King James Version

What Does Genesis 4:19 Mean?

Genesis 4:19 in the King James Version says “And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah.”

Genesis 4:19 · KJV

Context

17

And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch. Enoch: Heb. Chanoch

18

And unto Enoch was born Irad: and Irad begat Mehujael: and Mehujael begat Methusael: and Methusael begat Lamech. Lamech: Heb. Lemech

19

And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah.

20

And Adah bare Jabal: he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and of such as have cattle.

21

And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.

Read Genesis 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah.... This passage belongs to the primeval history section (Genesis 1-11) which establishes universal truths about God, humanity, sin, and divine purposes before focusing on Abraham and Israel. These chapters answer fundamental questions about human origins, the spread of wickedness, God's judgment, and the preservation of a righteous remnant.

Recurring patterns emerge: human sin escalating from individual disobedience to societal corruption, divine patience followed by judgment, gracious preservation of a remnant, and covenant promises ensuring redemptive purposes continue. The genealogies connect historical persons, demonstrate the fulfillment of divine promises (blessing and multiplication), and trace the line leading to Abraham and ultimately Christ.

Key theological themes in this section include: (1) sin's destructive progression affecting all humanity; (2) God's righteous judgment while preserving mercy; (3) human pride and autonomy opposing divine sovereignty; (4) cultural development as both blessing and potential idolatry; (5) God's sovereign plan advancing despite human rebellion. These narratives provide the necessary context for understanding God's calling of Abraham and the covenant promises through which all nations will be blessed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The primeval history (Genesis 1-11) parallels ancient Near Eastern traditions including Sumerian King Lists (pre-flood longevity), Akkadian flood traditions (Atrahasis, Gilgamesh), and Mesopotamian city foundation myths. However, Genesis demythologizes these traditions, presenting monotheistic history rather than polytheistic mythology. The genealogies connecting Adam to Noah to Abraham provide historical framework absent in pagan myths.

Archaeological evidence confirms ancient urbanization (chapter 4's cities), agricultural development, metallurgy, and musical instruments emerging in Mesopotamia's early history. The Babel account reflects Mesopotamian ziggurat construction (stepped pyramid temples), particularly in Babylon. Linguistic diversity requiring explanation was obvious to ancient peoples, making the Babel narrative culturally relevant.

For Israel in covenant with Yahweh, these chapters explained their relationship to surrounding nations. All peoples descended from Noah, but Israel descended from Shem through Abraham—chosen for blessing all nations. The flood demonstrated God's justice and mercy: judging wickedness while preserving the righteous. This pattern would recur throughout Israel's history, assuring them that God's covenant faithfulness endures despite judgment on the wicked.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַיִּֽקַּֽח1 of 11

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

ל֥וֹ2 of 11
H0
לֶ֖מֶךְ3 of 11

“And Lamech”

H3929

lemek, the name of two antediluvian patriarchs

שְׁתֵּ֣י4 of 11

“unto him two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

נָשִׁ֑ים5 of 11

“wives”

H802

a woman

וְשֵׁ֥ם6 of 11

“and the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

הָֽאַחַת֙7 of 11

“of the one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

עָדָ֔ה8 of 11

“was Adah”

H5711

adah, the name of two women

וְשֵׁ֥ם9 of 11

“and the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית10 of 11

“of the other”

H8145

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again

צִלָּֽה׃11 of 11

“Zillah”

H6741

tsillah, an antediluvian woman

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 4:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 4:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 2:24Matthew 19:4-6Matthew 19:8Genesis 2:18

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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