Genesis 4:18

And unto Enoch was born Irad: and Irad begat Mehujael: and Mehujael begat Methusael: and Methusael begat Lamech.

And unto Enoch {H2585} was born {H3205} Irad {H5897}: and Irad {H5897} begat {H3205} Mehujael {H4232}: and Mehujael {H4232} begat {H3205} Methusael {H4967}: and Methusael {H4967} begat {H3205} Lamech {H3929}.

To Hanokh was born ‘Irad. ‘Irad fathered Mechuya’el, Mechuya’el fathered Metusha’el, and Metusha’el fathered Lemekh.

Now to Enoch was born Irad, and Irad was the father of Mehujael, and Mehujael was the father of Methusael, and Methusael was the father of Lamech.

And unto Enoch was born Irad: and Irad begat Mehujael; and Mehujael begat Methushael; and Methushael begat Lamech.

Commentary

Commentary on Genesis 4:18 (KJV)

Genesis 4:18 lists a portion of the lineage descending from Cain, the firstborn son of Adam and Eve, after his banishment for the murder of his brother Abel. This verse specifically traces the line through his son, Enoch (not to be confused with the righteous Enoch from Seth's line who walked with God), down to Lamech.

Context

This genealogical record appears immediately after Cain's punishment and God's protective mark upon him (Genesis 4:15). It follows the brief mention of Cain building a city and naming it after his son, Enoch (Genesis 4:17). The purpose of this genealogy is not just to show the proliferation of humanity, but to set the stage for understanding the cultural and moral trajectory of Cain's descendants. It contrasts sharply with the later genealogy of Seth in Genesis chapter 5, which traces the line of faith leading to Noah.

Key Themes

  • The Proliferation of Humanity: Despite the curse and judgment, God's command to "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:28) continues to be fulfilled, even through the line estranged from direct divine blessing.
  • The Line of Cain: This genealogy highlights the development of human civilization and ingenuity (as seen in the subsequent verses detailing Lamech's children and their crafts in Genesis 4:20-22), but also a progressive moral decline. The culmination of this lineage is Lamech, who introduces polygamy (Genesis 4:19) and boasts of vengeful violence far exceeding Cain's punishment (Genesis 4:23-24).
  • Divine Patience and Sovereignty: Even in a lineage marked by sin and separation from God, the divine plan allows for the continuation of life and human history, demonstrating God's enduring patience before the Flood.

Reflection and Application

Genesis 4:18, though a simple list of names, serves as a vital bridge in the early biblical narrative. It reminds us that human history, even outside the direct line of covenant blessing, continues under God's overarching sovereignty. It also subtly foreshadows the increasing sinfulness of humanity that would eventually necessitate the Flood. For us today, it underscores the persistent consequences of sin, generation after generation, yet also the enduring truth of God's patience and His ultimate control over the course of human events, regardless of human choices. It sets the stage for understanding the need for God's redemptive plan to be carried forward through a chosen line, which begins to be detailed in the next chapter.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 5:21 (2 votes)

    ¶ And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah:

  • Genesis 36:2 (2 votes)

    Esau took his wives of the daughters of Canaan; Adah the daughter of Elon the Hittite, and Aholibamah the daughter of Anah the daughter of Zibeon the Hivite;