### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term G2984 (Λάμεχ, *Lámech*) is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew proper noun `{{H3929}}` (לֶמֶךְ, *Lemek*). As a proper name, its semantic range is inherently limited to the individuals it designates. While the Greek definition simply identifies it as a "patriarch," the underlying Hebrew name carries potential etymological nuances that inform its significance within the biblical narrative. Scholars have proposed various meanings for `{{H3929}}`, including "powerful," "overthrower," or possibly related to a root meaning "to humble" or "to be brought low." However, the precise etymology remains debated, and the name's primary significance is derived from the actions and lineage of the two distinct individuals who bear it in the book of Genesis.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Lamech appears in the biblical record referring to two different individuals, both significant in the early genealogies of Genesis, and both transliterated as G2984 in the Septuagint and the New Testament (specifically, Luke's genealogy).
1. **Lamech, Son of Methusael (Line of Cain):** This Lamech is introduced in [[Genesis 4:18]] as a descendant of Cain, the seventh generation from Adam in the ungodly line. His narrative, found in [[Genesis 4:19-24]], highlights the rapid moral decay and escalation of sin after the Fall. He is notable for several reasons:
* He is the first recorded polygamist, taking two wives, Adah and Zillah ([[Genesis 4:19]]).
* His children are foundational figures in human civilization, specializing in animal husbandry, music, and metalwork ([[Genesis 4:20-22]]), suggesting the development of culture outside of God's direct guidance.
* Most significantly, he utters the "Song of the Sword" ([[Genesis 4:23-24]]), a boastful declaration of vengeance. Where Cain feared sevenfold vengeance for his murder ([[Genesis 4:15]]), Lamech declares seventy-sevenfold vengeance for merely a wound or a bruise. This demonstrates an exponential increase in human pride, violence, and a distorted sense of justice, reflecting the hardening of hearts and the profound corruption within Cain's lineage.
2. **Lamech, Son of Methuselah (Line of Seth):** This Lamech appears in [[Genesis 5:25-31]] as a descendant of Seth, the ninth generation from Adam in the godly line, and the father of Noah. His narrative stands in stark contrast to that of his namesake from Cain's line.
* His life is situated within the long lifespans of the pre-Flood patriarchs, emphasizing the continuity of the human race and God's patience.
* Crucially, Lamech names his son Noah, declaring, "This one will comfort us concerning our work and the toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD has cursed" ([[Genesis 5:29]]). This statement reveals a profound awareness of the curse on the ground ([[Genesis 3:17]]) and expresses a hope for relief and rest (the root of Noah's name, `{{H5146}}`, often associated with "rest" or "comfort"). This indicates a measure of faith and a longing for divine intervention in a world groaning under the weight of sin.
* He is part of the direct genealogical line that leads to Abraham and ultimately to Jesus Christ, as recorded in [[Luke 3:36]].
The stark contrast between these two Lamechs serves as a powerful literary and theological device in Genesis, illustrating the divergent paths of humanity: one characterized by escalating rebellion and violence, the other by a glimmer of faith and hope in God's ultimate plan.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Hebrew original, `{{H3929}}` (Lemek), from which G2984 is derived.
Key concepts illuminated by the narratives of Lamech include:
* **Genealogy and Lineage:** The precise recording of Lamech's place in both the Cainite and Sethite lines underscores the biblical emphasis on ancestry and the unfolding of God's plan through specific families.
* **Sin and its Escalation:** The Lamech of Cain's line vividly portrays the compounding nature of sin, moving from a single murder (Cain) to polygamy and boastful, disproportionate vengeance, demonstrating humanity's rapid moral decline without God.
* **The Curse and Redemption:** The Lamech of Seth's line acknowledges the curse on the ground ([[Genesis 3:17]]) and expresses a hope for relief, pointing towards the need for a deliverer and foreshadowing God's redemptive work through Noah and subsequent figures.
* **Faith vs. Rebellion:** The two Lamechs serve as archetypal figures representing the two fundamental responses to God and His creation: one characterized by self-reliance and escalating rebellion, the other by humble acknowledgment of human toil and a longing for divine comfort.
* **Divine Patience and Judgment:** The existence of both Lamechs within the pre-Flood narrative highlights God's long-suffering patience with humanity, even as the stage is set for the eventual judgment of the Flood.
* **Prophetic Naming:** Lamech's naming of Noah is an early example of prophetic insight, where a parent's declaration over a child foreshadows their future role or significance.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G2984 (Lamech) lies not in the inherent meaning of the name itself, but in the profound juxtaposition of the two individuals who bear it in Genesis. This dual appearance serves as a powerful theological commentary on the state of humanity before the Flood and the unfolding of God's sovereign plan.
The Lamech of Cain's line ([[Genesis 4:17-24]]) stands as a stark testament to the pervasive and escalating nature of sin after the Fall. His polygamy, his development of culture apart from God, and especially his boastful "Song of the Sword" reveal a society that has become increasingly hardened, self-sufficient, and violent. This Lamech embodies the culmination of human depravity that ultimately necessitated the divine judgment of the Flood. He represents humanity's futile attempts to establish its own order and justice apart from God, leading only to greater chaos and bloodshed.
Conversely, the Lamech of Seth's line ([[Genesis 5:25-31]]) offers a contrasting theological perspective. His naming of Noah ([[Genesis 5:29]]) is a profound expression of faith and hope amidst a world groaning under the curse of sin. His longing for "comfort" and "rest" from the toil of the cursed ground demonstrates an awareness of humanity's fallen condition and an anticipation of divine intervention. This Lamech, though living in a deeply corrupt world, represents the faithful remnant through whom God's redemptive plan would continue. He is a link in the messianic lineage, pointing forward to the ultimate "rest" and "comfort" found in Jesus Christ, who would bear the curse and bring true relief.
Together, the two Lamechs illustrate the two paths diverging from Adam: the path of rebellion and increasing sin, leading to judgment; and the path of faith and hope, leading to redemption. They underscore the biblical truth that even in the midst of widespread apostasy, God preserves a faithful line through whom His covenant promises will be fulfilled.
### Summary
The Greek term G2984 (Lámech) directly transliterates the Hebrew name `{{H3929}}` (Lemek), referring to two distinct patriarchs in the book of Genesis. The first Lamech, a descendant of Cain, epitomizes the rapid escalation of human sin, marked by polygamy and a boastful declaration of disproportionate vengeance ([[Genesis 4:19-24]]). He represents the deepening moral decay that characterized the pre-Flood world. In stark contrast, the second Lamech, a descendant of Seth and the father of Noah, expresses a profound hope for relief from the curse on the ground ([[Genesis 5:29]]), demonstrating a glimmer of faith and anticipation of divine comfort amidst widespread toil. This Lamech is a vital link in the messianic lineage ([[Luke 3:36]]). The juxtaposition of these two figures bearing the same name serves as a powerful theological device, highlighting the divergent paths of humanity – one leading to escalating rebellion and judgment, the other preserving a line of faith and hope for God's ultimate redemption.
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