Genesis 4:26
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights a significant turning point: "then began men to call upon the name of the LORD." This wasn't just about individual prayer, but the emergence of social and public worship, where groups of believers started gathering together in a more organized way to acknowledge God. This marked a conscious separation from the increasing wickedness of the world, forming distinct communities centered on calling on God's name.
Following Cain's murder of Abel and his subsequent banishment, humanity's trajectory bifurcated: one path led to increasing wickedness and the establishment of cities, while the other, through Adam and Eve's son Seth, sought to maintain connection with God. The birth of Seth's son, Enosh, marks a significant shift as people began to gather and formally call upon the Lord's name, distinguishing themselves from the growing corruption in the world.
The name Enosh, given to Seth's son, carries a profound meaning that speaks to the human experience. What does this name reveal about the state of humanity at this early stage?
The name Enosh (or Enos) is often interpreted to mean 'mortal,' 'frail,' or 'miserable.' This is significant given the context. Humanity had already experienced the Fall, with its consequences of sin, sorrow, and death.
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Genesis 4:26 famously declares, 'then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.' What does this 'beginning' signify in the history of faith?
This verse marks a pivotal moment: the emergence of more formalized, communal worship. While individuals undoubtedly prayed and communed with God before this, Genesis 4:26 points to a new era.
Understand the original words
Yahweh · Hebrew Proper Noun
The proper name of the God of Israel, the self-existent, covenant-keeping Creator who reveals Himself to His people. It signifies His holiness, faithfulness, and personal relationship with humanity.
qara' · Hebrew Verb
To invoke, proclaim, or make a public confession of God's character and authority. It often involves worship, prayer, and identifying oneself with God's people in the face of a fallen world.
Enosh · Hebrew Proper Noun
A term meaning 'man' or 'mortal,' emphasizing the inherent fragility, weakness, and mortality of human beings in contrast to the eternal nature of God.
The naming of Enosh and the statement 'then began men to call upon the name of the LORD' signify a turning point. It suggests a deliberate, perhaps more organized, and public way of worship emerged within the lineage of Seth, distinguishing them from the growing ungodliness of the world.
~300,000 BC - ~10,000 BC
Early Human Existence
The vast period before recorded history, during which early humans evolved and developed basic tools and social structures.
c. 4004 BC
Creation of Adam and Eve
God creates the first humans, Adam and Eve, and places them in the Garden of Eden.
c. 4003 BC
The Fall
Adam and Eve disobey God, leading to their expulsion from Eden and the introduction of sin and death into the world.
c. 3980 BC
Birth of Cain and Abel
Adam and Eve's first sons are born. Abel becomes a shepherd, and Cain a farmer.
c. 3970 BC
Murder of Abel
Cain, in jealousy, murders his brother Abel. This is the first recorded act of murder.
c. 3960 BC— this verse
Birth of Seth and Enosh
Adam and Eve's third son, Seth, is born. Seth's son, Enosh, is born later in this period. This marks a significant shift in the spiritual lineage.
This passage describes the faithful remembering the LORD and calling on His name, highlighting the enduring practice of public worship and remembrance of God's character, a continuation of the practice that began in Genesis 4:26.
Psalm 50:15This verse emphasizes that calling on the LORD in times of trouble is God's instruction, showing that seeking Him through prayer and worship is a direct command and a vital part of the relationship that began to be established in Genesis.
1 Corinthians 1:2This verse shows how the early church, like the people in Genesis, was set apart by 'calling on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,' indicating the consistent theme of identifying with God through His name.
Acts 2:21This prophecy, fulfilled at Pentecost, directly links salvation with calling on the name of the Lord, demonstrating how the practice initiated in Genesis is central to experiencing God's deliverance.
Jeremiah 10:25This passage contrasts the ungodly who do not call on the LORD's name with the righteous, reinforcing the distinction between those who invoke God and those who do not, a division that began to be clearly marked in Genesis.
gillGenesis 4:26: "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."
And to Seth, to him also there was born a son,.... When he was an hundred and five years old, Genesis 5:6 and this is mentioned as a further proof and instance of God's goodness to Adam's family in this line, that there was a succession in it, where the true worship of God was kept, and from whence the Messiah was to arise, and as a pledge and confirmatio…
clarkeGenesis 4:26: "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."
Then began men to call upon the name of the Lord - The marginal reading is, Then began men to call themselves by the name of the Lord; which words are supposed to signify that in the time of Enos the true followers of God began to distinguish themselves, and to be distinguished by others, by the appellation of sons of God; those of the other branch of Ada…
The verse highlights a significant turning point: "then began men to call upon the name of the LORD." This wasn't just about individual prayer, but the emergence of social and public worship, where groups of believers started gathering together in a more organized way to acknowledge God. This marked a conscious separation from the increasing wickedness of the world, forming distinct communities centered on calling on God's name.
Following Cain's murder of Abel and his subsequent banishment, humanity's trajectory bifurcated: one path led to increasing wickedness and the establishment of cities, while the other, through Adam and Eve's son Seth, sought to maintain connection with God. The birth of Seth's son, Enosh, marks a significant shift as people began to gather and formally call upon the Lord's name, distinguishing themselves from the growing corruption in the world.
Following Cain's murder of Abel and his subsequent banishment, humanity's trajectory bifurcated: one path led to increasing wickedness and the establishment of cities, while the other, through Adam and Eve's son Seth, sought to maintain connection with God. The birth of Seth's son, Enosh, marks a significant shift as people began to gather and formally call upon the Lord's name, distinguishing themselves from the growing corruption in the world.
"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." — The verse highlights a significant turning point: "then began men to call upon the name of the LORD." This wasn't just about individual prayer, but the emergence of social and public worship, whe…
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