Illustration created for this project.
Enosh
Son of Seth; in his days people 'began to call upon the name of the Lord'.
What we know — and how we know it
Bible — stated in scripture (with verse) · 1
Scholarly — supported scholarly belief · 2
Family & lineage
ScholarlyThe notice that in Enosh's day 'people began to call on the name of the LORD' has been much discussed by textual and rabbinic scholars, some of whom (following a strand in the Targumim and Genesis Rabbah) read it inversely as the beginning of idolatry rather than of true worship.
Targum Onqelos / Genesis Rabbah 23:7 interpretive tradition on Gen 4:26.
Name & titles
ScholarlyThe Hebrew name Enosh (אֱנוֹשׁ) is a common noun meaning 'man' or 'mortal,' carrying connotations of human frailty and weakness, in contrast to the more generic 'adam. The name's placement in the genealogy is often read as underscoring humanity's mortality.
Standard Hebrew lexicography (BDB, HALOT) on the root 'nsh / 'enosh; onomastic point.