King James Version

What Does Genesis 4:22 Mean?

Genesis 4:22 in the King James Version says “And Zillah, she also bare Tubalcain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubalcain was...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Zillah, she also bare Tubalcain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubalcain was Naamah. instructer: Heb. whetter”

Genesis 4:22 · KJV

Context

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.

22

And Zillah, she also bare Tubalcain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubalcain was Naamah. instructer: Heb. whetter

23

And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt. I have: or, I would slay a man in my wound, etc to my hurt: or, in my hurt

24

If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold.

Read Genesis 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Zillah, she also bare Tubal-cain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the si... 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. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְצִלָּ֣ה1 of 16

“And Zillah”

H6741

tsillah, an antediluvian woman

גַם2 of 16
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

הִ֗וא3 of 16
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יָֽלְדָה֙4 of 16

“she also bare”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

אֶת5 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

תּ֣וּבַל6 of 16
H0
קַ֖יִן7 of 16

“Tubalcain”

H8423

tubal-kajin, an antidiluvian patriarch

לֹטֵ֕שׁ8 of 16

“an instructer”

H3913

properly, to hammer out (an edge), i.e., to sharpen

כָּל9 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

חֹרֵ֥שׁ10 of 16

“of every artificer”

H2794

a fabricator or mechanic

נְחֹ֖שֶׁת11 of 16

“in brass”

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

וּבַרְזֶ֑ל12 of 16

“and iron”

H1270

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

וַֽאֲח֥וֹת13 of 16

“and the sister”

H269

a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)

תּֽוּבַל14 of 16
H0
קַ֖יִן15 of 16

“Tubalcain”

H8423

tubal-kajin, an antidiluvian patriarch

נַֽעֲמָֽה׃16 of 16

“was Naamah”

H5279

naamah, the name of a place in palestine

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 4:22 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 4:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 2:7Deuteronomy 33:25Numbers 31:22Deuteronomy 8:9Exodus 25:3

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

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