Meaning & History
Enosh is a Hebrew name meaning "man, person, mortal," derived from the Hebrew word enosh (אֱנוֹשׁ). In the Old Testament (Genesis), Enosh is the son of Seth and the grandson of Adam, part of the genealogical line from Adam to Noah.
Etymology and Meaning
The name Enosh comes from the Hebrew root ʼnš, which conveys the idea of frailty or mortality. It is used in the Bible not only as a personal name but also as a common noun meaning "mankind" or "human being," emphasizing human weakness and dependence on God.
Biblical Context
According to Genesis 5, after Seth was born, Adam had other sons and daughters. Seth fathered Enosh, and then Enosh fathered Kenan. The genealogy of Genesis 5 (known as the genealogy from Adam to Noah) mentions that Enosh lived 905 years (Genesis 5:11). The name is also referenced in the lineage of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 3:38).
Variant Forms
In the Biblical Latin tradition, the name appears as Enos. It is also sometimes rendered as Enosh in modern Bible translations. While Enosh is not a common given name in English-speaking countries today, it has been used as a distinctive biblical name among some Christians, particularly within strict Protestant or Hebrew-root movements. The name is included among "Old Testament" names sometimes revived by Puritans and other groups seeking meaningful scriptural names.
- Meaning: Man, person, mortal
- Origin: Hebrew
- Type: First name, masculine
- Biblical Usage: Old Testament