Genesis 4:19

KJV

¶ And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one [was] Adah, and the name of the other Zillah.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Lamech {H3929} took {H3947} unto him two {H8147} wives {H802}: the name {H8034} of the one {H259} was Adah {H5711}, and the name {H8034} of the other {H8145} Zillah {H6741}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Lemekh took himself two wives; the name of the one was ‘Adah, while the name of the other was Tzilah.

Berean Standard Bible

And Lamech married two women, one named Adah and the other Zillah.

American Standard Version

And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 4:19 records a pivotal moment in early human history, introducing Lamech, a descendant of Cain, and his unprecedented act of taking two wives, Adah and Zillah. This verse marks the first explicit instance of polygamy in Scripture, signaling a profound departure from God’s original design for marriage and serving as a stark indicator of humanity’s accelerating moral decay in the antediluvian world. It highlights a growing human autonomy that disregards divine order, setting the stage for further acts of violence and rebellion within Cain's increasingly corrupt lineage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the genealogy of Cain, a narrative segment in [Genesis 4](/genesis/4 "Genesis 4 - Cain's Lineage and Early Human History") that traces the progression of humanity after the Fall. Following Cain's murder of Abel and his subsequent banishment, the text details the development of his lineage, showcasing both cultural advancements (e.g., city-building, metalworking, music) and a concurrent moral degeneration. Lamech, as the seventh generation from Adam through Cain, stands as a climactic figure in this line, embodying its deepening corruption. His act of polygamy in [Genesis 4:19](/genesis/4-19 "Lamech Takes Two Wives") immediately precedes his violent boast in [Genesis 4:23-24](/genesis/4-23-24 "Lamech's Boast of Vengeance"), forming a chilling portrait of escalating sin and self-will that contrasts sharply with the divine order established at creation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the earliest stages of human history, as depicted in Genesis, God's design for marriage was monogamous, as seen in the union of Adam and Eve. Lamech's taking of two wives represents a significant cultural innovation and a departure from this foundational pattern. While polygamy would later appear in various ancient Near Eastern cultures, and even among some patriarchs in the biblical narrative (though often with accompanying strife and divine disapproval), Lamech's act is the *first recorded instance* in Scripture. This suggests a nascent societal structure where human will began to override divine precedent, reflecting a broader trend of moral decline in the antediluvian world that would eventually lead to the judgment of the Flood, as described in [Genesis 6](/genesis/6 "Genesis 6 - The Great Flood and Human Wickedness").
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 4:19 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Genesis. It powerfully illustrates the **escalation of sin** following the Fall, moving from individual disobedience to fratricide and now to the corruption of foundational social institutions like marriage. This verse also highlights the theme of **human autonomy versus divine order**, demonstrating humanity's persistent tendency to deviate from God's perfect will in favor of self-serving arrangements. Furthermore, it is a crucial part of the **"way of Cain,"** a narrative thread that portrays a lineage marked by rebellion, violence, and a rejection of God’s established order, standing in stark contrast to the righteous line of Seth that is introduced later in [Genesis 4:25-26](/genesis/4-25-26 "The Birth of Seth and the Calling on the Name of the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lamech (Hebrew, _Lemek'_):** As per H3929, Lamech is the name of two antediluvian patriarchs. In this context, he is the descendant of Cain, representing the seventh generation from Adam through the line marked by increasing moral decay. His name's uncertain meaning does not detract from his significant role as a figure who embodies the escalating sinfulness of his lineage, particularly through his introduction of polygamy and his boastful violence.
* **took (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** From H3947, this primitive root means "to take" in a wide variety of applications, including to accept, bring, fetch, or seize. Here, it signifies Lamech's active and deliberate action of acquiring wives for himself. The verb implies initiative and possession, underscoring his self-willed decision to deviate from the established monogamous pattern of marriage.
* **wives (Hebrew, _ʼishshâh'_):** From H802, this word is the feminine of 'iysh or 'enosh, meaning "a woman" or "wife." Although the Strong's number is for the singular, the context of "two wives" indicates the plural application. The use of this term here, in conjunction with "two," highlights the unprecedented nature of Lamech's marital arrangement, directly contrasting with the singular "wife" (Eve) given to Adam in the creation account.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Lamech took unto him two wives:"** This opening clause immediately establishes Lamech's action, which is presented as a deliberate choice. The phrase "took unto him" emphasizes his agency and initiative in establishing a polygamous household, a stark departure from the singular, monogamous union divinely ordained at creation. This act is presented as a personal acquisition, highlighting a self-centered approach to marriage rather than one rooted in God's design.
* **"the name of the one [was] Adah,"** This clause introduces the first of Lamech's two wives. The naming of Adah (meaning "ornament" or "dawn") personalizes the narrative, giving identity to those involved in this foundational deviation from God's marital blueprint. While the text doesn't explicitly state the significance of her name, it serves to distinguish her from the second wife.
* **"and the name of the other Zillah."** This clause introduces the second wife, Zillah (meaning "shadow" or "shade"). The naming of both wives underscores the reality of Lamech's polygamy. The contrast in their names might subtly hint at different roles or perceptions within Lamech's household, or simply serve as a factual record of the individuals involved in this unprecedented act. Together, these two clauses concretely define the nature of Lamech's marital arrangement.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 4:19 employs several powerful literary devices. **Conciseness** is evident in the verse's brevity, yet it conveys profound theological implications, marking a significant turning point in the narrative of human sin. The verse also functions as a stark **Contrast** to the preceding creation account of marriage in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "God's Design for Marriage in Genesis 2:24"), where a singular "one flesh" union is established. Lamech's polygamy immediately highlights humanity's deviation from this divine ideal. Furthermore, the verse acts as **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the escalating violence and moral depravity that characterizes Cain's lineage, culminating in Lamech's own boast of vengeance in the subsequent verses. The naming of the wives, Adah and Zillah, while seemingly simple, serves to **Personalize** this foundational transgression, making it concrete and specific rather than an abstract concept. This act is presented with an **Implicit Critique**, as its placement within the narrative of Cain's increasingly corrupt line, leading to widespread wickedness, strongly suggests divine disapproval without explicit condemnation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamech's act of taking two wives in Genesis 4:19 serves as a profound theological marker, illustrating humanity's accelerating departure from God's original design for creation and relationships. It underscores the pervasive nature of sin, demonstrating how it corrupts not only individual actions but also foundational societal institutions like marriage, which God had established as a sacred, monogamous covenant. This deviation highlights humanity's persistent tendency to prioritize self-will and cultural norms over divine blueprints, setting a trajectory of moral decline that would characterize the antediluvian world.

* [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "God's Original Design for Marriage"): This verse establishes the divine pattern for marriage as a monogamous, "one flesh" union, against which Lamech's polygamy stands in stark contrast.
* [Deuteronomy 17:17](/deuteronomy/17-17 "Warning Against Multiple Wives for Kings"): Later Mosaic Law implicitly critiques polygamy by warning kings against multiplying wives, recognizing the potential for their hearts to turn away from God.
* [Matthew 19:4-6](/matthew/19-4-6 "Jesus Affirms Monogamy"): Jesus Himself reaffirms the original, monogamous design for marriage from creation, correcting the deviations that had become common.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 4:19 serves as a sober reminder of humanity's enduring propensity to deviate from God's perfect will, even in the most fundamental aspects of life like marriage. It challenges us to critically evaluate societal norms and personal desires against the unchanging standard of God's Word, recognizing that true flourishing and harmony are found in adherence to His divine blueprint for relationships and family. This verse encourages believers to uphold biblical standards, understanding that God’s design leads to greater peace, purpose, and ultimately, human flourishing, protecting against the discord and brokenness that often accompany departures from His plan. It calls us to examine how our own lives and cultural contexts might subtly or overtly depart from God's intended order and to seek alignment with His wisdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might current cultural norms or personal desires subtly challenge or contradict God's design for relationships and family today?**
* **How does understanding the progression of sin in Genesis, starting with deviations like Lamech's, help us appreciate the depth of human brokenness and the necessity of God's grace?**
* **What practical steps can individuals and communities take to uphold and champion God's original design for marriage and family in a world that often deviates from it?**

### FAQ
**Why is Lamech's polygamy specifically mentioned in Genesis 4?**

Answer: Lamech's polygamy is mentioned as a significant marker in the progression of sin and moral decay within Cain's lineage. It highlights a departure from God's original, monogamous design for marriage, demonstrating humanity's increasing self-will and rebellion against divine order before the Flood. This act is immediately followed by Lamech's boast of vengeance in [Genesis 4:23-24](/genesis/4-23-24 "Lamech's Boast of Vengeance"), further illustrating the escalating depravity of his line.

**Does this verse explicitly condemn polygamy?**

Answer: While the verse does not contain an explicit condemnation, its placement within the narrative of escalating sin in Cain's line, immediately preceding Lamech's violent boast, implicitly critiques the act. The broader biblical narrative consistently portrays the negative consequences and strife associated with polygamy (e.g., [Genesis 30](/genesis/30 "Jacob's Polygamous Family")), affirming God's original monogamous design for marriage as the ideal (cf. [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "God's Original Design for Marriage")).

**How does Lamech's act relate to the overall narrative of Genesis?**

Answer: Lamech's polygamy is a key event that illustrates the accelerating moral decline of humanity after the Fall. It contributes to the picture of pervasive wickedness that ultimately leads to God's judgment in the Great Flood (as described in [Genesis 6:5-7](/genesis/6-5-7 "God's Grief Over Human Wickedness")), showing how sin corrupts not only individual actions but also foundational societal structures like marriage. It is a part of the "way of Cain" that contrasts with the developing "way of Seth" (cf. [Genesis 4:25-26](/genesis/4-25-26 "The Birth of Seth and the Calling on the Name of the Lord")).

**What do the names Adah and Zillah mean, and is their meaning significant?**

Answer: Adah (עָדָה, _ʻÂdâh_) means "ornament" or "dawn," and Zillah (צִלָּה, _Tsillâh_) means "shadow" or "shade." While the text doesn't explicitly state their significance, the names might subtly hint at Lamech's motivations (perhaps valuing outward adornment or superficial beauty) or the dynamics within his household, where one wife might have been more prominent or preferred than the other. The names personalize the account of this early deviation from God's marital design.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 4:19, by showcasing humanity's early departure from God's perfect design for marriage, highlights the profound brokenness and pervasive sinfulness that necessitated Christ's redemptive work. Lamech's self-willed act of polygamy is a vivid illustration of humanity's fallen nature and its tendency to corrupt divine institutions, setting the stage for the widespread wickedness that would eventually lead to the Flood. Jesus, in His teaching, directly affirms and restores God's original blueprint for marriage as a [monogamous, one-flesh union](/matthew/19-4-6 "Jesus' Teaching on Marriage in Matthew 19"), correcting the deviations that began with figures like Lamech and continued throughout history. Christ's coming fulfills the need for a return to divine order in all aspects of life, including human relationships, through His atoning sacrifice. By His death and resurrection, He provides the means for humanity to be reconciled to God and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live according to God's original intentions, reflecting the purity and faithfulness of Christ's relationship with His Church ([Ephesians 5:25-32](/ephesians/5-25-32 "Christ's Love for the Church as a Model for Marriage")). Thus, this verse indirectly points to the ultimate need for a Savior who would restore humanity to God's intended way of living, both individually and communally, bringing true harmony where sin had introduced discord.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 2:24

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Genesis 2:18

¶ And the LORD God said, [It is] not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

Matthew 19:4

And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made [them] at the beginning made them male and female,

Matthew 19:6

Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

Matthew 19:8

He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.