King James Version

What Does Genesis 4:25 Mean?

Genesis 4:25 in the King James Version says “And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Genesis 4:25 · KJV

Context

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

26

And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD. Enos: Heb. Enosh to call: or, to call themselves by the name of the Lord

Read Genesis 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath ... 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 should this truth about City Building shape our daily decisions and priorities?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַיֵּ֨דַע1 of 22

“knew”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אָדָ֥ם2 of 22
H121

adam the name of the first man, also of a place in palestine

עוֹד֙3 of 22

“again”

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

אֶת4 of 22
H853

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

אִשְׁתּ֔וֹ5 of 22

“his wife”

H802

a woman

וַתֵּ֣לֶד6 of 22

“and she bare”

H3205

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

בֵּ֔ן7 of 22

“a son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וַתִּקְרָ֥א8 of 22

“and called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֶת9 of 22
H853

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

שְׁמ֖וֹ10 of 22

“his name”

H8034

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

שֵׁ֑ת11 of 22

“Seth”

H8352

sheth, third son of adam

כִּ֥י12 of 22

“whom”

H3588

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

שָֽׁת13 of 22

“said she hath appointed”

H7896

to place (in a very wide application)

לִ֤י14 of 22
H0
אֱלֹהִים֙15 of 22

“For God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

זֶ֣רַע16 of 22

“seed”

H2233

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

אַחֵ֔ר17 of 22

“me another”

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

תַּ֣חַת18 of 22

“instead”

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

הֶ֔בֶל19 of 22

“of Abel”

H1893

abel (hebel), the son of adam

כִּ֥י20 of 22

“whom”

H3588

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

הֲרָג֖וֹ21 of 22

“slew”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

קָֽיִן׃22 of 22

“Cain”

H7014

kajin, the name of the first child

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 4:25 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 4:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 4:8Luke 3:38Genesis 4:10-11Genesis 4:1-3Genesis 5:3-41 Chronicles 1:1

Test Your Knowledge

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

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