Genesis 4:15-25

15 ADONAI answered him, "Therefore, whoever kills Kayin will receive vengeance sevenfold," and ADONAI put a sign on Kayin, so that no one who found him would kill him.

16 So Kayin left the presence of ADONAI and lived in the land of Nod [wandering], east of 'Eden.

17 Kayin had sexual relations with his wife; she conceived and gave birth to Hanokh. Kayin built a city and named the city after his son Hanokh.

18 To Hanokh was born 'Irad. 'Irad fathered Mechuya'el, Mechuya'el fathered Metusha'el, and Metusha'el fathered Lemekh.

19 Lemekh took himself two wives; the name of the one was 'Adah, while the name of the other was Tzilah.

20 'Adah gave birth to Yaval; he was the ancestor of those who live in tents and have cattle.

21 His brother's name was Yuval; and he was the ancestor of all who play lyre and flute.

22 Tzilah gave birth to Tuval-Kayin, who forged all kinds of tools from brass and iron; the sister of Tuval-Kayin was Na'amah.

23 Lemekh said to his wives, "'Adah and Tzilah, listen to me; wives of Lemekh, hear what I say: I killed a man for wounding me, a young man who injured me.

24 If Kayin will be avenged sevenfold, then Lemekh seventy-sevenfold!"

25 Adam again had sexual relations with his wife, and she gave birth to a son whom she named Shet [granted], "For God has granted me another seed in place of Hevel, since Kayin killed him."

Genesis 4:15-25 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 4

In this chapter an account is given of the two eldest children of Adam and Eve, their names and calling, Ge 4:1,2 and of their different offerings to the Lord, and the different respect had unto them by him, which in Cain issued in wrath and envy, which appeared in his countenance, and were taken notice of by the Lord, and about which he reasoned with him, Ge 4:3-7 but it had no effect upon him, he murdered his brother, upon which he was examined about him, but denied he knew anything of him where he was, Ge 4:8,9 he is arraigned, convicted and condemned, sentence passed upon him, and that executed, which he complains of, and is mitigated, or however a protection is granted him, and a mark set on him for his security, Ge 4:10-15 after which we have an account of his posterity for several generations, their names, and the business of some of them, Ge 4:16-24 and the chapter is closed with the birth of another son, and of a grandson to Adam and Eve, in whose days was the beginning of social religion.