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)
This verse marks a subtle but profound shift: the name Enosh (meaning "mortal" or simply "man") is given to Seth's son, highlighting humanity's frailty. More significantly, this is when "men began to call upon the name of the LORD," implying a new, more conscious, and possibly public way of worship was emerging, distinguishing these faithful from the increasing ungodliness.
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)
Following Cain's murder of Abel and his subsequent banishment, Seth is born to Adam and Eve as a replacement for Abel. This lineage, traced through Seth and his son Enosh, marks a significant shift. It's during Enosh's time that humanity, particularly within Seth's line, begins to openly and collectively acknowledge and worship the LORD.
Why would Seth name his son 'miserable man'?
The name 'Enosh' (often translated 'mortal' or 'miserable man') given to Seth's son is more than just a name; it's a theological statement about the human condition.
A Fragile Existence
This name sets the stage for understanding the necessity and beauty of calling upon the LORD.
Was this truly the first time anyone prayed to God?
The phrase 'then began men to call upon the name of the LORD' doesn't mean prayer or worship started here from scratch. Instead, it signifies a crucial shift:
From Private to Public Worship
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What does it mean to be 'called by the name of the LORD'?
This pivotal moment marks a significant turning point in human history – the formal beginning of a distinct community dedicated to worshipping the LORD.
The 'Sons of God'
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.
This verse marks a pivotal moment where distinct, organized worship of God begins, separating a more faithful lineage from the growing corruption of humanity. It highlights the importance of actively invoking God's name, not just as a personal act, but as a communal practice.
c. 4004 BC
Creation and Fall
God creates the world and humanity, but Adam and Eve disobey, leading to their expulsion from Eden and the introduction of sin and death.
c. 3980 BC
Birth of Cain and Abel
Adam and Eve's first two sons are born. Abel becomes a shepherd, Cain a farmer. They offer sacrifices to God, but only Abel's is accepted.
c. 3970 BC
Cain Murders Abel
Cain, filled with jealousy, murders his brother Abel, becoming the first murderer and an outcast from God's presence.
c. 3960 BC
Birth of Enoch and City Building
Cain's descendants begin to establish cities and develop arts, moving further away from God.
c. 3870 BC
Birth of Seth
Adam and Eve have another son, Seth, whom they see as a replacement for Abel and a continuation of God's line.
c. 3760 BC— this verse
Birth of Enosh
Seth's son Enosh is born. It is at this time that people began to explicitly call upon the name of the LORD.
This passage directly quotes Enoch, who prophesied about judgment. This connects to the growing spiritual distinction and potential judgment implied by men beginning to call on the Lord's name.
Psalm 105:1This Psalm calls on readers to 'call on the name of the LORD; declare his works among the peoples.' It echoes the sentiment of Genesis 4:26, emphasizing the importance of invoking God's name and making His deeds known.
1 Corinthians 1:2Paul addresses the 'church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.' This highlights the concept of 'calling on the name of the Lord' as a defining characteristic of believers, linking it to community and holiness.
Malachi 3:16This verse speaks of those who 'feared the LORD and spoke one with another,' and that the LORD 'heard them and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the LORD and thought on his name.' It shows a parallel of people distinguishing themselves by their reverence for God and their communion, similar to the emergence described in Genesis 4:26.
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…
This verse marks a subtle but profound shift: the name Enosh (meaning "mortal" or simply "man") is given to Seth's son, highlighting humanity's frailty. More significantly, this is when "men began to call upon the name of the LORD," implying a new, more conscious, and possibly public way of worship was emerging, distinguishing these faithful from the increasing ungodliness.
Following Cain's murder of Abel and his subsequent banishment, Seth is born to Adam and Eve as a replacement for Abel. This lineage, traced through Seth and his son Enosh, marks a significant shift. It's during Enosh's time that humanity, particularly within Seth's line, begins to openly and collectively acknowledge and worship the LORD.
Following Cain's murder of Abel and his subsequent banishment, Seth is born to Adam and Eve as a replacement for Abel. This lineage, traced through Seth and his son Enosh, marks a significant shift. It's during Enosh's time that humanity, particularly within Seth's line, begins to openly and collectively acknowledge and worship the LORD.
"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." — This verse marks a subtle but profound shift: the name Enosh (meaning "mortal" or simply "man") is given to Seth's son, highlighting humanity's frailty. More significantly, this is when "men began to…
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Last reviewed October 2026