Genesis 4:16-26

16 So Cain went forth from the presence of God and dwelt in the land of Nod over against Edem.

17 And Cain knew his wife, and having conceived she bore Enoch; and he built a city; and he named the city after the name of his son, Enoch.

18 And to Enoch was born Gaidad; and Gaidad begot Maleleel; and Maleleel begot Mathusala; and Mathusala begot Lamech.

19 And Lamech took to himself two wives; the name of the one was Ada, and the name of the second Sella.

20 And Ada bore Jobel; he was the father of those that dwell in tents, feeding cattle.

21 And the name of his brother was Jubal; he it was who invented the psaltery and harp.

22 And Sella also bore Thobel; he was a smith, a manufacturer both of brass and iron; and the sister of Thobel was Noema.

23 And Lamech said to his wives, Ada and Sella, Hear my voice, ye wives of Lamech, consider my words, because I have slain a man to my sorrow and a youth to my grief.

24 Because vengeance has been exacted seven times on Cain's behalf, on Lamech's seventy times seven.

25 And Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore a son, and called his name Seth, saying, For God has raised up to me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew.

26 And Seth had a son, and he called his name Enos: he hoped to call on the name of the Lord God.

Genesis 4:16-26 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]. Or, was building.
• [b]. Gr. made known.
• [c]. Gr. she also.
• [d]. Gr. wound.
• [e]. Gr. hurt.
• [f]. Or, trusted, q.d. had faith to call &c.