Complete Works of Philo Judaeus, Vol. 2

§. 12. Since Cain has begotten Enoch, and again a descendant of Seth is also named Enoch, we must consider whether these happen to be different people or the same. Let us investigate, along with these, the differences of other homonyms. For just as with Enoch, so too Methuselah and Lamech are descendants of Cain, but they are no less descendants of Seth. One must therefore know that each of the names mentioned, when translated, is twofold; Enoch is translated, as has been said, as "your grace"; Methuselah as "a sending away of death"; and Lamech as "humiliation." Now, "your grace" is said by some to refer to the mind within us, while by others it is said to refer to the mind of others, who are superior. Those who claim that everything related to thinking, perceiving, or speaking is a gift of their own soul, introducing an impious and godless opinion, should be assigned to the lineage of Cain, who, not being able to prevail by himself, dared to say that he had total possession of all other things. But those who do not appropriate the good things in creation to themselves, but attribute them to divine graces—being noble in truth, born not from those wealthy in ancient things but from those who are lovers of virtue—should be ranked under the leader Seth. The lineage of these is very displeasing, as they flee from a life that is 34 filled with passions and evils, and which is shifty, 1. lazy, crafty, and dissipated. For as many as God, having found them pleasing, has transferred and moved from corruptible to immortal natures, are no longer found among the multitude.