King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
And his brother's name [was] Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.
Complete Jewish Bible:
His brother’s name was Yuval; and he was the ancestor of all who play lyre and flute.
Berean Standard Bible:
And his brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all who play the harp and flute.
American Standard Version:
And his brother’s name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and pipe.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
And his brother's{H251} name{H8034} was Jubal{H3106}: he was the father{H1} of all such as handle{H8610} the harp{H3658} and organ{H5748}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Romans 4:11
- And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which [he had yet] being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:
Romans 4:12
- And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which [he had] being [yet] uncircumcised.
Genesis 31:27
- Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?
Job 21:12
- They take the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ.
Isaiah 5:12
- And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.
Amos 6:5
- That chant to the sound of the viol, [and] invent to themselves instruments of musick, like David;
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Commentary for Genesis 4:21
Genesis 4:21 is part of the genealogy of Cain, the son of Adam and Eve who murdered his brother Abel. After Cain was marked and sent away by God, he settled in the land of Nod and started a family. The verse introduces Jubal, Cain's descendant, as the progenitor of all who play the harp and organ.
Themes:
1. **Invention and Culture**: Jubal is identified as the ancestral patriarch of musicians, suggesting that he was an innovator in music, which is a significant aspect of human culture. This reflects the biblical theme of human ingenuity and the development of arts and civilization.
2. **Diversification of Human Endeavors**: The mention of Jubal's musical contributions comes after references to his brothers Jabal (the father of those who live in tents and have livestock) and Tubal-cain (an instructor of every artificer in brass and iron). This illustrates the diversification of human activities and the spread of various trades and talents among humanity.
3. **The Expansion of Cain's Lineage**: The verse contributes to the broader narrative of Cain's lineage, which despite being under a curse, flourishes and contributes to human civilization. This reflects the complexity of human nature and the coexistence of both creativity and sinfulness.
Historical Context:
The passage is set in the earliest period of biblical history, after the expulsion from Eden and the first murder. It reflects an ancient understanding of the origins of various cultural practices and professions. The mention of musical instruments like the harp and organ suggests that by the time of the writing or compilation of Genesis, these instruments were known and considered significant.
The genealogy of Cain is contrasted with the line of Seth, Adam and Eve's third son, which is presented later in Genesis 5. While Cain's descendants are depicted as pioneers of culture and technology, Seth's line is portrayed as more righteous, leading eventually to Noah and the preservation of humanity through the flood.
In summary, Genesis 4:21 highlights the biblical theme of human cultural development in the context of Cain's lineage, emphasizing the role of music and the arts in early human society. It reflects the ancient Israelite perspective on the origins of different human vocations and the growth of civilization outside of the Garden of Eden.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H251
There are 636 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָח
Transliteration: ʼâch
Pronunciation: awkh
Description: a primitive word; a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance (like father)); another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. - Strong's Number: H8034
There are 771 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שֵׁם
Transliteration: shêm
Pronunciation: shame
Description: a primitive word (perhaps rather from through the idea of definite and conspicuous position; compare שָׁמַיִם); an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character; [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. - Strong's Number: H3106
There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יוּבַל
Transliteration: Yûwbal
Pronunciation: yoo-bawl'
Description: from יָבַל; stream; Jubal, an antediluvian; Jubal. - Strong's Number: H1
There are 15773 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָב
Transliteration: ʼâb
Pronunciation: awb
Description: a primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application; chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. - Strong's Number: H8610
There are 60 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: תָּפַשׂ
Transliteration: tâphas
Pronunciation: taw-fas'
Description: a primitive root; to manipulate, i.e. seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably; catch, handle, (lay, take) hold (on, over), stop, [idiom] surely, surprise, take. - Strong's Number: H3658
There are 41 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כִּנּוֹר
Transliteration: kinnôwr
Pronunciation: kin-nore'
Description: from a unused root meaning to twang; a harp; harp. - Strong's Number: H5748
There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עוּגָב
Transliteration: ʻûwgâb
Pronunciation: oo-gawb'
Description: or עֻגָּב; from עֲגַב in the original sense of breathing; a reed-instrument of music; organ.