Genesis 4:15-25

15 But the Lord answered, "No. If anyone kills you, seven lives will be taken in revenge." So the Lord put a mark on Cain to warn anyone who met him not to kill him.

16 And Cain went away from the Lord's presence and lived in a land called "Wandering," which is east of Eden.

17 Cain and his wife had a son and named him Enoch. Then Cain built a city and named it after his son.

18 Enoch had a son named Irad, who was the father of Mehujael, and Mehujael had a son named Methushael, who was the father of Lamech.

19 Lamech had two wives, Adah and Zillah.

20 Adah gave birth to Jabal, who was the ancestor of those who raise livestock and live in tents.

21 His brother was Jubal, the ancestor of all musicians who play the harp and the flute.

22 Zillah gave birth to Tubal Cain, who made all kinds of tools out of bronze and iron. The sister of Tubal Cain was Naamah.

23 Lamech said to his wives, "Adah and Zillah, listen to me: I have killed a young man because he struck me.

24 If seven lives are taken to pay for killing Cain, Seventy-seven will be taken if anyone kills me."

25 Adam and his wife had another son. She said, "God has given me a son to replace Abel, whom Cain killed." So she named him Seth.

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.

Footnotes

• [a]. who made all kinds of tools; [one ancient translation] ancestor of all metalworkers.
• [b]. seth: [This name sounds like the Hebrew for "has given."]