Enos
אֱנוֹשׁ/EE-nos/
“Mortal man, frail”
Summary
The son of Seth and grandson of Adam, in whose time people began to call upon the name of the Lord.
☩Life and Significance
Enos (or Enosh) was the son of Seth and grandson of Adam, who lived 905 years. The name means 'mortal man,' emphasizing human frailty in contrast to divine power. A significant statement is made about his time: 'Then began men to call upon the name of the Lord.' This may indicate the beginning of public worship, the distinguishing of believers from unbelievers, or (according to some Jewish interpreters) the profane use of God's name in idolatry. The first interpretation is most commonly accepted—that with Enos came a new development of organized worship.
Key verses:Genesis 4:26Genesis 5:6-11Luke 3:38
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Enos," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Enos," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).