perhaps worshiped Him publicly.
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