Enoch Walked With God: What Does Genesis 5:24 Mean?

Genesis 5:24 reads, “And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” King James Version (KJV)

TranslationGenesis 5:24
ESVEnoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.
NASBEnoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.
NIVEnoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.
NLTEnoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.

Also, see what does My Ways Are Not Your Ways mean in the Bible?

Enoch Walked With God: Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

5:21-24 Enoch was the seventh from Adam. Godliness is walking with God: which shows reconciliation to God, for two cannot walk together except they be agreed, Am 3:3.

It includes all the parts of a godly, righteous, and sober life. To walk with God, is to set God always before us, to act as always under his eye.

It is constantly to care, in all things to please God, and in nothing to offend him. It is to be followers of him as dear children.

The Holy Spirit, instead of saying, Enoch lived, says, Enoch walked with God. This was his constant care and work; while others lived to themselves and the world, he lived to God. It was the joy of his life. Enoch was removed to a better world.

As he did not live like the rest of mankind, so he did not leave the world by death as they did. He was not found, because God had translated him, Heb 11:5. He had lived but 365 years, which, as men’s ages were then, was but the midst of a man’s days.

God often takes those soonest whom he loves best; the time they lose on earth, is gained in heaven, to their unspeakable advantage.

See how Enoch’s removal is expressed: he was not, for God took him. He was not any longer in this world; he was changed, as the saints shall be, who are alive at Christ’s second coming.

Those who begin to walk with God when young, may expect to walk with him long, comfortably, and usefully.

The true Christian’s steady walk in holiness, through many a year, till God takes him, will best recommend that religion which many oppose and many abuse. And walking with God well agrees with the cares, comforts, and duties of life.

Also, see what does Sons of Issachar mean in the Bible?

Genesis 5:24 | Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

And Enoch walked with God—a common phrase in Eastern countries denoting constant and familiar intercourse.

was not; for God took him — In Heb 11:5, we are informed that he was translated to heaven — a mighty miracle, designed to effect what ordinary means of instruction had failed to accomplish, gave a palpable proof to an age of almost universal unbelief that the doctrines which he had taught (Jude 14, 15) were true and that his devotedness to the cause of God and righteousness in the midst of opposition was highly pleasing to the mind of God.

Also, see what does God Laughs at the Wicked mean in the Bible?

Daniel Isaiah Joseph

Daniel's seminary degree is in Exegetical Theology. He was a pastor for 10 years. As a professor, he has taught Bible and theology courses at two Christian universities. Please see his About page for details.

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