Genesis 4:24

KJV

If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold.

KJV (with Strong's)

If {H3588} Cain {H7014} shall be avenged {H5358} sevenfold {H7659}, truly Lamech {H3929} seventy {H7657} and sevenfold {H7651}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If Kayin will be avenged sevenfold,
then Lemekh seventy-sevenfold!”

Berean Standard Bible

If Cain is avenged sevenfold, then Lamech seventy-sevenfold.”

American Standard Version

If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, Truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 4:24 records Lamech's chilling declaration, a "Song of the Sword," in which he boasts of disproportionate vengeance, asserting he will take retribution "seventy and sevenfold." This pronouncement stands in stark contrast to God's earlier protective measure for Cain, powerfully illustrating the rapid escalation of human depravity, the embrace of self-appointed justice, and the deepening moral decay that would ultimately necessitate divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes Lamech's boastful address to his wives, Adah and Zillah, found in [Genesis 4:23-24](/genesis/4-23-24 "Lamech's boast to his wives"). It immediately follows Lamech's admission of killing a man for wounding him and a young man for striking him. Lamech, a descendant of Cain through the line of Enoch (Genesis 4:17-18), represents the sixth generation of humanity after Adam. His declaration serves as a grim and defiant echo, yet also a radical escalation, of God's earlier decree of protection for Cain in [Genesis 4:15](/genesis/4-15 "God's mark on Cain"). The narrative progression from Cain's fratricide to Lamech's boastful, preemptive violence signifies humanity's accelerating departure from divine standards and its embrace of lawless retribution, setting a crucial stage for the widespread wickedness described later in [Genesis 6](/genesis/6 "Genesis 6 - The Flood Narrative").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, blood vengeance was a recognized, albeit often destructive, means of justice in societies lacking centralized legal systems. Family or clan members were expected to avenge wrongs done to their kin. However, Lamech's boast transcends typical blood vengeance, which often aimed for "eye for an eye" proportionality. His declaration of "seventy and sevenfold" retribution is a hyperbole of unchecked power and self-exaltation, asserting a limitless right to vengeance far beyond any cultural norm of proportionality. This reflects a society where human pride and physical might began to usurp divine authority and established order, leading to a breakdown of societal harmony and an increase in violence.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 4:24 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the early chapters of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the **escalation of sin**, demonstrating how human depravity progresses from Cain's impulsive murder to Lamech's premeditated, boastful violence, foreshadowing the earth being "filled with violence" in [Genesis 6:11](/genesis/6-11 "Genesis 6:11 - Earth filled with violence"). The verse also underscores the theme of **human hubris and rebellion against divine authority**, as Lamech arrogantly takes justice into his own hands, defying the divine prerogative over life and death. Furthermore, it starkly contrasts **human vengeance with divine justice**, showing how unchecked human retribution leads to chaos, in opposition to God's measured and merciful (though still just) responses, a dichotomy explored throughout the Old Testament and culminating in the New Testament's call to forgiveness, as seen in [Matthew 5:38-39](/matthew/5-38-39 "Matthew 5:38-39 - Turn the other cheek").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lamech (Hebrew, _Lemek'_):** This proper noun refers to the individual speaking in Genesis 4:23-24. As a descendant of Cain, Lamech embodies the accelerating moral decay within Cain's lineage. His name, derived from an unused root of uncertain meaning, becomes synonymous with unbridled aggression and a defiant posture against divine order, serving as a stark contrast to the righteous lineage of Seth.
* **avenged (Hebrew, _nâqam'_):** This primitive root means "to grudge, i.e. avenge or punish." In the context of Genesis 4:15, God declares that "whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold." Here, Lamech uses the same concept but applies it to himself, demonstrating a human appropriation of divine prerogative. His use of "avenged" is not a plea for justice but a boast of self-appointed, limitless retribution, transforming divine protection into human aggression.
* **sevenfold (Hebrew, _shibʻâthayim'_ / _shebaʻ'_ / _shibʻîym'_):** The text uses two distinct but related terms for "sevenfold." In the first clause, "sevenfold" (H7659, _shibʻâthayim_) refers to the "seven-times" retribution promised for Cain's avenger. In the second clause, "seventy and sevenfold" (H7657, _shibʻîym_ and H7651, _shebaʻ_) represents "seventy times and seven times." This numerical escalation is profoundly symbolic. While "seven" often denotes completeness or divine perfection, here it is twisted. Lamech's "seventy and sevenfold" is not merely arithmetic but signifies an extreme, boundless, and disproportionate desire for vengeance, far exceeding any concept of just retribution and showcasing an unchecked human desire for power and control.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold":** This clause directly references God's protective decree over Cain in [Genesis 4:15](/genesis/4-15 "God's mark on Cain"). It acknowledges the divine promise of a seven-fold retribution upon anyone who would harm Cain. This serves as the baseline for Lamech's boast, setting up a direct comparison and highlighting the profound escalation that follows. It implies that even God's measured (though severe) justice for Cain's protection is now being outdone by human arrogance.
* **"truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold":** This is Lamech's audacious declaration. The word "truly" (Hebrew: _kîy_, H3588) emphasizes the certainty and boastful nature of his claim. By proclaiming "seventy and sevenfold" vengeance for himself, Lamech not only claims the right to personal retribution but dramatically amplifies the scale of vengeance far beyond God's previous decree for Cain. This is a statement of extreme hubris, asserting his own ultimate authority in matters of life and death, and demonstrating a complete disregard for proportionality or divine restraint. It signifies a society spiraling into lawlessness and unchecked violence.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 4:24 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its chilling message. **Hyperbole** is central to Lamech's boast, as "seventy and sevenfold" is not meant to be taken literally as a precise number but rather as an expression of limitless, overwhelming vengeance. This exaggerated claim underscores the depth of his arrogance and the extent of his self-appointed power. The verse also utilizes **Contrastive Parallelism**, directly juxtaposing God's "sevenfold" protection for Cain with Lamech's "seventy and sevenfold" retribution. This stark contrast highlights the escalating nature of human sin and the departure from divine order. Furthermore, there is a profound sense of **Irony** at play; what was initially a divine act of mercy and protection (the mark on Cain) is twisted by Lamech into a justification for boundless human aggression. Finally, the verse serves as significant **Foreshadowing**, painting a grim picture of the pervasive violence and corruption that would eventually fill the earth, leading to the divine judgment of the Flood, as described in [Genesis 6:11-13](/genesis/6-11-13 "Genesis 6:11-13 - Earth's corruption and God's judgment").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamech's boast in Genesis 4:24 is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative of humanity's fall, showcasing the accelerating trajectory of sin and its devastating consequences. It reveals a profound shift from a world where God directly intervened to manage sin (as with Cain) to one where human pride and self-sufficiency reign supreme, leading to unchecked violence and a complete breakdown of moral order. This passage underscores the inherent danger of humanity taking justice into its own hands, demonstrating that when divine standards are abandoned, the result is not order but an exponential increase in chaos and retribution. It highlights the stark difference between human vengeance, which seeks limitless harm, and divine justice, which, while righteous, also incorporates elements of mercy and restraint, ultimately pointing to the desperate need for a different kind of justice and a divine intervention to break the cycle of sin.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance belongs to God"): This verse explicitly states, "Vengeance is mine, and recompence," directly contrasting Lamech's self-appointed right to vengeance with God's exclusive prerogative.
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Do not take revenge"): Paul echoes the Old Testament principle, admonishing believers, "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."
* [Matthew 5:38-39](/matthew/5-38-39 "Matthew 5:38-39 - Turn the other cheek"): Jesus' teaching on "an eye for an eye" directly challenges the spirit of Lamech's boast, advocating for a radical ethic of non-retaliation and love for enemies.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 4:24 serves as a profound and sobering mirror, reflecting the destructive power of unchecked anger, pride, and the pursuit of personal vengeance. Lamech's "Song of the Sword" reminds us that when divine principles of justice, mercy, and restraint are abandoned, individuals and societies can quickly descend into self-perpetuating cycles of retribution, where every perceived wrong demands an exponentially greater response. For believers today, this verse underscores the vital importance of resisting the impulse to take justice into our own hands. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of forgiveness, to seek reconciliation, and to trust in God's ultimate and perfect justice rather than perpetuating cycles of harm. It challenges us to embrace the New Testament call to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, and pray for those who persecute us, thereby breaking the chain of vengeance in our own lives and communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life do I tend to seek "seventy and sevenfold" retribution rather than extending forgiveness or trusting God's justice?**
* **How does Lamech's boast challenge my understanding of power, control, and the proper response to perceived wrongs?**
* **What practical steps can I take to break cycles of bitterness or vengeance in my relationships and embrace a posture of mercy and reconciliation?**
* **How does the contrast between Lamech's boast and God's character inform my understanding of true justice?**

### FAQ
**Who was Lamech, and why is his boast significant?**

Answer: Lamech was a descendant of Cain, representing the sixth generation after Adam in the line that diverged from God's intended path. His boast is profoundly significant because it marks a dramatic escalation of sin and violence in early human history. Unlike Cain, who received a divine mark for his protection (albeit after committing murder), Lamech takes justice into his own hands and proudly declares his own capacity for extreme, disproportionate vengeance. This showcases human hubris, a complete departure from divine authority, and a society spiraling into lawlessness, setting the stage for the widespread wickedness described in [Genesis 6](/genesis/6 "Genesis 6 - The Flood Narrative").

**What is the meaning of "seventy and sevenfold"?**

Answer: The phrase "seventy and sevenfold" (Hebrew: _shiv'im v'shiv'ah_) is a hyperbole signifying an extreme and overwhelming degree of retribution. It's a numerical escalation from the "sevenfold" protection God gave Cain in [Genesis 4:15](/genesis/4-15 "God's mark on Cain"). While "seven" often denotes completeness, here it is twisted. Lamech's "seventy and sevenfold" symbolizes boundless, unchecked vengeance, demonstrating a complete disregard for proportionality, mercy, or divine restraint. It illustrates the destructive nature of human-initiated, limitless retribution.

**How does this verse relate to God's character?**

Answer: This verse stands in stark contrast to God's character. While God, in His justice, set a limit on vengeance for Cain and offered a measure of protection, Lamech's pronouncement reflects a human desire for limitless, disproportionate retribution. It highlights the fundamental difference between divine justice, which, while righteous, also includes elements of mercy, restraint, and ultimately, redemption, and human vengeance, which often spirals into destructive cycles of violence and chaos, as seen throughout the biblical narrative and human history.

**Does this verse describe a positive or negative action?**

Answer: This verse describes a profoundly negative action. Lamech's boast is a declaration of unbridled violence, self-appointed justice, and extreme hubris. It is presented as a lamentable sign of the escalating depravity of humanity and its rejection of divine principles, contributing to the overall narrative of humanity's fall and the increasing wickedness that necessitates divine intervention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 4:24, with Lamech's boast of limitless vengeance, stands as a stark antithesis to the grace, forgiveness, and redemptive justice offered in Christ. While Lamech proclaims an escalating cycle of retribution, Jesus famously reverses this principle when teaching about forgiveness. When Peter asks how many times he should forgive his brother, Jesus replies, "I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until [seventy times seven](/matthew/18-22 "Jesus teaches about forgiveness 'seventy times seven' in Matthew 18:22")" (Matthew 18:22). This New Testament teaching directly counters Lamech's violent declaration, transforming the concept of limitless retribution into one of boundless mercy and forgiveness. Lamech's sin demonstrates humanity's desperate need for a Savior who can break the cycle of sin and vengeance, offering reconciliation and peace through His atoning work on the cross, thereby fulfilling the ultimate need for a different kind of justice—one rooted in divine righteousness and grace, as described in [Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Christ reconciles all things through His blood in Colossians 1:19-20"). Christ's sacrifice is the ultimate act of breaking the cycle of vengeance, absorbing the "seventy and sevenfold" wrath of God against sin so that humanity might receive "seventy times seven" forgiveness.

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

Matthew 18:22

Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Genesis 4:15

And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.