King James Version

What Does Genesis 4:26 Mean?

Genesis 4:26 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Genesis 4:26 · KJV

Context

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 to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call u... 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 theological truths about Cain and Abel emerge from this passage?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וּלְשֵׁ֤ת1 of 14

“And to Seth”

H8352

sheth, third son of adam

גַּם2 of 14
H1571

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

הוּא֙3 of 14

“to him”

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

יֻלַּד4 of 14

“also there was born”

H3205

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

בֵּ֔ן5 of 14

“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

לִקְרֹ֖א6 of 14

“and he called”

H7121

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

אֶת7 of 14
H853

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

בְּשֵׁ֥ם8 of 14

“his name”

H8034

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

אֱנ֑וֹשׁ9 of 14

“Enos”

H583

enosh, a son of seth

אָ֣ז10 of 14
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

הוּחַ֔ל11 of 14

“then began men”

H2490

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

לִקְרֹ֖א12 of 14

“and he called”

H7121

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

בְּשֵׁ֥ם13 of 14

“his name”

H8034

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

יְהוָֽה׃14 of 14

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 4:26 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 4:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 116:171 Kings 18:24Joel 2:32Zephaniah 3:9Genesis 12:8Jeremiah 33:16

Test Your Knowledge

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

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