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Beginnings of Civilization

17 Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch, and he built a city and named it Enoch after his son Enoch.(A) 18 To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad was the father of Mehujael, and Mehujael the father of Methushael, and Methushael the father of Lamech.(B) 19 Lamech took two wives; the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. 20 Adah bore Jabal; he was the ancestor of those who live in tents and have livestock. 21 His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the ancestor of all those who play the lyre and pipe. 22 Zillah bore Tubal-cain, who made all kinds of bronze and iron tools. The sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah.

23 Lamech said to his wives:

“Adah and Zillah, hear my voice;
    you wives of Lamech, listen to what I say:
I have killed a man for wounding me,
    a young man for striking me.(C)
24 If Cain is avenged sevenfold,
    truly Lamech seventy-sevenfold.”(D)

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From Cain to Lamech

17 Later, Cain had sexual relations with[a] his wife. She became pregnant and gave birth to Enoch. Cain[b] founded a city and named it after[c] his son Enoch. 18 Irad was born to Enoch. Irad fathered Mehujael, and Mehujael fathered Methushael, and Methushael fathered Lamech. 19 Later, Lamech married two wives. One was named Adah and the other was named[d] Zillah. 20 Adah gave birth to Jabal, who became the ancestor of those who live in tents and herd[e] livestock. 21 His brother was named Jubal; he became the ancestor of all those who play the lyre and the flute. 22 Zillah gave birth to Tubal-cain, who became a forger of bronze and iron work. Tubal-cain’s sister was Naamah. 23 Lamech told his wives,

“Adah and Zillah, listen to what I have to say:
    You wives of Lamech, hear what I’m announcing!
I’ve killed a man for wounding me,
    a young man for bruising me.
24 For if Cain is being avenged seven times,
    then Lamech will be avenged[f] 77 times.”

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Footnotes

  1. Genesis 4:17 Lit. Cain knew
  2. Genesis 4:17 Lit. He
  3. Genesis 4:17 Lit. called its name after the name of
  4. Genesis 4:19 Lit. the name of the second was
  5. Genesis 4:20 The Heb. lacks herd
  6. Genesis 4:24 The Heb. lacks will be avenged