Genesis chapter 5 contains the genealogical record of Adam to Noah. A familiar phrase is found 8 times in this chapter – “and he died.” When men like Joshua and David said, “I am going the way of all the earth” (Josh. 23:14; 1 Kings 2:2), they were referring to their approaching deaths as a common experience of all mankind (Heb. 9:27).

The phrase “and he died” is found 8 times in Genesis chapter 5, but there are 9 men who are mentioned in the chapter. Of Enoch it is said, “So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him” (Gen. 5:23-24). What exactly happened to Enoch?

Hebrews 11:5 clarifies the matter for us. “By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, ‘and was not found, because God had taken him’; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God” (emphasis mine – HR). Enoch did not experience physical death.

One interesting note about Enoch’s being taken in Genesis 5 is that it is the first evidence in the Bible that man continues to exist after his physical life on earth is over. Enoch did not cease to exist. He was taken from this world to another place. This begins the Bible’s teaching on man’s eternal existence.

Job asked, “If a man dies, shall he live again?” (Job 14:14), to which Jesus later responded, “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth - those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation” (John 5:28-29). This physical life is not the entirety of our existence; it is just the beginning. Are you planning for eternity?