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
This verse is situated within the genealogy of Cain in Genesis 4, following his banishment from God's presence after the murder of Abel. The narrative traces the progression of Cain's lineage, detailing their cultural advancements alongside their moral decline. Lamech, as the seventh generation from Adam through Cain, embodies this deepening corruption, with his polygamy serving as a direct contrast to the singular, [one-flesh union established by God for Adam and Eve](/genesis/2-24 "God's original design for marriage in Eden"). His actions here foreshadow the violent boast that immediately follows in [Genesis 4:23-24](/genesis/4-23 "Lamech's boast of vengeance"), further illustrating the moral decay of his line.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 4:19 presents a concise yet profoundly significant statement: "And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one [was] Adah, and the name of the other Zillah." This declaration carries immense theological weight, marking the very first recorded instance of polygamy in the biblical narrative. In the creation account, God instituted marriage as a monogamous covenant between one man and one woman, emphasizing their union as [“one flesh”](/genesis/2-24 "The creation of marriage in Genesis 2:24"). Lamech’s decision to take two wives, Adah (meaning "ornament" or "dawn") and Zillah (meaning "shadow" or "shade"), stands in stark defiance of this divine pattern. It is not merely a cultural adaptation but a deliberate human innovation that subverts God's foundational design for human relationships, revealing an early manifestation of self-will over divine order.

This act of polygamy is presented within the context of Cain's lineage, a line characterized by increasing estrangement from God and escalating sin. Cain himself initiated this trajectory with the murder of his brother Abel, demonstrating a disregard for human life and divine authority ([Genesis 4:8](/genesis/4-8 "Cain murders Abel")). Lamech's polygamy, therefore, is not an isolated incident but a clear symptom of this moral degeneration. It signifies a departure from God’s order in the most intimate of human relationships, paving the way for the pervasive wickedness described later in Genesis, which ultimately led to the Flood ([Genesis 6:5](/genesis/6-5 "God sees the wickedness of humanity")). The narrative implicitly critiques Lamech's action by placing it within a genealogy that culminates in widespread violence and depravity, thereby highlighting the detrimental consequences of departing from divine blueprints and embracing human autonomy.

The naming of the wives, Adah and Zillah, while offering symbolic possibilities (perhaps reflecting Lamech's desires for outward beauty or a hierarchical household structure), primarily serves to personalize this foundational deviation. Unlike the creation narrative where Eve is presented as Adam's singular, suitable helper, Lamech's household is immediately characterized by multiplicity and, by implication, potential for discord—a theme that consistently emerges in later biblical accounts involving polygamy, such as [Jacob's troubled family](/genesis/30-1 "The strife in Jacob's polygamous family"). This verse thus functions as a powerful literary device, illustrating humanity's quick descent into self-serving arrangements that contradict the harmonious design of the Creator.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **The Sanctity of Marriage:** Lamech's polygamy underscores the biblical emphasis on marriage as a sacred, monogamous covenant between one man and one woman, established by God at creation and affirmed throughout Scripture.
* **The Escalation of Sin:** This act serves as a clear marker in humanity's rapid moral decline following the Fall, demonstrating how sin progressively corrupts foundational institutions and intimate relationships.
* **Human Autonomy vs. Divine Order:** Lamech's choice exemplifies humanity's persistent tendency to deviate from God's perfect will, prioritizing self-gratification and cultural norms over divine design.
* **The Way of Cain:** This verse is a crucial part of the narrative tracing the "way of Cain," a lineage marked by rebellion, violence, and a rejection of God’s established order, standing in stark contrast to the righteous line of Seth.

### 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.

### 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.

**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, affirming God's original monogamous design for marriage as the ideal.

**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, showing how sin corrupts not only individual actions but also foundational societal structures like marriage.

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

Answer: Adah (עָדָה, 'Adah) means "ornament" or "dawn," and Zillah (צִלָּה, Tsillah) 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 the dynamics within his household, where one wife might have been more prominent than the other.

### 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. Jesus, in His teaching, directly affirms and restores God's original blueprint for marriage as a [monogamous, one-flesh union](/matthew/19-4 "Jesus' teaching on marriage in Matthew 19:4-6"), correcting the deviations that began with figures like Lamech. Christ's coming fulfills the need for a return to divine order in all aspects of life, including human relationships. Through His sacrifice and the indwelling Spirit, believers are empowered to live according to God's original intentions, reflecting the purity and faithfulness of Christ's relationship with His Church ([Ephesians 5:22-33](/ephesians/5-22 "Christ as head of the church and the pattern 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.

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.