### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Lemek** `{{H3929}}` is the name given to two different antediluvian patriarchs. Its base definition comes from an unused root with an uncertain meaning. The name appears **11 times** across **10 unique verses**, primarily in the genealogies of early humanity found in the book of Genesis.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3929}}` identifies two men in separate lineages. The first Lamech is a descendant of Cain through Methusael [[Genesis 4:18]]. He is noted for taking two wives, Adah and Zillah [[Genesis 4:19]]. This Lamech delivers a speech to his wives, boasting that he has slain a man and proclaiming that if Cain were to be avenged sevenfold, he would be avenged "seventy and sevenfold" [[Genesis 4:23-24]]. The second Lamech appears in the lineage of Seth as the son of Methuselah [[Genesis 5:25]]. He lived 182 years and begat a son, Noah ([[Genesis 5:28]], [[Genesis 5:30]]). He lived for a total of 777 years and had other sons and daughters before he died [[Genesis 5:30-31]]. This lineage is also listed in [[1 Chronicles 1:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the narratives involving Lamech:
* `{{H802}}` **'ishshah** (a woman; wife): This word is central to the account of the first Lamech, who took two wives [[Genesis 4:19]] and addressed them in his speech [[Genesis 4:23]]. The concept of the marital relationship is foundational, as established when a man is to leave his parents and cleave to his **wife** [[Genesis 2:24]].
* `{{H2026}}` **harag** (to smite with deadly intent; slay): This verb describes the violent act that the first Lamech boasts about [[Genesis 4:23]]. It is the same word used to describe the first murder, when Cain rose up against his brother Abel and **slew** him [[Genesis 4:8]].
* `{{H3205}}` **yalad** (to bear young; beget; show lineage): This word is fundamental to the story of the second Lamech, who **begat** Noah and other sons and daughters ([[Genesis 5:25]], [[Genesis 5:28]], [[Genesis 5:30]]). Its use is key to understanding messianic prophecy, as in the promise that a son would be **born** [[Isaiah 9:6]].
* `{{H4191}}` **muwth** (to die; kill): The life of the second Lamech concludes with the statement "and he **died**" [[Genesis 5:31]], a recurring formula in the genealogy that underscores human mortality. This echoes the original divine warning that "in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely **die**" [[Genesis 2:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3929}}` is found in the contrast between the two men who bear the name. They represent the diverging paths of humanity after the Fall.
* **Escalation of Sin:** Lamech of Cain's line embodies pride and escalating violence. His boastful song of vengeance [[Genesis 4:24]] demonstrates a progression of sin in the ungodly lineage. His taking of two wives is the first recorded instance of polygamy [[Genesis 4:19]].
* **The Preserved Lineage:** Lamech of Seth's line represents continuity and the preservation of a godly heritage. His primary role in the narrative is to be a father, specifically the father of Noah [[Genesis 5:28-30]], who would be saved from the coming judgment.
* **Generational Link:** The second Lamech is an essential link in the genealogical record that traces the line from Adam to later figures in redemptive history. His life, framed by the words "lived" `{{H2421}}` and "died" `{{H4191}}`, is part of the larger pattern of life and death that defines the human experience before the flood.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3929}}` is more than just a name; it is a marker for two distinct patriarchal figures in Genesis. The first Lamech, a descendant of Cain, serves as a scriptural example of increasing human arrogance and violence. In stark contrast, the second Lamech, a descendant of Seth, is a vital generational link in the lineage that leads to Noah. Through these two figures, the name **Lemek** illustrates the critical divergence between a path of boastful rebellion and a path of faithful continuity in the early history of the world.
TRV