King James Version

What Does Genesis 4:23 Mean?

Genesis 4:23 in the King James Version says “And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have s...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Genesis 4:23 · KJV

Context

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.

25

And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew. Seth: Heb. Sheth: that is Appointed, or, Put

Read Genesis 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my ... 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 this verse contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 17

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֶ֔מֶךְ2 of 17

“And Lamech”

H3929

lemek, the name of two antediluvian patriarchs

נְשֵׁ֣י3 of 17

“unto his wives”

H802

a woman

עָדָ֤ה4 of 17

“Adah”

H5711

adah, the name of two women

וְצִלָּה֙5 of 17

“and Zillah”

H6741

tsillah, an antediluvian woman

שְׁמַ֣עַן6 of 17

“Hear”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

קוֹלִ֔י7 of 17

“my voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

נְשֵׁ֣י8 of 17

“unto his wives”

H802

a woman

לֶ֔מֶךְ9 of 17

“And Lamech”

H3929

lemek, the name of two antediluvian patriarchs

הַאְזֵ֖נָּה10 of 17

“hearken”

H238

to broaden out the ear (with the hand), i.e., (by implication) to listen

אִמְרָתִ֑י11 of 17

“unto my speech”

H565

an utterance

כִּ֣י12 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִ֤ישׁ13 of 17
H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

הָרַ֙גְתִּי֙14 of 17

“for I have slain”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

לְפִצְעִ֔י15 of 17

“to my wounding”

H6482

a wound

וְיֶ֖לֶד16 of 17

“and a young man”

H3206

something born, i.e., a lad or offspring

לְחַבֻּרָתִֽי׃17 of 17

“to my hurt”

H2250

properly, bound (with stripes), i.e., a weal (or black-and-blue mark itself)

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 4:23 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 4:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 23:18Leviticus 19:18Exodus 20:13Judges 9:7

Test Your Knowledge

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

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