Genesis 4:23

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Lamech {H3929} said {H559} unto his wives {H802}, Adah {H5711} and Zillah {H6741}, Hear {H8085} my voice {H6963}; ye wives {H802} of Lamech {H3929}, hearken {H238} unto my speech {H565}: for I have slain {H2026} a man {H376} to my wounding {H6482}, and a young man {H3206} to my hurt {H2250}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Lemekh said to his wives,

“‘Adah and Tzilah, listen to me;
wives of Lemekh, hear what I say:
I killed a man for wounding me,
a young man who injured me.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Lamech said to his wives: “Adah and Zillah, hear my voice; wives of Lamech, listen to my speech. For I have slain a man for wounding me, a young man for striking me.

American Standard Version

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 for wounding me, And a young man for bruising me:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 4:23 presents Lamech's chilling declaration to his wives, Adah and Zillah, where he boasts of having killed a man for a wound and a young man for a mere hurt. This pronouncement serves as a stark and disturbing illustration of the rapid escalation of sin, violence, and unchecked vengeance within Cain's lineage, revealing the deepening depravity of humanity in the pre-Flood world. It stands in grim contrast to God's earlier protective decree over Cain, highlighting a profound societal descent into lawlessness and the accelerating moral decay that would eventually necessitate divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within [Genesis 4](/genesis/4 "Genesis 4 - The Spread of Sin and Early Civilization"), a chapter that meticulously traces the initial spread of sin and its consequences following the fall of humanity. Immediately preceding Lamech's declaration, the narrative details the advancements of early civilization through his sons: Jabal, the father of tent-dwellers and livestock breeders; Jubal, the ancestor of musicians; and Tubal-Cain, a master metalworker. This cultural progress, however, is starkly juxtaposed with Lamech's violent boast, which serves as a grim counterpoint, suggesting that human ingenuity and development can coexist with, or even be overshadowed by, profound moral corruption. Lamech's words also set the stage for the dramatic escalation of violence described in the very next verse, [Genesis 4:24](/genesis/4-24 "Genesis 4:24 - Lamech's Seventy-Sevenfold Vengeance"), and foreshadow the pervasive wickedness that precipitates the [Flood narrative in Genesis 6](/genesis/6-11-13 "Genesis 6:11-13 - The Corruption of the Earth").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Lamech is presented as the seventh generation from Cain, a lineage marked by separation from God. His actions reflect the societal norms and moral decay of the antediluvian world, where human life appears to have become increasingly devalued. The concept of "vengeance" was prevalent in ancient Near Eastern societies, often tied to tribal honor and retribution. However, Lamech's boast goes beyond a simple act of self-defense or even proportional retribution; it signifies a disproportionate and proud act of violence for a minor offense. His polygamy, the first explicitly recorded in Scripture, also deviates from God's original design for marriage established in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - God's Design for Marriage"), further illustrating the moral degradation of this period. This context paints a picture of a world rapidly spiraling into lawlessness, where human autonomy and self-interest superseded divine standards.
* **Key Themes:** Lamech's declaration powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **escalation of sin**, demonstrating how sin, once introduced, does not remain static but intensifies in its destructive power from Cain's singular murder to Lamech's boastful, disproportionate violence. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **human depravity**, revealing the extent of humanity's fallen nature and its capacity for brutality and self-exaltation apart from God's restraining grace. This foreshadows the pervasive wickedness described later in [Genesis 6:5](/genesis/6-5 "Genesis 6:5 - God's Observation of Human Wickedness"). Thirdly, the passage implicitly addresses the **distortion of God's original design**, contrasting Lamech's polygamy and his disregard for human life with the divine ordinances for marriage and the sanctity of life established at creation. Finally, it sets up a crucial contrast between human **vengeance and divine justice**, showing the dangerous human tendency towards self-appointed, excessive retribution, which stands in stark opposition to God's perfect and measured justice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **slain (Hebrew, _hârag'_):** This primitive root signifies "to smite with deadly intent," encompassing actions like destroying, killing, or murdering. In Lamech's declaration, it emphasizes the deliberate and fatal nature of his actions, indicating that he intentionally took a life, not accidentally or in a moment of passion, but with a clear purpose to kill.
* **wounding (Hebrew, _petsaʻ'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to cut open," this word refers to a physical wound or injury. Lamech claims to have killed a man "to my wounding," suggesting that the man had inflicted a wound upon him. The use of this term highlights the perceived provocation for Lamech's extreme retaliation, implying a physical injury, however minor, as the catalyst for murder.
* **hurt (Hebrew, _chabbûwrâh'_):):** This term refers to a "weal," "blueness," "bruise," or "stripe," indicating a less severe injury than a "wound." Lamech's parallel statement, "a young man to my hurt," suggests an even lesser provocation for the second killing. The distinction between "wounding" and "hurt" underscores the disproportionate nature of Lamech's response, as he claims to have taken a life for what might have been a mere bruise or slight injury.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah,"**: This opening clause introduces the speaker, Lamech, and his audience, his two wives. The fact that he addresses both wives, Adah and Zillah, is significant as Lamech is the first recorded polygamist in Scripture, a deviation from God's original design for marriage. This address sets a formal, almost boastful, tone for the declaration that follows, indicating a deliberate and public pronouncement rather than a private confession.
* **"Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech:"**: Lamech demands the full attention of his wives, using a strong, emphatic parallelism ("Hear my voice... hearken unto my speech"). This is not a plea for sympathy or understanding, but a command for them to listen to his self-aggrandizing account. The repetition underscores the importance Lamech places on his own words and actions, positioning himself as an authority figure demanding recognition for his deeds.
* **"for I have slain a man to my wounding,"**: This is the first part of Lamech's boast. He declares that he has "slain" (killed) a man. The crucial phrase "to my wounding" (Hebrew *le-petsa'i*) indicates the reason or consequence. While some interpretations suggest self-defense, the prevailing understanding, especially in light of the subsequent verse, is that Lamech killed *because* the man had wounded him. This implies a retaliatory act, where the response (death) far exceeds the provocation (a wound).
* **"and a young man to my hurt."**: This clause parallels the previous one, reinforcing Lamech's violent act. He also "slain" (implied from the previous clause) a "young man" (Hebrew *yeled*), this time "to my hurt" (Hebrew *le-chabburati*). The term "hurt" (a bruise or weal) suggests an even lesser injury than a "wounding." This second instance further highlights the disproportionate nature of Lamech's vengeance, demonstrating a willingness to take a life for even a minor physical slight, revealing a profound lack of regard for human life.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 4:23 employs several literary devices to convey its chilling message. **Parallelism** is prominent, particularly in the phrases "to my wounding" and "to my hurt," and implicitly in "slain a man" and "a young man." This structural repetition emphasizes the two instances of violence and the escalating nature of Lamech's retribution. The passage also uses **hyperbole** in the implied disproportionate response, where a life is taken for a wound or a mere bruise, setting the stage for the explicit hyperbole of seventy-sevenfold vengeance in the following verse. Lamech's address itself functions as a **boast** or **rhetorical declaration**, not a confession of guilt. His commanding tone, "Hear my voice... hearken unto my speech," uses **imperative language** to underscore his authority and the pride he takes in his violent acts. The verse also serves as **foreshadowing**, hinting at the widespread violence and corruption that will characterize the pre-Flood world, leading to God's judgment in [Genesis 6](/genesis/6 "Genesis 6 - The Corruption of Humanity").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamech's declaration in Genesis 4:23 serves as a profound theological marker, illustrating the rapid and destructive progression of sin in the early chapters of human history. It vividly demonstrates how the initial transgression of Cain, a single act of murder driven by jealousy, metastasizes into a boastful, disproportionate, and self-justifying violence in Lamech's generation. This escalation highlights humanity's accelerating alienation from God's righteous standards and the increasing devaluation of human life. The passage underscores the pervasive nature of human depravity, revealing a society where personal injury, however minor, is met with extreme and unchecked retribution, directly contrasting with God's measured justice and the sanctity of life established at creation. Lamech's actions, including his polygamy, paint a picture of a world spiraling into moral chaos, setting the stage for the divine judgment of the Flood.

* [Genesis 6:5](/genesis/6-5 "God's Observation of Human Wickedness")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Vengeance Belongs to God")
* [Matthew 19:4-6](/matthew/19-4-6 "Jesus on Marriage and God's Design")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamech's chilling declaration stands as a timeless cautionary tale, exposing the insidious nature of unchecked anger, the human propensity for disproportionate vengeance, and the destructive spiral of sin when left unaddressed. His boastful response to a minor injury serves as a stark reminder that bitterness and a desire for retribution, if allowed to fester, can lead to profound moral decay and a complete disregard for the sanctity of human life. For us today, this narrative challenges us to deeply examine our own hearts for any seeds of resentment, unforgiveness, or the impulse to retaliate. It compels us to confront our natural inclination towards self-vindication and instead embrace a path of reconciliation, forgiveness, and entrusting ultimate justice to God. True peace and spiritual flourishing are found not in exacting vengeance, but in extending grace and relying on divine justice, breaking the cycle of hurt and retaliation that Lamech so tragically exemplified.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Lamech's boastful attitude about violence challenge our own understanding of justice and retribution?**
* **In what ways might we, in our own lives, be tempted to respond disproportionately to perceived hurts or offenses?**
* **How does this passage highlight the importance of forgiveness and releasing our desire for personal vengeance?**
* **What are the societal consequences when individuals or groups take justice into their own hands without restraint?**

### FAQ
**Who was Lamech in the biblical narrative?**

Answer: Lamech was a direct descendant of Cain, belonging to the seventh generation from Adam through Cain's lineage. He is notable as the first recorded polygamist in the Bible and for his boastful declaration of murder and disproportionate vengeance, which marks a significant escalation of sin in the antediluvian world.

**What does "to my wounding" or "to my hurt" imply about Lamech's actions?**

Answer: The Hebrew preposition *le-* (translated "to" or "for") in these phrases indicates a causal or consequential relationship. It implies that Lamech killed someone *because* that person had wounded or hurt him. Given the context, particularly the following verse ([Genesis 4:24](/genesis/4-24 "Genesis 4:24 - Lamech's Seventy-Sevenfold Vengeance")), it strongly suggests a disproportionate and boastful act of vengeance rather than a necessary act of self-defense. Lamech's response far exceeded the perceived provocation.

**How does Lamech's act relate to Cain's murder of Abel?**

Answer: Lamech's act marks a disturbing escalation of the sin introduced by Cain. While Cain murdered Abel out of jealousy and anger, Lamech boasts of killing for a perceived injury, and he declares a far greater vengeance for himself (seventy-sevenfold) than God promised for Cain (sevenfold). This demonstrates humanity's accelerating moral decline and the unchecked growth of violence and self-righteousness.

**Does this verse condemn polygamy?**

Answer: While not an explicit condemnation, Lamech's polygamy (the first mentioned in Scripture) is presented within the context of a lineage marked by increasing sin and violence. It stands in stark contrast to God's original design for marriage (one man, one woman) established in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "God's Design for Marriage"). The narrative implicitly portrays polygamy as part of the broader moral corruption and deviation from divine order that characterized the pre-Flood world, rather than a positive development.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamech's chilling declaration of seventy-sevenfold vengeance vividly illustrates the profound brokenness of humanity and the escalating, self-perpetuating cycle of sin and retaliation that characterizes a world alienated from God. This desperate human need for a different kind of justice and a radical ethic of forgiveness finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Where Lamech demands disproportionate retribution, Christ teaches his followers to [turn the other cheek](/matthew/5-39 "Jesus' Teaching on Turning the Other Cheek") and to [forgive not merely seven times, but seventy-seven times](/matthew/18-22 "Jesus' Teaching on Forgiving Seventy-Seven Times"). His life, death, and resurrection fundamentally break the ancient cycle of vengeance, offering divine mercy and the path to true reconciliation with God and with one another. Christ's sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate act of both justice and mercy, absorbing the full wrath of God against sin and providing a way for humanity to be reconciled to God, rather than perpetuating the endless cycle of hurt and retaliation. He is the one who [makes peace by the blood of his cross](/colossians/1-20 "Christ Making Peace Through His Blood"), inaugurating a new covenant and a new way of living that stands in profound and redemptive contrast to Lamech's violent declaration.

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

Leviticus 19:18

Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I [am] the LORD.

Numbers 23:18

And he took up his parable, and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear; hearken unto me, thou son of Zippor:

Exodus 20:13

Thou shalt not kill.

Judges 9:7

¶ And when they told [it] to Jotham, he went and stood in the top of mount Gerizim, and lifted up his voice, and cried, and said unto them, Hearken unto me, ye men of Shechem, that God may hearken unto you.